Sketch vs Figma (2024 Comparison)
Sketch offers powerful vector editing and a vast plugin library, making it ideal for Mac users seeking precision and customization in their design work.
- Powerful vector editing tools.
- Extensive plugin library.
- Ideal for Mac users.
- Limited real-time collaboration.
- Mac-only application.
Free plan?
NoStarting price
$10 per month per user
Figma excels in real-time collaboration and cross-platform compatibility, providing robust prototyping features for teams working on interactive and responsive designs.
- Excellent real-time collaboration.
- Cross-platform compatibility.
- Robust prototyping features.
- Fewer plugins than Sketch.
- Requires internet connection.
Free plan?
YesStarting price
$15 per month per userWhat is Sketch?
Sketch is a powerful design tool primarily used for creating user interfaces and user experiences. It offers a wide range of features that help designers create stunning visuals and prototypes. With its vector editing capabilities, Sketch allows for precise design work, making it a favorite among UI/UX designers. It integrates well with other tools, enhancing workflow efficiency. Sketch is particularly beneficial for those who work in a Mac environment, providing seamless performance and a user-friendly interface.
What is Figma?
Figma is a collaborative interface design tool that has revolutionized the way designers work together. It allows multiple users to work on a project simultaneously, making it ideal for team-based projects. Figma's cloud-based platform ensures that your work is always accessible, and its robust set of features supports everything from wireframing to prototyping. Whether you're a freelancer or part of a large design team, Figma's versatility and ease of use make it a go-to choice for creating interactive and responsive designs.
Pros and Cons of Sketch vs Figma
Pros & Cons of Sketch
- Sketch offers a comprehensive set of vector editing tools that allow for precise and detailed design work. This makes it an excellent choice for designers who need to create intricate designs with accuracy.
- With a vast library of plugins, Sketch can be customized to fit a wide range of design needs. This flexibility allows users to enhance their workflow and add new functionalities as needed.
- Sketch is optimized for Mac, providing a seamless and efficient design experience for users within the Apple ecosystem. Its performance and integration with macOS make it a preferred choice for Mac users.
- Sketch lacks robust real-time collaboration features, which can be a drawback for teams that need to work together simultaneously. This limitation may require additional tools for effective team collaboration.
- As a Mac-only application, Sketch is not accessible to Windows or Linux users. This restricts its use to those within the Apple ecosystem, limiting its versatility across different platforms.
Pros & Cons of Figma
- Figma's real-time collaboration capabilities are unmatched, allowing multiple users to work on a project simultaneously. This feature is invaluable for teams that need to collaborate efficiently and effectively.
- Figma's browser-based platform ensures that it is accessible from any device, regardless of the operating system. This cross-platform compatibility makes it a versatile choice for diverse teams.
- Figma offers powerful prototyping tools that enable designers to create interactive and responsive designs. This functionality is essential for creating realistic prototypes that closely mimic the final product.
- While Figma supports plugins, its library is not as extensive as Sketch's. This may limit the ability to customize and extend Figma's functionality to the same degree as Sketch.
- Figma's cloud-based nature means that an internet connection is necessary to access and work on projects. This requirement can be a limitation in environments with unreliable internet access.
Sketch vs Figma: At A Glance
Value to Price
Sketch offers a competitive pricing model that aligns well with its feature set, making it a cost-effective choice for designers who primarily work on Mac. Figma, on the other hand, provides a more flexible pricing structure with a free tier that is highly functional, making it accessible for teams of all sizes. If you're looking for a tool that offers great value for collaborative work, Figma might be the better choice.
Ease of Use
Sketch is known for its intuitive interface, which is particularly appealing to Mac users. However, Figma's browser-based platform offers a seamless experience across different operating systems, making it more versatile. Figma's real-time collaboration features also enhance its usability, especially for teams. If ease of use across platforms is a priority, Figma stands out.
Functionality
Both Sketch and Figma offer robust functionality, but Figma's cloud-based nature allows for real-time collaboration, which is a significant advantage for team projects. Sketch excels in vector editing and offers a wide range of plugins to extend its capabilities. If you need advanced collaboration features, Figma is the superior choice.
Scalability
Sketch is ideal for individual designers or small teams, offering a scalable solution with its extensive plugin ecosystem. Figma, however, is designed to scale effortlessly with teams, providing features that support large-scale projects and multiple collaborators. If scalability for larger teams is crucial, Figma is the better option.
Integrations
Sketch integrates well with other design tools and offers a rich library of plugins to enhance its functionality. Figma, being cloud-based, provides seamless integrations with various third-party applications, making it a versatile choice for diverse workflows. If integration flexibility is important, Figma has the edge.
Customer Support
Sketch provides solid customer support with a comprehensive knowledge base and community forums. Figma offers similar support but also includes real-time assistance, which can be beneficial for teams working on tight deadlines. If immediate support is a priority, Figma's customer service is more responsive.
Security
Both Sketch and Figma prioritize security, but Figma's cloud-based platform offers additional layers of security with its real-time collaboration features. Sketch, being a desktop application, provides robust security for local files. If cloud security is a concern, Figma's measures are more comprehensive.
Overall Rating
Overall, Figma scores higher due to its collaborative features, ease of use across platforms, and scalability. Sketch remains a strong contender for Mac users who prefer a desktop application with powerful design capabilities. If collaboration and cross-platform functionality are key, Figma is the preferred choice.
