Adobe XD vs Sketch: choosing a UX design tool today
Adobe XD and Sketch were once the leading UX design tools. Adobe has since stopped active development of XD, so it is not a good choice for new projects. Sketch remains a capable Mac-based tool with a loyal community. Figma, which runs in the browser and supports real-time collaboration, has become the most widely used option for most teams.
How the design tool landscape changed
For many years, interface designers chose between a small number of specialised tools. Sketch, launched in 2010 for the Mac, became popular for its focus on screen design, symbols and plugins. Adobe XD arrived later as Adobe’s answer, working on both Mac and Windows and integrating with other Adobe products. Both helped move the industry away from using general graphics software for interface work.
The landscape has shifted significantly since then. Figma, a browser-based tool with real-time collaboration, grew rapidly and became the default choice for many teams. Adobe announced in 2023 that it would stop actively developing XD, placing it in maintenance mode. Sketch continues to be developed and has added collaboration features, but it remains focused on the Mac. Comparing XD and Sketch today therefore means looking at where each stands now, not just at their features.
Adobe XD today
Adobe XD offered a clean interface, fast prototyping, repeat grids for lists and close integration with Photoshop and Illustrator. It ran on both Mac and Windows, which made it attractive to mixed teams. However, with active development stopped, XD is unlikely to receive significant new features, and long-term support may become limited. Teams still using XD can continue working with existing files, but it is generally not recommended for new projects.
- Strengths: cross-platform, simple prototyping, Adobe integration
- Limits: no active feature development, smaller plugin ecosystem
- Best for: maintaining existing XD projects while planning a migration
Sketch today
Sketch remains a mature, capable tool for interface design. It offers symbols and libraries for reusable components, a large plugin ecosystem, smart layout features and prototyping. In recent years it has added browser-based workspaces for sharing, commenting and developer handoff, so teams can collaborate even if not everyone uses a Mac. Its main limitation is that design work itself requires macOS, which can be a barrier for Windows users.
- Strengths: mature features, plugins, native Mac performance
- Limits: design editing requires a Mac
- Best for: Mac-based teams who value a native app
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Adobe XD | Sketch | Figma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Development status | Maintenance mode | Actively developed | Actively developed |
| Platforms | Mac and Windows | Mac (with web sharing) | Browser, Mac and Windows |
| Real-time collaboration | Limited | Available | Core feature |
| Components and libraries | Yes | Yes | Yes, with variants and variables |
| Prototyping | Yes | Yes | Yes, advanced |
| Developer handoff | Basic | Web-based inspect | Dev Mode and inspect |
| Plugin ecosystem | Smaller | Large | Large |
Where Figma fits
Figma has become the most widely used tool for interface design because it removes many of the barriers older tools had. It runs in the browser on any operating system, multiple people can edit the same file at once, and developers, product managers and clients can view and comment without installing anything. Features such as auto layout, variants and variables make it well suited to design systems. Our Figma basics guide explains how it works.
Other tools worth knowing
Beyond the main design tools, teams often use specialised software alongside them. Prototyping tools such as ProtoPie handle complex interactions and sensors, motion tools help create detailed animations, and whiteboard tools support workshops and early ideation. Accessibility checkers, contrast tools and design token managers fill other gaps. The best setup is usually one main design tool, shared by the whole team, with a small number of specialised tools for specific needs. Our UI animation tips cover how motion fits into the workflow.
How to choose a tool
- Collaboration needs: If many people need to work together, choose a tool with strong real-time collaboration.
- Operating systems: Mixed Mac and Windows teams need a cross-platform or browser-based tool.
- Design systems: Check support for components, variants, tokens and shared libraries.
- Developer handoff: Make sure developers can inspect designs and export assets easily.
- Long-term support: Prefer tools that are actively developed and widely used.
- Cost: Compare plan prices for the number of editors and viewers you need.
Migrating from Adobe XD
Teams with years of work in XD need a migration plan. Start by identifying active projects and the most important files, such as component libraries and key product screens. Some tools offer importers for XD files, but complex components and prototypes often need to be rebuilt. Many teams use the migration as an opportunity to clean up and rebuild their component library properly in the new tool.
- Audit: List active projects, libraries and critical files.
- Choose the new tool: Agree on the replacement with the whole team.
- Rebuild foundations: Recreate colours, type styles and core components first.
- Migrate active work: Move current projects, rebuilding where import is incomplete.
- Archive the rest: Export older files to PDF or images for reference.
A migration is also a good moment to improve your design system. Our guide to building a design system from zero to one covers how to structure foundations and components.
Frequently asked questions
Is Adobe XD discontinued?
Adobe has stopped active development of XD and placed it in maintenance mode, so it is not recommended for new projects.
Is Sketch still worth using?
Yes, for Mac-based teams who prefer a native app. It is actively maintained and has a strong plugin ecosystem.
Can Windows users work in Sketch?
They can view, comment and inspect through Sketch’s web app, but editing designs requires a Mac.
Which tool do most UX designers use today?
Figma is the most widely used tool for interface design, especially in collaborative teams.
Can we open XD files in other tools?
Some tools offer import options, but complex components and prototypes often need rebuilding. Export important files to PDF for reference.