Figma vs Sketch vs Adobe XD: Design Tools Compared

Choosing the right UI design tool is a critical decision for any development team. The tool you select directly impacts collaboration, prototyping efficiency, and the entire workflow from concept to code. For engineering teams, frontend developers, and tech leads, making the correct choice streamlines the handoff process and improves the final product. This article provides a definitive comparison of Figma vs Sketch vs Adobe XD to help you decide which platform best fits your team's needs.

This comparison is for non-coders who create and for front-end developers who build. We will examine the core features, collaborative capabilities, and unique strengths of each tool. Our goal is to give you the information needed to select a tool that integrates smoothly into your production-ready workflow.

Figma vs Sketch vs Adobe XD

Before our detailed analysis, let's get a general look at each contender. Each tool offers a distinct approach to UI design, shaped by its history and core architecture.

Figma

Figma operates primarily through a web browser, making it a cloud-based powerhouse. It is available as a desktop application, but its core strength lies in its web accessibility. This architecture enables real-time editing and makes it a top choice for collaborative design. Strong version control is built-in, removing guesswork from the design process.

Adobe XD

Adobe XD is a native Mac and Windows application. Its biggest advantage is its deep integration with the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. If your team already uses Photoshop, Illustrator, or After Effects, XD fits naturally into that system. It offers powerful prototyping features, including support for voice and Augmented Reality (AR) prototypes, which sets it apart.

Sketch

Sketch is the long-standing veteran in this comparison. It is a Mac-only, offline-capable application known for its clean interface and powerful vector editing tools. Its rich plugin ecosystem, built over many years, allows for extensive customization and functionality expansion. For many, Sketch set the standard for modern UI design.

Figma vs Sketch vs Adobe XD: A Deep Dive Comparison

To make a clear decision, we need to compare these tools across several critical categories. The following table gives a high-level overview of their differences.

a) Platform Compatibility & Cloud-Based Collaboration

Your team's operating systems will heavily influence your choice. Figma offers the most flexibility. It works on macOS, Windows, and even Linux through any modern web browser. This cross-platform access is a significant advantage for distributed teams with varied tech stacks.

Adobe XD also provides good cross-platform support with native applications for both macOS and Windows. Mobile apps are available for previewing prototypes on devices. This covers the majority of professional setups.

Sketch is the most restrictive. It is a Mac-only application. While it has some limited web sharing features for viewing designs, all creation and editing must happen on a Mac. This can be a major blocker for teams that use Windows or Linux machines.

b) Collaborative Design & Version Control

Collaboration is where the Figma vs Sketch vs Adobe XD debate often heats up. Figma was built from the ground up for real-time collaboration. Multiple team members can edit the same file simultaneously, with cursors visible on screen. You can also leave comments, observe others' work, and access a complete version history automatically.

Adobe XD has added co-editing features, allowing teams to work together on files saved to the Creative Cloud. While functional, the experience is not always as fluid as Figma's browser-native approach.

Sketch has more recently introduced live collaboration. However, it requires every participant to have an active Sketch license and a Mac. This adds friction compared to Figma, where a stakeholder can simply open a link in their browser to view or comment.

c) Design System Management & Plugin Ecosystem

A design system provides the single source of truth for your codebase architecture. Figma's features for managing design systems are exceptionally strong. Its components, auto-layout, and variants allow you to build flexible and scalable systems that developers can easily translate into code.

The plugin ecosystem for Figma is also growing at a remarkable pace. As one Reddit user puts it: “The plugins and the entire community drive Figma forward.”

This community support means you can find or create tools to automate tasks and extend Figma's core functionality.

Adobe XD integrates well with the extensive Adobe asset arsenal. Its plugin library is smaller than its competitors but contains useful integrations for teams invested in the Adobe suite.

Sketch has a mature and extensive plugin ecosystem. For years, its community has been building powerful plugins that add advanced features, from data integration to complex animations.

d) Prototyping Features

Prototyping allows you to validate user flows before writing a single line of code. Figma offers built-in prototyping that is simple yet effective for most UI design needs. You can create interactive flows and transitions to simulate the user experience.

Adobe XD shines in the prototyping department. Its Auto-Animate feature makes creating complex animations intuitive. Furthermore, its support for voice and AR prototypes gives it unique capabilities that Figma and Sketch do not possess without plugins.

