Figma vs Sketch: Key Differences and When to Use Each

Figma is a cloud-based design tool that supports real-time collaboration and works on any platform via a browser, while Sketch is a macOS-only app focused on vector design with a strong plugin ecosystem. Figma's web-based nature makes it ideal for teams, whereas Sketch offers deep integration with macOS and offline work.

Quick Comparison

Here is a quick side-by-side comparison of Figma and Sketch based on key factors.

Factor	Figma	Sketch
Platform Support	Web-based, Windows, macOS, Linux	macOS only
Collaboration	Real-time multi-user editing	Single user, file sharing via cloud services
Plugins & Extensions	Growing plugin library, easy to install	Mature plugin ecosystem with many options
Pricing Model	Subscription with free tier	One-time purchase with optional subscription
Offline Access	Limited offline support	Full offline functionality
Prototyping	Built-in interactive prototyping	Prototyping via plugins or Sketch Cloud

Key Differences

Figma is designed as a cloud-first tool, allowing multiple users to work on the same design file simultaneously from any device with a browser. This makes it perfect for teams needing instant feedback and collaboration without file version conflicts.

In contrast, Sketch is a native macOS application that stores files locally. It offers powerful vector editing and a rich plugin ecosystem but lacks built-in real-time collaboration, relying instead on third-party cloud services for sharing and version control.

Figma's prototyping features are integrated and easy to use, while Sketch requires plugins or Sketch Cloud for interactive prototypes. Pricing also differs: Figma offers a free tier with subscription plans, whereas Sketch uses a one-time purchase model with optional yearly updates.

Figma Code Example

This example shows how to create a simple rectangle with a fill color in Figma's plugin API using JavaScript.

javascript

const rect = figma.createRectangle();
rect.resize(100, 100);
rect.fills = [{ type: 'SOLID', color: { r: 0, g: 0.5, b: 1 } }];
figma.currentPage.appendChild(rect);
figma.viewport.scrollAndZoomIntoView([rect]);

Output

A blue rectangle 100x100 pixels appears on the current Figma page.

Sketch Equivalent

This example shows how to create a simple rectangle with a fill color in Sketch's plugin API using JavaScript.

javascript

const sketch = require('sketch/dom');
const ShapePath = sketch.ShapePath;

const rect = new ShapePath({
  frame: { x: 0, y: 0, width: 100, height: 100 },
  style: { fills: [{ color: '#007FFF' }] }
});
sketch.getSelectedDocument().selectedPage.layers.push(rect);

Output

A blue rectangle 100x100 pixels appears on the current Sketch page.

When to Use Which

Choose Figma when you need cross-platform access, real-time collaboration, and easy sharing without worrying about software installation. It's ideal for remote teams and fast iteration.

Choose Sketch if you work exclusively on macOS, prefer offline access, and want a mature plugin ecosystem with deep macOS integration. It's great for individual designers or teams comfortable managing files via cloud services.

Key Takeaways

Figma excels at real-time collaboration and works on any platform via a browser.

Sketch is macOS-only but offers powerful offline design and a mature plugin ecosystem.

Figma includes built-in prototyping; Sketch relies on plugins or cloud services.

Choose Figma for team projects and cross-device flexibility.

Choose Sketch for macOS-native workflows and offline design needs.