Figma Or Sketch? The Ultimate Comparison for Designers
When it comes to UI/UX design, the battle between Figma or Sketch continues to be a hot topic among designers and product teams. Both tools have transformed the way we collaborate and build interfaces, but they serve slightly different audiences.
Choosing between Figma or Sketch isn’t just about personal preference it’s about team efficiency, collaboration features, and long term scalability. This guide breaks down every key aspect to help you decide which platform suits your workflow.
Quick Overview
- Figma: Cloud based, browser friendly, real time collaboration.
- Sketch: Mac-only desktop app, with cloud collaboration via paid add-ons.
If your team is fully remote, Figma is often the winner. If you work in a Mac-exclusive environment with a focus on offline work, Sketch can still be powerful.
Collaboration for Teams
One of the biggest reasons to compare Figma or Sketch is collaboration.
- Figma:
- Real time editing like Google Docs.
- Easy link sharing with view/edit permissions.
- Built-in commenting.
- Sketch:
- Collaboration available via Sketch Cloud (extra setup).
- More file hand off process, less real time.
If live collaboration is a must have, Figma generally comes out ahead.
Features That Matter
When evaluating Figma or Sketch, focus on:
- Prototyping: Figma offers built-in prototyping, while Sketch relies on third party tools like InVision.
- Plugins: Sketch has a massive plugin ecosystem, but Figma is catching up with community widgets.
- Cross Platform: Figma works on any OS, while Sketch is limited to macOS.
Pricing: Figma or Sketch for Budget Friendly Teams
- Figma: Free plan with unlimited collaborators (great for startups). Paid tiers add advanced permissions and analytics.
- Sketch: One time purchase + optional yearly subscription for updates.
Teams comparing Figma or Sketch should consider whether they prefer a subscription (Figma) or one time license (Sketch).
Performance and Speed
Designers often debate Figma or Sketch based on performance:
- Figma: May feel slower with large, complex files on weaker connections.
- Sketch: Faster locally, since it runs as a native macOS app.
If offline speed is crucial, Sketch can be advantageous.
Learning Curve
Both tools are intuitive, but beginners often find Figma easier thanks to:
- No installation needed (runs in browser).
- Built-in tutorials and templates.
- Smooth onboarding for new team members.
Use Cases: Which Teams Choose Figma or Sketch?
- Startups & Remote Teams: Prefer Figma for its cloud-based nature.
- Agencies & Freelancers: Choose Figma for collaboration with multiple clients.
- In-House Design Teams: Sketch remains popular in Mac-only environments with strict version control.
Font Pairing Inspiration for Your Design
Whichever tool you choose, strong typography will elevate your work. Try these pairings:
- Beauty Signature + Sparkling Bright → elegant for internal design reviews.
- Corgi Puppy + Honey Beezy → fun and friendly for educational slides.
Pros & Cons Table: Figma or Sketch
| Feature | Figma | Sketch |
|---|---|---|
| Collaboration | Real time | Limited (Cloud) |
| OS Support | Cross-platform | macOS only |
| Prototyping | Built-in | Requires plugin |
| Pricing | Freemium model | One time license |
| Performance | Internet dependent | Fast offline |
Conclusion
So, which should you choose Figma or Sketch?
- Choose Figma if you need real time collaboration, cross platform flexibility, and frequent updates.
- Choose Sketch if you work in a macOS-only environment, want offline speed, and prefer a one time purchase model.
Ultimately, the best choice between Figma or Sketch depends on your team’s workflow, budget, and collaboration needs. Many modern teams lean toward Figma for its accessibility and seamless collaboration but Sketch is still a strong option for designers who prefer working natively.
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