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A Comparison Of Sketch, Figma & Adobe XD

Introduction

So you're considering switching to Figma? Let's take a look at the differences between Figma and Sketch.



Both tools are vector-based design applications, but there are a few key distinctions. Figma is completely web-based, which means you can access your files from any device and collaborate in real time with your team. The sketch is a desktop application, which means you can't share files or collaborate with other people in real time.

Figma also offers more features than Sketch, including animation, prototyping, and team collaboration. But if you're comfortable with Sketch and it does everything you need it to do, there's no reason to switch.

How Sketch, Figma & Adobe XD Compare

Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD are all design software programs used for interface design, wireframing, and vector illustrations. They all have their own unique benefits and drawbacks.

  • Sketch is a desktop app that's been around for a while and is popular among interface designers. It has a lot of great features, but can be a bit difficult to learn. It's also not very good at collaborating with other people.

  • Figma is a newer program that was designed specifically for web-based collaboration. Everything just works seamlessly on the Web. Figma lets you share design files and collaborate in real-time with your entire team. That's not possible with a desktop app like Sketch.

  • Adobe XD is also a newer program, and it's part of the Adobe Creative Suite. It's a bit easier to use than Sketch, and has some great features for collaborating with other people. But it's not as good at creating illustrations as Sketch or Figma.


Which Is the Best for Web Design?



Well, that's a tough question to answer. Each program has its own strengths and weaknesses.

For example, Sketch is great for designing static screens. But if you want to create a more interactive experience, Adobe XD might be a better option. Figma is really versatile; it lets you design for the Web, mobile apps and even desktop apps. Plus, everything just works seamlessly on the Web. Figma lets you share design files and collaborate in real-time with your entire team. That's not possible with a desktop app like Sketch.

So, it really depends on what you're trying to achieve and what your team's preferences are.

The Pros and Cons of Each Tool


  • Figma



Pros:

  1. Figma is an easy to use design collaboration software that allows multiple users to work on the same file simultaneously.

  2. It is cloud-based, so all changes are saved automatically and can be accessed from anywhere.

  3. It has a variety of features, including vector graphics, grids, and Material Design integrations for creating professional designs.

  4. It supports both individual projects and team projects with collaborative features such as shared libraries, comments, and feedback on designs.

  5. The free plan is a great way to get started with using Figma without having to pay anything upfront.


Cons:

  1. Some of the advanced features are only available in the paid plans which could be too pricey for small businesses or individuals.

  2. There are some compatibility issues when opening files between different versions of Figma software, which can lead to design errors or corrupt data files when transferring between versions.


  • Sketch



Pros:

  1. Intuitive user interface.

  2. Easy-to-use drawing tools and shapes.

  3. Customizable vector-based graphics.

  4. Integrated with multiple cloud storage options for easy sharing and collaboration.

  5. Extensive library of plugins, fonts, and other resources for customizing projects.

Cons:

  1. Limited editing capabilities compared to other design software programs.

  2. No native mobile app support or compatibility with touch devices such as tablets and smartphones.

  3. Not suitable for complex designs or intricate illustrations requiring precise pixel-level detail control or a high degree of accuracy in the design composition process

  4. Limited integration with other popular graphic design applications like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop.

  5. Requires a steep learning curve to master some of the more advanced features available in Sketch software.


  • Adobe XD



Pros:

  1. Adobe XD offers an intuitive user interface with drag-and-drop functionality to make the design process faster.

  2. It has a powerful asset export system that allows developers to easily access the design elements they need quickly.

  3. The software is very affordable in comparison to other similar products on the market.

  4. There are plenty of plugins available for additional features like prototyping, motion animations, and more.

  5. XD Integrates well with other Adobe products such as Illustrator and Photoshop, which makes it easy to jump back and forth between applications while working on a project.


Cons:

  1. Adobe XD lacks support for some complex coding tasks like CSS or JavaScript, which can make developing more advanced projects difficult.

  2. It is missing several design tools that many users might expect from a professional-grade design program, such as 3D objects or AI-powered image recognition capabilities.

How to Choose the Right Tool for Your Project

So, how do you choose the right tool for your project? Here are some things to consider:

  • - What's your budget? Sketch is a one-time purchase of $99, while Figma and Adobe XD are both free. If you need more features, Figma Pro is $12/month, and Adobe XD is $10/month.

  • - What platforms do you need to design for? If you're designing for mobile devices, Sketch might be the better choice since it has built-in support for iOS and Android. Figma also supports mobile design, but Adobe XD is focused on designing for web and app experiences.

  • - What features do you need? take a look at the feature comparison chart below to see which tool has the features you need.


Feature

Sketch

Figma

Adobe XD

Platforms

MacOs

Web, macOS, Windows

macOS, Windows

Free Plan?

Yes

Yes

Yes

Collaboration

Yes

Yes

Yes

Pricing

$9/month/editor

$12/month/editor

$9/month/editor or get with Adobe CC

Vector Editing

Yes

Yes

Yes

Bitmap Editing

Yes

Yes

Yes


Conclusion

If you're looking for a tool that will let you easily collaborate with your team in real time, Figma is a clear choice (although it's owned by Adobe now). With Sketch, you're limited to working on a desktop app, which makes collaboration more difficult. With Adobe XD, you can share design files, but you can't work on them in real-time with your team.





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Shaheer Malik

UX Designer/ Writer

Thank You for reading my blogs. Keep Smiling

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