Sketch includes basic prototyping features for creating clickable mockups. For more advanced interactions and animations, you must rely on its rich ecosystem of third-party plugins and integrations.

e) Version Control & Offline Use

The need for offline access depends on your work environment. Figma is cloud-centric. It auto-saves all changes and provides a detailed version history, which is great for tracking progress. However, you need an internet connection to open and load files, even when using the desktop application.

Adobe XD offers more flexibility. As a native application, you can save files locally for full offline work. You can also save them to the Creative Cloud to enable collaboration and access them from different devices.

Sketch is a fully offline-native application. It saves files directly to your machine, giving you complete control. For version control, however, you will need to integrate a third-party tool like Abstract or use a plugin, as it is not a built-in feature.

f) Pricing Model

Budget is always a factor. Figma offers a generous free plan that is sufficient for many individuals and small projects. For teams, it has paid tiers (Professional, Organization, and Enterprise) that add features like shared libraries and advanced collaboration tools.

Adobe XD is available as a standalone subscription for $9.99 per month. It is also included in the full Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, which costs $54.99 per month and includes over 20 applications like Photoshop and Illustrator.

Sketch offers two options: a one-time license for $99 or a subscription for $9 per month. This subscription includes updates and access to its collaborative features. Remember, it is only available for Mac users.

Perspectives from Real Designers

User feedback often provides the most practical insights. Discussions within the design community reveal strong opinions on the Figma vs Sketch vs Adobe XD topic.

Many designers see Figma as the current leader. One user on Reddit commented on Adobe's proposed acquisition of Figma (which was later abandoned), stating: “Figma is without a doubt the industry standard at this point.”

Efficiency on large-scale projects is another common theme. A designer working on complex products shared their experience: “If you need to work on big products... I am 100% more efficient in Figma than in XD.”

However, the transition from other tools is not without its challenges. Some users miss the structured organization of Sketch. One designer mentioned a specific feature they missed after switching: “One feature I still miss from Sketch is the automatically generated symbols page... whereas in Figma, I have to do it manually.”

This feedback shows that while Figma has gained massive adoption, the choice often comes down to specific workflow preferences and project requirements.

Conclusion

The UI design tool market is projected to grow significantly, with some estimates predicting a global market size of over $8.55 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 15.01% from 2025. This growth reflects the increasing importance of user interface design in all software. Studies show that a refined UI can boost website conversions by as much as 200%. Your choice of tool is central to capturing this value.

Let's sum up the key takeaways from our Figma vs Sketch vs Adobe XD comparison:

• Figma is the best choice for teams that prioritize collaboration, cross-platform access, and design-system-centric workflows. Its cloud-based nature makes it incredibly accessible and efficient for teams of any size.

• Adobe XD is a strong contender for those deeply integrated into the Adobe ecosystem. Its advanced prototyping capabilities, especially for motion, voice, and AR, give it a unique edge for specific projects.

• Sketch remains a solid option for Mac-based individuals or teams who value offline work and a mature, flexible plugin ecosystem. Its longevity has resulted in a stable and powerful tool for UI design.

Ultimately, you should choose based on your team's setup, project scope, and preferred workflow. Consider running a trial with your top contender to see how it integrates with your existing processes before making a final commitment.

FAQ Section

1) Is Adobe XD being phased out?

While not officially discontinued, Adobe XD appears to be in maintenance mode. Reddit users and industry observers report slow development and a lack of basic features that have been requested for years. The focus seems to have shifted away from active new development.

2) Why did Figma overtake Sketch?

Figma’s browser-based accessibility was a major factor. It removed the platform barrier that limited Sketch to Mac users. Its superior real-time collaboration, generous free plan, and rapidly growing plugin ecosystem helped it achieve massive adoption among teams of all sizes.

3) Can Figma replace Adobe XD?

For most standard UI design and prototyping work, yes. Figma can fully replace Adobe XD. However, if your workflow requires advanced motion design, voice prototyping, AR features, or deep integration with other Adobe tools like After Effects, XD might still be the better option.

4) Why did Adobe cancel the Figma acquisition?

Adobe and Figma announced they mutually agreed to terminate their proposed merger agreement. The decision was made due to regulatory challenges and a belief that they would not receive approval from regulators in the European Union and the United Kingdom. Figma remains an independent company.