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Figma vs Sketch

Figma and Sketch have defined modern UI design, but they take fundamentally different approaches. Figma is a browser-based, collaborative-first platform that runs everywhere, while Sketch is a native macOS application known for its speed and mature plugin ecosystem. As design workflows increasingly require real-time collaboration and developer handoff, the choice between these tools shapes how your entire product team works together.

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Quick Overview

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Figma

Figma is a browser-based design platform that pioneered real-time multiplayer collaboration in design tools. It offers a complete design-to-development workflow including vector editing, prototyping, design systems, developer handoff (Dev Mode), and FigJam for whiteboarding. Being browser-based means it works on any operating system without installation.

Key Strengths

  • Real-time multiplayer collaboration β€” multiple designers editing simultaneously
  • Browser-based β€” works on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Chromebooks
  • Powerful auto-layout and component variants system
  • Dev Mode for seamless designer-developer handoff
  • Free tier generous enough for individual designers and small teams
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Sketch

Sketch is a native macOS design application that helped define the modern UI design workflow. It offers vector editing, symbols, prototyping, and a rich plugin ecosystem. Sketch's native performance on Mac is exceptional, and its workspace feature adds cloud collaboration. The mature third-party ecosystem provides specialized plugins for every design workflow imaginable.

Key Strengths

  • Native macOS performance β€” buttery smooth even with complex files
  • Mature plugin ecosystem with thousands of community extensions
  • Clean, focused interface without feature bloat
  • Affordable pricing for small teams and freelancers
  • Strong offline capabilities β€” works without internet

Detailed Comparison

Side-by-side analysis of key technical categories to help you make an informed decision.

CategoryFigmaSketch
PlatformBrowser-based with optional desktop app. Works on any OS with a modern browser.macOS only. Native app with optional cloud workspace for sharing.
CollaborationReal-time multiplayer editing, comments, and design reviews built in. Industry-leading collaboration.Cloud workspace for sharing and feedback. Real-time co-editing added but less mature than Figma.
PerformanceGood but can struggle with very large files in the browser. WebGL rendering improves yearly.Excellent native performance. Handles large files smoothly thanks to macOS Metal rendering.
Design SystemsPowerful component variants, auto-layout, and shared team libraries. Industry standard for design systems.Symbols and shared libraries. Functional but less flexible than Figma's component variant system.
PrototypingBuilt-in prototyping with transitions, smart animate, and interactive components.Basic built-in prototyping. Most teams use third-party tools like Principle or ProtoPie for advanced interactions.
Developer HandoffDev Mode provides CSS, iOS, and Android code. Component specs and design token export.Sketch Measure and third-party plugins. Less integrated than Figma's native Dev Mode.
PricingFree for individuals. Professional from $15/editor/month. Dev Mode seats add cost.Standard from $10/editor/month. More affordable for small teams. No separate dev seat pricing.
PluginsGrowing plugin ecosystem via Community. Covers most workflows but fewer options than Sketch.Massive mature plugin ecosystem. Thousands of plugins refined over 10+ years.

When to Use Each Technology

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Choose Figma When

  • Distributed teams that need real-time collaboration
  • Cross-platform teams with Mac, Windows, and Linux users
  • Organizations building and maintaining large design systems
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Choose Sketch When

  • Mac-only design teams that prioritize native performance
  • Freelancers and small agencies who value simplicity
  • Teams with established Sketch-based workflows and plugin dependencies

Our Verdict

Figma has become the industry standard for good reason β€” its collaboration features are unmatched, it works on every platform, and its design system capabilities are best-in-class. For most teams in 2026, Figma is the clear choice. Choose Sketch if your team is exclusively on Mac, you value native performance for complex files, you have deep plugin dependencies, or you prefer a more focused tool without the complexity of Figma's expanding feature set. For new teams starting fresh, we recommend Figma β€” the collaboration advantages alone justify the choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sketch still relevant in 2026?

Yes, though its market share has declined significantly. Sketch remains a solid tool for Mac-only teams and freelancers who prefer native performance and a focused feature set. Its recent additions of real-time collaboration and improved cloud workspace show continued investment. However, the industry momentum is clearly with Figma, and most new teams default to it.

Can I migrate from Sketch to Figma?

Yes. Figma has a built-in Sketch file importer that handles most designs well. Symbols convert to components, text styles and colors transfer, and layer structure is preserved. Complex Sketch plugins and overrides may need manual adjustment. Most teams complete migration in a few days to a week.

Which is better for design systems?

Figma. Its component variants, auto-layout, and shared team libraries are purpose-built for design systems at scale. Figma's branching feature (similar to Git) allows teams to propose design system changes without affecting production components. Sketch's symbols work for simpler systems but lack the flexibility and governance features that large teams need.

Do I need to pay for Dev Mode in Figma?

Figma offers limited free Dev Mode access (inspect only). Full Dev Mode with component specs, comparison view, and design token export requires a paid Dev seat or is included in Organization/Enterprise plans. For teams where developer handoff is important, factor this additional cost into your decision.

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