Figma vs. Sketch vs. Adobe XD

Introduction

In the current world, there are so many UI/UX design tools that one can use. However, the three most emerging ones are Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD. They help the designers in coming up with the design of the websites and apps by providing them with the prototype of the designs. However, it is essential to note that all three tools are somewhat similar but different in the aspects of the features offered and the price and ease of use of the tools.

Sketch

Sketch is quite remarkable for its ability to accommodate various procedures, whether it is done individually or in a group. This is particularly beneficial for those who need or have or can or do not have an active internet connection because of the offline and local file capabilities.

Sketch’s value proposition UX is also built around the concept of interfaces and their simplicity and speed, which benefits the design and prototyping stages. The next advantage of Sketch is the Apple Silicon optimization that ensures high work speed for Mac users. The toolbars and shortcuts are also flexible and can be adjusted to the user’s choice, which enhances the user experience.

Adobe XD

Adobe XD that Adobe Inc. has created is, in its core, a vector design tool. Regarding the features, it is possible to note the ability to design interfaces for mobile and web applications. For instance, it has a repeat grid feature that is quite useful when creating a photo gallery or a list.

After this, there is the animation and prototype component. Adobe XD includes the features of animation and linking of artboards. This is especially useful when there is a need to show how the final product will work to a client or your team.

Adobe XD is quite good when it comes to the integration of other programs. XD supports opening files created in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Sketch, and Adobe After Effects. This compatibility is crucial in a process that may involve the transfer of assets or ideas from one or more sources. Furthermore, it is necessary for teamwork because it is connected with many applications and services, for example, Microsoft Teams and Slack.

Adobe XD is available for Windows and macOS, and there are iOS and Android apps that allow the users to preview the designs on the devices. For those who are particular with details, Adobe XD is there. It also permits relative positioning, which means that content can be placed in a way that will be suitable for the screen used to view it.

Figma

Figma is an online design and collaboration tool that is perfect for both new and professional designers. It is an online design tool that is perfect for Windows.

The functions of Figma are diverse and range from simple graphic designs such as logos, social media posts, to more complex ones such as UI prototypes and website wireframes. The ability to use Figma as a design system that is maintained and developed by the community is one of the key features that make it possible to access templates, widgets, and extensions. This feature improves creativity and offers new ideas and concepts.

Figma operates on two principal fronts: FigJam and Figma design. While Figma design is used for detailed, responsive, and interactive designs, FigJam is an online whiteboard that is suitable for meetings, planning, and brainstorming. Each of them offers separate settings and tools that are appropriate for the design process and its needs.

Key Features

Collaboration and Sharing

One more exciting feature of this tool is that it is created for practical cooperation and sharing. It is an application that can be opened on any compatible browser and many people can work on the same project at the same time. Designers can also watch the actions of the teammates who are editing and commenting right in the same window.

Although Sketch and Adobe XD have collaboration tools, they are not as comprehensive as Figma’s because both of them are based on downloading native applications rather than a browser. In general, Figma makes the design process more accessible and introduces more tools that enable people to collaborate.

Prototyping

All three tools let designers design prototypes that they can interact with; however, there are certain features that make Figma stand out when it comes to prototyping. In Figma, users are able to create higher-level interactive prototypes with overlayers, conditional actions, scrolling, and other features. Prototypes are quickly launched to facilitate real-time previews and feedback from the intended users.

It seems that Sketch and Adobe XD prototypes are working fine, but the prototypes in Figma are even more responsive and faster due to the web interface.

Design Systems

Figma and Adobe XD have included tools that allow teams to construct, sort, and coordinate the design system. Designers can define components, styles, and patterns that they can use in files and in other projects. This helps avoid spending lots of time on writing from scratch every time while making lots of progress in consistency.

Sketch provides the option for third-party plugins that can replicate the same features. Still, the tool does not natively support design systems. Therefore, Figma and Adobe XD make it much easier for big teams that have numerous linked resources and approved styles.

User Interface and Ease of Use

All three tools, namely Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD, allow for user-friendly interfaces as well as tools for designing the layout and creating vectors and components. Both come with a standard desktop-like structure, which comprises layers of panels, property inspectors, toolbars, and canvases.

In terms of the user interface, Sketch, unlike the other two tools, has a simple, neat interface that is not cluttered by too many menus and buttons. What this makes for Sketch is that the tool is straightforward to learn and is excellent for beginners. However, Figma and Adobe XD are more feature-rich applications; thus, their interfaces are slightly larger and more intricate.

In conclusion, designers share that all three tools are helpful and enable them to do their job productively once they have gone through the learning curve. Therefore, it is improbable that the issue of usability will be the primary criterion used to settle on a particular tool if the tools are being considered for the application by novices.

