Sketch vs Figma: which design tool suits your team?

Figma runs in the browser and on Mac and Windows, with real-time collaboration built in, which makes it the most common choice for teams. Sketch is a native Mac app with a mature feature set, strong plugins and web-based sharing. Choose Figma for cross-platform collaboration and broad adoption; choose Sketch if your team is Mac-based and values a native desktop app.

Two leading design tools

Sketch and Figma are two of the best-known tools for designing user interfaces. Sketch, launched in 2010, helped move interface design away from general graphics software with a focused, Mac-native app. Figma, launched later, took a different approach by running in the browser and making collaboration a core feature. Today, Figma is the most widely used interface design tool, while Sketch remains a capable option with a loyal user base.

Both tools can produce high-quality designs, build component libraries, create prototypes and support developer handoff. The real differences lie in platform support, collaboration model, ecosystem and how each fits a team’s workflow. If you are also considering Adobe XD, our post on Adobe XD vs Sketch explains why XD is no longer recommended for new projects.

Side-by-side comparison

Strengths of Figma

Figma’s biggest strength is collaboration. Designers, product managers, developers and clients can open the same file in a browser, see each other’s cursors, comment and review changes in real time. Because it works on any operating system, mixed Mac and Windows teams can collaborate without barriers. Features such as auto layout, variants and variables make it well suited to building and maintaining design systems, and its large community shares templates and plugins. Our Figma basics guide explains how it works.

• Works on any operating system through the browser
• Real-time collaboration and commenting
• Strong design system features
• Large community and plugin ecosystem
• Dev Mode for developer handoff

Strengths of Sketch

Sketch is a mature, focused tool with a native Mac interface that many designers find fast and comfortable. It works well offline, has a long-established plugin ecosystem and offers solid component and layout features. Its web app supports sharing, commenting, inspecting designs and downloading assets, so developers and stakeholders on other platforms can still view and review work.

• Native Mac performance and feel
• Strong offline capability
• Mature plugin ecosystem
• Web app for sharing, review and handoff
• Familiar to many experienced designers

Limitations of each

• Sketch: Mac only for editing: Designers on Windows cannot edit files directly.
• Sketch: smaller current community: Fewer new templates and resources than Figma.
• Figma: online dependence: Works best with a reliable internet connection.
• Figma: very large files: Complex files can become slow and need careful organisation.

How each fits a team workflow

In a Figma workflow, designers typically share a single link to a file, developers inspect it directly, product managers leave comments and everyone sees the latest version. Libraries are published once and updated across files. In a Sketch workflow, designers work in the Mac app and publish documents to a shared workspace, where others can view, comment and inspect. Both can support a strong design system; the difference is mostly in how many people edit at once and on which devices.

How to choose

• List who needs access: Designers, developers, product and stakeholders.
• Check operating systems: Mixed platforms point towards Figma.
• Review collaboration needs: How often do people edit together?
• Consider your design system: Which tool better supports your components and tokens?
• Test both: Run a short pilot on a real project.
• Compare costs: Check plans for editors and viewers.

Switching from Sketch to Figma

Many teams have moved from Sketch to Figma. Figma can import Sketch files, though complex symbols, overrides and prototypes may need some cleanup. A successful migration usually starts with the component library: rebuild foundations such as colours, type and spacing as styles or variables, then recreate core components with auto layout and variants. Moving active projects next, and archiving older files, keeps the transition manageable. Our guide to building a design system from zero is useful during this step.

The verdict

For most teams, especially those with mixed platforms, distributed members or frequent collaboration with developers and stakeholders, Figma is the more practical choice. For Mac-based teams who prefer a native app and work mostly independently, Sketch remains a solid option. The best tool is the one your whole team can use effectively together.

Frequently asked questions

Is Figma better than Sketch?

For most collaborative and cross-platform teams, yes. Sketch remains a good choice for Mac-based teams who prefer a native app.

Can Figma open Sketch files?

Yes. Figma can import Sketch files, though some components and prototypes may need adjusting.

Does Sketch work on Windows?

Editing requires a Mac. Windows users can view, comment and inspect designs through Sketch’s web app.

Which tool do developers prefer?

Many developers prefer Figma’s browser access and Dev Mode, but both tools support inspecting designs and exporting assets.

Which is cheaper, Sketch or Figma?

Pricing changes over time and depends on the number of editors and viewers. Compare current plans for your team size before deciding.

Can we use both Sketch and Figma?

It is possible, but running two tools usually splits libraries and slows collaboration. Most teams standardise on one.

Related articles

• Adobe XD vs Sketch: choosing a UX design tool today
• Figma basics: what Figma is and how to use it
• Building a design system from zero to one