Figma vs Sketch

Figma and Sketch are two popular design tools used by designers and design teams to create digital designs for web and mobile applications. Both tools have their own strengths and weaknesses, and which one to use depends on individual preferences and project requirements.

Here are some key differences:

1. Collaboration: Figma has a more robust collaboration feature than Sketch, allowing multiple users to work on the same design file simultaneously, which makes it a great tool for team collaboration.
2. Platform Compatibility: Figma is a web-based tool and can be used on any platform with a browser, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, while Sketch is only available for macOS.
3. Vector Editing: Sketch has stronger vector editing capabilities and more advanced shape tools than Figma, making it a great tool for designing logos and icons.
4. Prototyping: Figma has a built-in prototyping tool, which makes it easy to create interactive prototypes directly within the app, while Sketch requires a third-party plugin to create prototypes.
5. Price: Figma offers a free plan with limited features, while Sketch has a one-time yearly purchase price of $99 or $9 per month for a personal license.

Figma is a better choice for collaborative design work, while Sketch may be a better fit for individual designers who need advanced vector editing tools.

What does Figma have that Sketch does not?

1. Web-based platform: Web-based design tool, which means that it can be accessed on any platform with a browser, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Sketch, on the other hand, is only available for macOS.
2. Real-time collaboration: Allows multiple users to work on the same design file simultaneously, making it a great tool for team collaboration. Sketch, on the other hand, requires users to share files via a third-party platform such as Dropbox or Google Drive.
3. Built-in prototyping: Built-in prototyping tool that allows designers to create interactive prototypes directly within the app. Sketch requires users to use a third-party plugin such as InVision or Marvel to create prototypes.
4. Vector Networks: Vector Networks tool makes it easy to create complex vector shapes with precision, while Sketch’s vector editing tools are not as advanced.
5. Auto Layout: Auto Layout feature makes it easy to create responsive designs that adapt to different screen sizes, while Sketch’s similar feature (called Anima’s Auto-Layout) is only available as a paid plugin.
6. Design Systems: Built-in features for creating and managing design systems, including shared styles, components, and libraries. While Sketch has similar features, Figma’s design system capabilities are more robust and easier to use.

What does Sketch have that Figma does not? 

1. Advanced vector editing: Has more advanced vector editing capabilities than Figma, with features such as boolean operations, path editing, and vector manipulation tools that are not as robust in Figma.
2. Plugins: Large library of third-party plugins that extend its functionality, including prototyping tools, design systems management, and integrations with other software. While Figma also has plugins, the selection is not as extensive as Sketch’s.
3. Nested Symbols: Nested Symbols feature allows designers to create complex design systems with reusable components and nested elements, making it easier to maintain consistency across designs. While Figma also has a similar feature, Sketch’s Nested Symbols are more powerful and flexible.
4. User Interface: Some designers find Sketch’s user interface to be more intuitive and user-friendly than Figma’s interface.