Sketch vs Figma: A Detailed Breakdown of Key Features
Real-time Collaboration
When it comes to real-time collaboration, Figma is a game-changer. I remember working on a project with a team spread across different time zones, and Figma's ability to allow multiple users to edit simultaneously was a lifesaver. Sketch, while powerful, doesn't offer the same level of real-time collaboration, which can be a limitation for teams. If you often work in collaborative environments, Figma is the tool that will make your life easier.
Vector Editing
Sketch shines in vector editing, offering precise control and a wide range of tools that make it a favorite among designers. I found its vector editing capabilities to be intuitive and powerful, allowing for detailed design work. Figma also offers strong vector editing features, but Sketch's focus on this area gives it a slight edge. If vector editing is a priority, Sketch is the tool to consider.
Prototyping
Figma excels in prototyping, providing a seamless experience that allows for interactive and responsive designs. I was impressed by how easy it was to create prototypes that felt like the real thing. Sketch offers prototyping features as well, but Figma's integration of these features into its collaborative platform makes it more efficient. If prototyping is a key part of your workflow, Figma is the better choice.
Design Systems
Both Sketch and Figma support design systems, but Figma's cloud-based nature makes it easier to manage and update design systems across teams. I appreciated how Figma allowed for consistent design language across projects. Sketch offers robust design system features, but Figma's collaborative approach gives it an advantage. If maintaining a cohesive design system is important, Figma is the tool to choose.
Plugins and Extensions
Sketch offers a rich library of plugins and extensions that enhance its functionality, making it highly customizable. I enjoyed exploring the various plugins available to tailor Sketch to my needs. Figma also supports plugins, but Sketch's extensive library gives it an edge in this area. If you rely heavily on plugins, Sketch is the tool that offers more options.
Cross-platform Compatibility
Figma's browser-based platform ensures cross-platform compatibility, making it accessible from any device with an internet connection. I found this feature particularly useful when switching between devices. Sketch, being a Mac-only application, lacks this flexibility. If you need a tool that works seamlessly across different platforms, Figma is the clear winner.
Pricing Comparison of Sketch and Figma
We’ve compiled the pricing tables and highlighted the key features of both Sketch and Figma to aid in your decision-making process. Let’s explore what each platform has to offer.
Sketch Pricing Plans
- Collaborate in real-time with team members seamlessly.
- Access unlimited free Viewers for easy sharing.
- Inspect designs, test prototypes, and handoff to developers.
- Preview designs on iPhone or iPad for mobile testing.
- Work privately offline with local document saving.
- Keep your license forever with one-time purchase.
- Receive one year of updates for the Mac app.
- Excludes collaborative features and web app access.
- Unlimited online storage for all design files.
- Invoice-based billing for streamlined financial processes.
- Powerful permissions directory for team management.
- Priority support and dedicated customer success manager.
Figma Pricing Plans
- Create up to 3 collaborative design files for team projects.
- Unlimited personal drafts for individual work and experimentation.
- Basic file inspection to review and analyze design elements.
- Free access for students and educators to support learning.
- Team libraries for shared design resources and assets.
- Advanced prototyping features for interactive design testing.
- Unlimited version history to track design changes over time.
- Shared and private projects for organized team collaboration.
- Design system analytics to measure design system usage.
- Branching and merging for collaborative design workflows.
- Centralized file management for efficient resource handling.
- Single sign-on for secure and easy access management.
- Sync variables to code via REST API for seamless integration.
- Dedicated workspaces for teams to enhance collaboration.
- Guest access controls for secure external collaboration.
- Idle session timeout for enhanced security measures.
Our Rating Methodology
We thoroughly evaluate each design tool, focusing on key aspects like functionality, ease of use, and scalability. By analyzing user feedback and conducting hands-on testing, we ensure our recommendations are accurate and reliable. Each factor is weighted to provide a comprehensive final score, helping you choose the best tool for your needs.
Sketch or Figma: Which One Matches Your Business Needs?
Choose Sketch If You Need ...
- Ideal for Mac users
If you are a Mac user looking for a design tool that offers powerful vector editing and extensive plugin support, Sketch is the ideal choice. Its seamless integration with macOS ensures a smooth and efficient design experience.
- Customizable design workflows
If you need a design tool that can be tailored to your specific workflow through a rich library of plugins, Sketch provides the flexibility and customization options you require. Its extensive plugin ecosystem allows for a personalized design experience.
Choose Figma If You Need ...
- Collaborative design projects
If you are working on team-based projects that require real-time collaboration and cross-platform compatibility, Figma is the superior choice. Its cloud-based platform allows multiple users to work together seamlessly, regardless of their location.
- Interactive prototyping
If you need a tool that excels in creating interactive and responsive prototypes, Figma offers robust prototyping features that make it easy to bring your designs to life. Its intuitive interface and powerful tools streamline the prototyping process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tool is better for team collaboration, Sketch or Figma?
Is Sketch suitable for Windows users?
Which tool offers better prototyping features, Sketch or Figma?
Can Sketch be customized with plugins?
Is Figma accessible offline?
Which tool is more cost-effective, Sketch or Figma?
Anastasia Belyh
Anastasia Belyh is a senior tech writer with over 15 years of experience in marketing, sales, and business software. Having worked in investment banking, management consulting, and founded multiple companies, her in-depth knowledge and hands-on expertise make her software reviews authoritative, trustworthy, and highly practical for business decision-makers.
