The world of User Interface (UI) design is ever-evolving, with multiple tools vying for the top spot. Two such contenders are Figma and Sketch, both of which have garnered strong followings in the design community. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of Figma and Sketch, examining the key features, pros, and cons of each tool. Ultimately, we hope to help you decide which of these options is better suited for your UI design needs.
Overview: Figma and Sketch
Figma is a web-based, collaborative design tool that allows designers to work together in real-time. This platform offers robust vector editing, prototyping, and design components features. With its cloud-based nature, Figma is accessible on any platform, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Sketch, on the other hand, is a macOS-exclusive design tool known for its streamlined interface and powerful vector editing capabilities. Launched in 2010, Sketch has been a popular choice for designers, particularly in the Apple ecosystem. While it doesn’t have native real-time collaboration features like Figma, Sketch offers various plugins and integrations to enhance its functionality.
Collaboration
Figma: One of Figma’s main selling points is its real-time collaboration capabilities. Multiple team members can work together on a single design file, with changes visible instantly. This feature is particularly useful for large teams or remote collaboration. Figma also offers version history, which allows users to revert to previous iterations of a design.
Sketch: While Sketch does not offer built-in real-time collaboration, it does integrate with Abstract, a version control and collaboration platform for design teams. However, this setup requires an additional subscription and may not be as seamless as Figma’s native collaboration features.
Platform Compatibility
Figma: As a web-based application, Figma is platform agnostic and works seamlessly on Windows, macOS, and Linux. This cross-platform compatibility is a significant advantage for teams with diverse operating systems.
Sketch: Exclusively available for macOS, Sketch’s platform compatibility is limited. Designers using Windows or Linux cannot access Sketch, which may be a deal-breaker for some teams.
Extensibility and Plugins
Figma: While Figma does offer a growing selection of plugins, it is relatively limited compared to Sketch. However, its API allows developers to create custom plugins, so the number of available plugins is continually increasing.
Sketch: With a robust ecosystem of plugins and extensions, Sketch provides users with a wealth of customization options. Some popular plugins include Anima, Craft, and Sketch Runner. However, relying heavily on plugins can sometimes lead to compatibility issues when Sketch releases updates.
Pricing
Figma: Figma offers a free tier with limited features, perfect for individual designers. Their paid plans, which include additional features such as unlimited projects and team collaboration, start at $12 per editor/month.
Sketch: Sketch has a one-time purchase price of $99 for individuals, with a free 30-day trial. However, updates are only available for one year, after which users must pay a $79 annual renewal fee to access new features and updates. Team pricing starts at $9 per contributor/month, billed annually.
Conclusion
When choosing between Figma and Sketch, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Figma’s web-based nature, cross-platform compatibility, and real-time collaboration features make it an excellent choice for teams with diverse operating systems and remote work environments. On the other hand, Sketch’s mature plugin ecosystem and streamlined interface may appeal to macOS users who value customization and extensibility.
