Post at a Glance
Welcome to the UX/UI design arena, where three titans—Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD—duke it out for the title of your go-to design tool. Think of this as a digital cage match, but instead of punches, we’re throwing artboards, prototypes, and plugins. Each tool has its strengths, quirks, and fanbase, but which one deserves a spot in your workflow? In this comparison, we’ll break down the similarities and differences between Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD, with just enough wit to keep you from dozing off. Let’s dive in!
Figma vs. Sketch vs. Adobe XD Meet the Contenders
- Figma: The cloud-based darling, launched in 2016, loved for its real-time collaboration and browser-based accessibility. It’s the design tool equivalent of a trendy co-working space—open to all, collaborative, and always buzzing.
- Sketch: The macOS-exclusive veteran, born in 2010, with a cult following and a plugin library bigger than a dragon’s hoard. It’s the old-school rockstar who still packs a punch but only performs on Apple’s stage.
- Adobe XD: Also from 2016, this Adobe Creative Cloud native is a prototyping powerhouse with tight integration into Adobe’s ecosystem. But since Adobe shifted focus to Figma after acquiring it in 2022, XD’s been in “maintenance mode,” like a retired athlete coasting on past glory.
All three are vector-based tools for UI/UX design, offering wireframing, prototyping, and developer handoff. But like choosing between coffee, tea, or energy drinks, the differences make all the difference. Let’s compare them across key categories.
Figma vs. Sketch vs. Adobe XD Similarities: Where They Share the Spotlight
Figma, Sketch, and XD have enough in common to make you think they’re secretly swapping notes at design tool summer camp. Here’s where they align:
- Vector-Based Design: All three use vector graphics, ensuring your designs scale smoothly from smartwatch to jumbotron without pixelated meltdowns.
- Prototyping Capabilities: Each lets you create interactive prototypes with clickable buttons, transitions, and gestures, so you can test your app’s flow before it hits the coding stage.
- Reusable Components: They all support components (or symbols in Sketch), letting you create a button once and reuse it across artboards. Update the master, and all instances follow suit like obedient minions.
- Developer Handoff: Each tool generates specs, assets, and code snippets (CSS, iOS, Android) to make developers’ lives easier, like handing them a map instead of a vague “it’s over there.”
- Intuitive Interfaces: Their layouts—toolbars, layers, and artboards—are similar enough that switching between them feels like swapping between streaming apps: same vibe, different flavor.
Differences: Where They Clash
Figma vs. Sketch vs. Adobe XD Platform & Accessibility: The Great Divide
- Figma: Runs in any modern browser (plus desktop apps for offline work), making it accessible on Windows, macOS, Linux, or even that dusty laptop in your closet. It’s like a food truck that serves everyone, everywhere.
- Sketch: Mac-only, with a web app for viewing and commenting but no designing outside Apple’s walled garden. If you’re on Windows, Sketch will ghost you faster than a bad Tinder date.
- Adobe XD: Available on Windows and macOS, syncing with Adobe’s Creative Cloud for local or cloud storage. No browser-based option, though, and its maintenance mode status (since 2023) makes it feel like a guest who’s overstayed their welcome.
Edge: Figma, for its platform-agnostic accessibility. Sketch’s Mac exclusivity is a dealbreaker for non-Apple users, and XD’s lack of a web version limits its flexibility.
Figma vs. Sketch vs. Adobe XD Collaboration: Who’s the Team MVP?
- Figma: The undisputed champ of collaboration, Figma’s real-time multiplayer mode lets teams edit the same file simultaneously, with cursors zipping around like a digital dance party. Share a link, and stakeholders can view or comment without installing anything.
- Sketch: Sketch added real-time collaboration in 2021, but it’s clunkier—every collaborator needs a Mac and a Sketch license. Plugins like Picnic help, but it’s like inviting friends to a party where they have to bring their own chairs.
- Adobe XD: XD supports co-editing, but it’s not as seamless. You need to send invites and enable co-editing, which feels like scheduling a meeting to decide who’s bringing snacks. It’s collaborative, but Figma’s got the smoother moves.
Edge: Figma, for its effortless, browser-based teamwork. Sketch and XD feel like they’re trying to catch up in a relay race they didn’t train for.
Figma vs. Sketch vs. Adobe XD Prototyping: Who’s Got the Flashiest Moves?
- Figma: Figma’s prototyping is robust, with auto-layout for responsive designs and smart animate for smooth transitions. Its design systems let you reuse interactions, making prototyping as quick as a double espresso.
- Sketch: Sketch’s prototyping is solid, with intuitive artboard linking and transitions. But advanced animations rely on plugins, which can feel like assembling a spaceship with a paperclip.
