Figma vs. Sketch: The Ultimate Showdown
UI/UX design tools have come a long way over the years. Before the rise of modern design tools, designers relied on tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for designing interfaces. Today, Figma and Sketch are two of the biggest players in the game. Both tools are powerful and intuitive, but which one is better? Let's find out.
Price
Price is a major concern for most designers, especially those just starting out. Sketch is a one-time purchase for a license, and it costs $99. If you want to get all the updates and support for Sketch, there is an additional annual subscription fee of $69. On the other hand, Figma is free for up to three projects. If you need more projects or features, Figma offers a professional version for $15 per editor per month.
Verdict: Figma is cheaper than Sketch, especially for teams.
Collaboration
Collaboration is a key feature of modern UI/UX design tools. Sketch offers collaboration through integration with third-party tools like InVision, Zeplin, and others. Figma, however, has collaboration built-in. Multiple people can work on the same document in real-time, and everyone can see changes happening in real-time. This makes it easier for remote teams or multiple designers working on the same project.
Verdict: Figma wins this round.
Platform and Integration
Sketch is compatible with Mac OS X only, which can be a deal-breaker for some designers. Figma, on the other hand, is cloud-based, which means it runs on any platform, including Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
Sketch has been around for longer, and as a result, it has developed better integrations with other tools in the design ecosystem. Figma also has a growing list of integrations, but currently, Sketch has more integrations.
Verdict: It's a tie. Sketch is Mac-only, but it has better integrations. Figma is cloud-based, but its integrations are still developing.
Plugins
Plugins are important in any modern design tool. They allow designers to extend the functionality of the tool and create their own custom workflows. Sketch has an extensive library of plugins. Figma's plugin library is not as extensive as Sketch, but it has plugins for most common design tasks.
Verdict: Sketch wins this round.
UI and UX
UI and UX are the most essential aspects of any design tool. Sketch has a simple, intuitive interface that is easy to use. Figma, on the other hand, has a more complex interface that takes some time to get used to. Figma is packed with features, and navigating through them can be confusing at times.
Verdict: Sketch wins this round.
Final Verdict
Both Figma and Sketch are excellent design tools that offer different features and benefits. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your needs and preferences. For collaboration, Figma is the clear winner. For cost-effectiveness, Figma again reigns supreme. However, if you're looking for integrations or plugins, Sketch is the way to go. Ultimately, both tools are great, and it's up to you to decide which one is best for your needs.