Sketch vs Figma
Choosing the ideal UI/UX design software is just as important as the concepts and strategies driving digital experiences. In 2024, tools like Figma and Sketch continue to dominate the field, but with frequent updates and new features, it can be difficult for designers to identify the best option for their specific needs and processes. Both boast powerful features, but their strengths cater to different needs. These two popular UI/UX design tools cater to different needs, evolving with regular updates that enhance their functionality. hether you’re a solo designer, part of a team, or working on large-scale projects, this comprehensive comparison will help you choose the tool that best suits your workflow. Below is a detailed comparison of how they measure up across key design areas.
User Interface
Figma offers a centralized workspace with a canvas, a toolbar, and dedicated panels for layers, properties, and assets. Designers can toggle between light and dark themes for comfort and efficiency. The release of its third major interface update earlier this year introduced a more streamlined environment, including resizable panels and contextual property labels that guide users through the design process. As a browser-based platform, Figma operates seamlessly across different devices, offering easy accessibility without installation hassles.
Sketch, on the other hand, provides a Mac-native design environment. Its flexible UI allows users to show or hide toolbars and panels, making it customizable to individual preferences. A key addition in its 2024 update was the introduction of a minimap for large-scale designs and a command bar for quick access to common functions. Sketch also utilizes pages and artboards to organize designs and workflows, helping users manage complex projects with ease. However, its exclusive focus on macOS can be limiting for designers seeking platform versatility.
Components and Symbols
Figma excels at promoting consistency and scalability through its robust component system. Components in Figma are reusable building blocks such as buttons, icons, or more complex assets like device mockups and branding elements. These components serve as a foundation for creating designs that remain cohesive across multiple files and projects. Coupled with styles and variables, Figma allows designers to define font styles, colors, and other attributes that can be applied universally. This combination enables effortless updates to components—any changes made to a master component or associated style are instantly reflected across all instances. With its recent updates, Figma has taken this system even further by introducing hundreds of new icons, making it easier for designers to streamline their workflows while maintaining visual harmony.
A selection of the new icons in Figma UI3, drawn by Figma designer Tim Van Damm. (Figma)
Sketch, on the other hand, relies on symbols to achieve similar goals. Symbols in Sketch act as master templates for UI elements, ensuring that recurring components like headers, buttons, and cards stay uniform throughout a design. When a designer edits a symbol, those changes automatically propagate to every instance across the project. Sketch also includes a Symbol Override feature, which adds a layer of flexibility, allowing designers to tailor individual instances without affecting the master symbol. This approach is particularly useful in situations where slight variations are necessary for the same design element, such as adapting a button’s text or icon for different contexts.
Both platforms emphasize the importance of reusable components, but each tool’s unique take caters to different preferences. Figma’s system is particularly well-suited for large, collaborative projects requiring global consistency, while Sketch offers more granular control that’s favored by individual designers or teams working on detailed, modular designs.
Responsive Design
Responsive design has become a non-negotiable feature as designs are expected to adapt flawlessly across devices and screen sizes. Figma’s Auto Layout and constraints allow designers to create elements that adjust dynamically to changes in content or container size. These tools are invaluable for building adaptable, data-driven interfaces such as dashboards, ensuring seamless scaling without requiring painstaking manual adjustments. In contrast, Sketch has recently made strides to improve its responsive design tools by introducing resizing constraints and smart layouts. These features enable designers to define how elements respond when their containers are resized, ensuring proportionality and alignment.
However, Figma’s greater automation and intuitive setup make it more suited for handling complex responsive workflows.
Sharing and Collaboration
Collaboration and sharing are critical aspects of modern UI/UX design, where teamwork and real-time feedback drive success. Figma leads the way in this area with its seamless browser-based platform that allows multiple designers to work on the same file simultaneously, with any changes instantly visible to all collaborators. This eliminates version control headaches and fosters fluid communication, especially for remote or distributed teams. Tools like FigJam enhance this further by facilitating brainstorming sessions, while team libraries ensure consistency across projects.
Sketch also offers collaboration features through its shared workspaces, enabling designers to edit, comment, and provide feedback in real-time. However, while effective, the process isn’t as instantaneous as Figma’s. Updates in Sketch may require a manual push for teammates to see the latest changes. Version control can be integrated with tools like Abstract, offering a structured way to track revisions, but this adds an extra step to the workflow, which can be a drawback for teams that value simplicity and speed.
Prototyping and Animations
When it comes to prototyping and animations, Figma offers a robust suite of tools designed to simulate realistic user interactions. With its Smart Animate feature, transitions between screens feel polished and dynamic, making it an excellent choice for showcasing design flows during user testing or client presentations. Designers can use these features to create interactive, visually compelling prototypes that go beyond static mockups. While Sketch includes interactive linking and basic prototyping functionality, it doesn’t quite match Figma’s depth. Advanced animations and interactions often require external plugins or integrations, which can slow down the workflow. For projects requiring lifelike prototypes with seamless transitions, Figma remains the superior choice.
Summary
In these aspects, while both tools have their strengths, Figma’s innovation and versatility offer an unmatched edge, particularly for teams and collaborative workflows. Sketch, however, remains a strong contender for individual designers or smaller teams focused on delivering exceptional macOS-native experiences.
Both Figma and Sketch excel in unique areas:
- Figma is a flexible, cross-platform option with advanced collaboration features and responsive design tools, making it ideal for teams.
- Sketch, with its streamlined macOS interface and powerful symbol functionality, appeals to individual designers or smaller teams deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem.
Selecting the right tool depends on your project requirements, collaboration needs, and preferred operating system.