Plugins and Integrations

Sketch has indeed evolved since its inception, but one feature it still boasts over the competition is its extensive plugin catalog. For further improvement of the Sketch usage and implement ability of interactions, users can always install any of the hundreds of plugins available. Of course, there are Sketch plugins for everything, including generating new code, adding illustrations, and much more.

The plugins’ range is not as diverse as those of Adobe XD and Figma’s competitors since their app stores are still growing. Adobe also recently opened up its tools to enable more third-party app connections in the same way that Figma has been doing. However, as it is in the current scenario, Sketch provides designers the free hand to manage their work through a plugin.

Pricing and Plans

While Figma and Sketch are powerful design tools, they operate with different approaches to pricing their services. Another aspect that should be noted is the fact that Figma follows a freemium model where users are charged based on the number of editors or active users with access to the files in question per month. Sketch offers a one-time fee for a license, and it charges no recurring fees, which are common in other software applications. Adobe XD is an application that comes with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications with the license subscription type.

This may be good for individuals and tiny teams that do not want to pay for subscriptions but for a one-time Sketch fee. However, in the more prominent teams and enterprises, it is discovered that Figma offers affordable solutions due to cost-per-user scaling. Adobe currently provides Creative Cloud, and XD will become available to the firms that are subscribed to this service.

All three tools have free trials that give designers a feel of the platform before deciding to subscribe. There is also a very favorable free plan in Figma to create as many files and viewers as you want, but limited to three editors only. Free versions of Sketch and Adobe XD are less functional compared to the full-featured paid versions.

Platforms and Devices

One of the main differences is that the platform and device list where these three tools can be used differs. Unlike other graphic design software, Sketch is specifically designed for macOS and Mac OS only. For Windows users, there are no native options for streaming games to the big screen without relying on remote desktop solutions. Both Figma and Adobe XD are cross-platform, meaning that both operate natively on both Mac and Windows environments.

Further, unlike any other tool that requires installation or the use of specific software such as MacOS or iPad, Figma is browser-based with support for tablets or Chromebooks. This means that Sketch and Adobe XD mobile apps have respective companion features for iPads and Android tablets. However, the ability that Figma provides to designers to make changes in real time is the best that can be offered when designing from anywhere.

Learning Resources

Based on the fact that Sketch is the oldest player in the outlined sector, there are more resources in the form of tutorials, courses, and documentation to learn how to use the software. Figma and Adobe XD have experienced a steep rise in the number of tutorials. Yet, they are still below par when providing information, as seen in Sketch’s knowledge base.

Thus, overall, more videos and guides related to the best practices for the tool can be found on Figma than on XD. Adobe XD has comparatively few tutorials focused on UI/UX design and more on what is visible when opening most Adobe apps. In conclusion, Sketch has more teaching resources available than its competitors.

Community and Support

If we compare it to Sketch and Adobe XD in terms of community support, the latter cannot compete with Figma. Users can collaborate on projects, and many people use Figma to share files, templates, icons, design systems, and other things. They are very active on social networks, answering questions and happy to receive feedback.

However, Sketch and Adobe XD have gained less momentum at a comparatively slower rate by attracting less excited responses from the official product platforms. And since these are closed-sourced tools, designers have not embraced these brands as much as Figma has embraced them. Regarding community engagement, there is no doubt that Figma reigns supreme.

Summary and Recommendations

Figma

Ideally suited for teams that prefer to work in tandem, require frequent iteration, and preferably work on open systems. As a browser-based tool, online collaboration in Figma is transparent, and the app looks and functions great on any device. Pricing is more than reasonable and is even based on the size of your team. Other aspects include community engagement, which is another unique feature of Figma.

Sketch

Ideal for designers creating and editing projects mainly on macOS, who value a seamless, native app experience. Advantages of experienced third-party plugins for more complex processes. Hazards to Sketch include the following: The free version offered by the company makes Sketch easily accessible for testing. A single license fee does vary depending on the number of people on the team and can be cheaper in the long run only when used by the team.

Adobe XD

Recommended for teams that are already using the Adobe Creative Cloud. Integrating the app with Photoshop and Illustrator is a plus for some designers. The use of Companion Apps makes it possible to preview mobile app designs. The students and teachers can enjoy the Adobe XD with the help of the educational offer without having to pay extra dollars. However, collaboration features go to Figma.

Consequently, the best UI design tool is relative to the specific needs of development teams regarding the platforms they require, costs, the capability to work collaboratively, the ease of prototyping, and the expenses to switch. Hopefully, this detailed comparison will offer a good foundation with which the advantages and disadvantages of using Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD can be evaluated and compared. Every platform provides the designer with a modern UI/UX, which they would not find elsewhere.