Figma vs Sketch differences

Figma and Sketch are two of the most used tools. Although they serve similar purposes in information architecture, visual design and branding, the tools are quite different. We will examine their differences and then explain which one is best.

Figma

Figma and Adobe XD were soon to follow Sketch’s lead as strong competitors. Figma, a cloud-based interface designer tool that allows users to collaborate on and contribute to projects, was introduced in 2016.

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Sketch: What is it?

It is widely used in web design and can be used to create UI or UX elements. The software was launched in 2010 and quickly became a favorite among product designers. In 2012, it won an Apple Design Award. It is both user-friendly, and intuitive which make it a great tool for product designers.

 

Getting started

It’s difficult to overlook how similar Figma’s interface is to Sketch when you first use Figma. The transition from Sketch to Figma shouldn’t take too long from a userability standpoint.

You’ll be taken to the “recent section” of the file browser when you open the Figma app. You’ll find preloaded, editable files here. You can use these files to create new designs.

The terminology is one difference. Figma uses Frames. Sketch works with Artboards. In Figma, symbols in Sketch are called components. This is a matter of semantics, and if Sketch is familiar, you will soon be able to navigate Figma.

 

Platform and performance

Figma can be used in-browser while Sketch requires you to have a desktop version. This is one of the main differences between the tools. Figma has a significant advantage in collaboration. Unlike Sketch, Figma is universally accessible. But more on that later. Figma can also be used as a desktop application for Windows and Mac. However, it is important to remember that if you don’t have an internet connection, you will not be able open new files in the desktop client. This could be problematic for designers who work offline.

Figma and Sketch are often compared. However, it is easy to wonder if a web-based tool could really perform as well. Based on our experience, however, this does not seem to be an issue.

 

Pricing

Figma provides a free version for those who are starting small teams or want to upgrade. Figma’s free version lets two people edit the same document simultaneously and allows unlimited viewers. It can also handle up to three projects, and offers unlimited cloud storage. The professional version is 12$/month for large teams that have multiple projects. The professional version offers unlimited project management, custom file/user permissions, and shared team libraries. There is also an option for organizations. This version also includes SSO+ advanced security, design system analysis, and plugin administration among other benefits.

Sketch doesn’t offer a free version, unlike Figma. However, they offer a 99$ one-time payment (optional renewal is $79 per year). This includes all features and a year of updates. Sketch Teams requires a monthly subscription at 9$ per editor. This subscription includes the Mac app as well as a shared Cloud workspace that allows for collaboration. Figma and Sketch offer discounts for educators and students.

 

Features

Sketch and Figma share many of the same features, but they have different versions. Both tools may be capable of doing the same thing, but they might do it better than one another.

Styles

Styles are essential elements in a design scheme. Designers can save styles that match a set design elements and then apply them across all boards. This feature is especially useful when creating large projects.

Figma’s styles are based on a cascade approach. The user can save and create styles for different elements (text, colours and effects), and then mix and match them with other elements. The style is not dependent on the elements, so the same style can have different text blocks or colours. Figma is more flexible than Sketch because of this ability.

Symbols & Components

Figma and Sketch include symbols elements that can be duplicated across pages. They can also be edited simultaneously, saving you the hassle of changing each one individually. However, there are differences in the execution of these symbols’ operations.

Figma uses symbols to represent components. This tool doesn’t have a separate page for components, unlike Sketch. Instead, the original master part stays put and the user can copy it to make a new one. Because the components are simplified, every instance will update automatically when the master component is changed.

Vector tools

Figma and Sketch are both great for creating elements but they don’t compete with vector-drawing software like Adobe Illustrator. As such, product designers often use multiple software tools.

The interface apps offer freeform vector tool as well as shapes (rectangle polygon and ellipse), and boolean operation. These capabilities enable designers to solve design problems and create innovative interface designs.

Plugins

While plugins may be a must-have for some designers, they are not essential for all. Plugins can be used to add animations, prototyping, data, etc. Each user can use them in their own way. Because Sketch offers more third-party plugins that Figma, it is the best choice for those who want to customize their design program.

Figma actually launched its first plugins in 2019! Figma has a number of plugins, but not as many as Sketch. Figma encourages developers create more plugins. Figma Plugins Show & Tell is a live stream that allows developers to share their work and give live demonstrations of new plugins.

Prototyping

Sketch and Figma did not have prototyping capabilities when they first launched. However, as the market gets more competitive, the apps need to be constantly updated. In 2017, Figma added prototyping capabilities, and Sketch followed suit the following year.

Figma is more flexible than Sketch in this regard, as it supports overlays for linking objects to other artboards. Figma’s intuitive design is another reason why it stands out. Designers can connect UI elements easily and select the appropriate interactions (e.g. You can also create animations by pressing a button. Figma is also mobile-optimized. This is a great benefit for momentum scrolling and device frames. This allows designers to better understand the user’s experience with the prototypes.

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The verdict

Sketch has met Figma, so is it a match?

Figma is certainly on the right track in terms of collaboration. Figma runs in-browser, which is a huge advantage for anyone without a Mac or who doesn’t want the hassle of downloading and installing design tools (i.e. developers).

Figma was built for teamwork. The real time collaboration feature and detailed version control are its greatest strengths.

Figma’s $99 per year may be more expensive than Sketch, especially for larger teams. Both tools have similar native design capabilities. However, Sketch is more powerful than Figma due to its wide range of plugins.

Sketch is aging well at the moment. We believe that Sketch will remain the industry favorite for the foreseeable future. However, that could quickly change with Figma’s collaborative, remote work. These key characteristics could lead to a shift in Figma’s direction when the 2020 numbers are released.

Conclusion

Figma and sketch are powerful design tools. Both have been improving and adding new features to their existing tools, making it difficult for designers to choose which one to use.

Figma can be used on any operating system, but Sketch only works with macOS. This is the biggest difference between the two apps.

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