Figma vs Sketch vs Adobe XD - Compared

Introduction

This comparison helps you understand the main differences between Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD. It shows which tool fits best for designing user interfaces and collaborating with teams.

When you want to choose a design tool for your team that supports real-time collaboration

When you need to work on UI design projects across different operating systems

When you want to use a tool with strong prototyping features for user testing

When you prefer a cloud-based design tool to avoid installation and version conflicts

When you want to integrate your design tool with other software like developer handoff or asset management

Steps

Step 1: Open Figma in your web browser or desktop app

- Figma home screen

You see your recent files and team projects listed

💡 Figma works on Windows, Mac, and Linux through the browser

Step 2: Open Sketch on your Mac computer

- Sketch app main window

You see the canvas to start designing and the layers panel

💡 Sketch only works on macOS

Step 3: Launch Adobe XD on your computer

- Adobe XD start screen

You see options to create new design or prototype files

💡 Adobe XD works on both Windows and Mac

Step 4: Create a new design file in each tool

- New file button or menu

A blank canvas opens for you to start designing

💡 Try adding shapes and text to compare ease of use

Step 5: Test collaboration features by inviting a teammate

- Share or invite option in each tool

Your teammate can view or edit the design in real time (Figma), or via shared files (Sketch, Adobe XD)

💡 Figma allows live multi-user editing in the browser

Before vs After

Before

You have separate design files on your computer with no easy way to collaborate

After

You use Figma to work on the same file with your team in real time from any device

Settings Reference

Collaboration Sharing

📍 Share button in top-right corner

Control who can see or edit your design files

Default: View only

Prototyping

📍 Prototype tab or mode

Create interactive flows to simulate app behavior

Default: No prototype

Plugins and Integrations

📍 Plugins menu or marketplace

Extend tool functionality with extra features

Default: No plugins installed

Common Mistakes

Choosing Sketch without considering Mac-only limitation

Sketch does not work on Windows or Linux, limiting team members on other OS

Use Figma or Adobe XD if your team uses multiple operating systems

Expecting Adobe XD to have full browser-based collaboration like Figma

Adobe XD requires desktop app and file sharing, no live multi-user editing in browser

Use Figma for real-time browser collaboration or Adobe XD for offline work

Summary

Figma is cloud-based, works on all OS, and supports real-time collaboration in browser.

Sketch is Mac-only and popular for design but lacks built-in live collaboration.

Adobe XD works on Mac and Windows with good prototyping but limited browser collaboration.

Choose the tool based on your team's OS, collaboration needs, and prototyping features.