Figma vs Sketch

Figma or Sketch: our take

Sketch helped define modern interface design tooling, with symbols, shared libraries and a fast vector editor, and it remains a native macOS app that runs locally. That means it works offline and stays quick with large documents, while a separate web app handles sharing, inspection and collaboration with developers and stakeholders. Figma runs in the browser and in desktop apps for Windows and Mac, and several people can edit the same file at once, comment and share links instead of exporting files. Components, variables and auto layout support large design systems, Dev Mode gives developers measurements and code snippets, and FigJam adds a whiteboard for workshops.

The pricing models differ. Figma has a free Starter plan, and professional and organisation features require paid seats, which add up for large teams. Sketch has no free plan; it is sold as a subscription or as a separate licence for the Mac app, and it offers a free trial. For a solo designer who dislikes subscriptions, the Mac licence option can be appealing.

Platform and connectivity are often the deciding factors. Sketch's editor is Mac-only, so teams with Windows or Linux users usually look elsewhere. Figma needs an internet connection for most work, which matters for people who travel or work in restricted networks. Both have plugin ecosystems that extend the core tools.

For product teams where designers, developers, product managers and others all need to open, comment on and inspect the same files, Figma is the easier fit. For individual designers or small all-Mac studios who value a native app, offline work and a licence they can own, Sketch is still a capable and focused choice.