- Adobe XD: XD excels with unique features like voice prototyping (for voice-driven apps) and 3D transforms for immersive effects. Its auto-animate matches Figma’s, but the lack of updates since 2023 makes it feel like a one-hit wonder.
Edge: Adobe XD for its voice and 3D tricks, though Figma’s responsiveness and ease of use make it a close second. Sketch lags without plugin support.
Figma vs. Sketch vs. Adobe XD Plugins and Ecosystem: The Add-On Bonanza
- Figma: Figma’s plugin library is built into the app, offering tools for accessibility (Stark), content generation, and more. Cloud-based updates keep plugins fresh, like a buffet that’s always restocked.
- Sketch: Sketch has the largest plugin ecosystem, with hundreds of options for animation, data integration, and beyond. But you’ll need to hunt them down online, and compatibility issues can sneak up like a plot twist.
- Adobe XD: XD’s plugins are integrated like Figma’s but fewer in number. It’s like a curated menu—good options, but not as expansive as Sketch’s buffet or Figma’s all-you-can-eat spread.
Edge: Sketch for sheer variety, but Figma’s integrated approach is more user-friendly. XD’s plugin game is solid but limited.
Figma vs. Sketch vs. Adobe XD Design Features: Who’s Got the Sharpest Tools?
- Figma: Figma’s vector networks allow multiple lines to connect to a single point, making complex shapes a breeze. Auto-layout adjusts designs dynamically, saving you from manually resizing every element.
- Sketch: Sketch’s vector editing is precise, ideal for pixel-perfect designs. Its symbols are great for design systems, but without auto-layout, resizing can feel like wrangling a herd of cats.
- Adobe XD: XD’s vector tools are reliable but less flexible—points connect once, requiring Boolean operations for complex shapes. Responsive resize helps but often needs manual tweaks.
Edge: Figma, for its vector networks and auto-layout. Sketch is great for precision, while XD’s tools feel a bit dated.
Figma vs. Sketch vs. Adobe XD Pricing: Who’s Kind to Your Wallet?
- Figma: Free for three projects, with paid plans at $12/editor/month for unlimited projects and team features. It’s like a coffee shop with free Wi-Fi and affordable upgrades.
- Sketch: $99/year or $9/editor/month, with a free trial. Mac-only means you’re paying for exclusivity, like a boutique that only sells one size.
- Adobe XD: Free for one project, but full access requires a Creative Cloud subscription ($9.99/month standalone or $52.99/month for the full suite). Maintenance mode makes it feel like buying a discontinued phone.
Edge: Figma, for its generous free tier and reasonable paid plans. Sketch and XD are pricier, especially if you’re not in their ecosystems.
Figma vs. Sketch vs. Adobe XD Learning Curve: Who’s the Easiest to Learn?
- Figma: Beginner-friendly, with a browser-based interface and tons of tutorials. It’s like learning to ride a bike with training wheels.
- Sketch: Intuitive for Mac users, but its plugin reliance and Mac exclusivity can confuse newbies. Documentation is solid but not as welcoming as Figma’s.
- Adobe XD: Familiar to Adobe users, with a simple interface and good tutorials. But its uncertain future might make learning feel like investing in a fading stock.
Edge: Figma, for its accessibility and resources. Sketch and XD are approachable but held back by platform limits or maintenance mode.
The Verdict: Who Takes the Crown?
Choosing between Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD is like picking your favorite dessert—each has its appeal, but context matters:
- Choose Figma if you value collaboration, cross-platform access, and a growing ecosystem. It’s the Swiss Army knife of design tools, perfect for teams and solo designers alike.
- Choose Sketch if you’re a Mac user who loves plugins and doesn’t mind the price. It’s a powerful tool for those committed to Apple’s ecosystem.
- Choose Adobe XD if you’re deep in Adobe’s world and need voice prototyping or tight integration with Photoshop. But beware its maintenance mode—it’s like betting on a horse that’s already left the race.
Figma Takes the Win
In 2025, Figma leads the pack with its cloud-based flexibility, seamless collaboration, and robust features. Sketch remains a favorite for Mac loyalists with a plugin obsession, while Adobe XD, though still functional, feels like it’s coasting on past achievements. Test them out, weigh your team’s needs, and pick the tool that fits your workflow like a well-designed button. Just don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis—your next prototype is waiting!
Request Web Design or SEO Services
Looking for web design or SEO services? Fill out this short form and we’ll contact you to talk about your project needs. Help us understand your vision so we can deliver a tailored, user-friendly design that effectively represents your brand
