This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Hashbyt
Choosing between Figma vs Sketch can feel overwhelming when you’re building web applications or SaaS platforms. Both tools are excellent for UI/UX design, but they approach collaboration, development handoff, and workflow very differently.
As someone who’s worked with both tools across various projects, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the right choice for your team and projects.
What Are Figma and Sketch?
Figma: The Browser-First Collaboration Champion
Figma is a web-based design platform that works in any browser, with optional desktop apps for Mac and Windows. Think of it as the “Google Docs of design tools”—multiple people can edit simultaneously, change sync instantly, and sharing is as simple as sending a link.
Figma was built from the ground up for real-time collaboration and modern design workflows. It excels at design systems, prototyping, and seamless developer handoff.
Sketch: The Mac-Native Precision Tool
Sketch is a Mac-only design application that’s been shaping UI design standards for over a decade. It’s known for its polished interface, precise vector editing, and that satisfying “native app” feel that Mac users love.
With Sketch Workspaces, you get cloud collaboration features while maintaining the speed and control of a desktop application.
The Key Differences That Matter for Web Development
Platform Compatibility and Accessibility
Figma wins for mixed teams. Since it runs in browsers, your Windows developers, Mac designers, and Linux DevOps folks can all access the same files without compatibility headaches. You can literally design on a Chromebook if needed.
Sketch is Mac-exclusive for editing. While developers can view files through the web inspector, actual design work requires macOS. This can be limiting for distributed teams, especially if you’re hiring developers globally.
Web accessibility: Figma’s browser-based nature means anyone with a link can view prototypes and leave feedback—no app installations required for stakeholders.
Real-Time Collaboration
Figma’s multiplayer editing feels magical—you’ll see your teammate’s cursor moving around the canvas in real-time. It’s perfect for design reviews, pair designing, or quick collaborative brainstorming sessions.
Sketch offers real-time co-editing through Workspaces, but only on Mac. The web interface handles comments and feedback well, but you won’t get that same seamless multiplayer experience across platforms.
Offline Access and File Control
This is a crucial consideration for web development teams with varying internet reliability or security requirements.
Figma requires the internet for most functionality. While the desktop app offers some offline editing capabilities, you’ll need to sync when reconnected. This can be limiting for developers working in areas with spotty connectivity.
Sketch works fully offline by default. You can create, edit, and iterate on designs without any internet connection. Files sync through Sketch Workspaces when you’re back online, giving you complete control over when and how your work is shared.
Security considerations: Some enterprise teams prefer Sketch’s local-first approach for sensitive projects or compliance requirements.
This is where the Sketch vs. Figma debate gets interesting for web developers.
Figma’s Dev Mode is a game-changer. Developers get clean CSS code snippets, accurate measurements, exportable assets, and design tokens—all in one place. No need for external tools or guesswork about spacing and colors.
Sketch requires additional tools like Zeplin or Abstract for comprehensive developer handoff. While this adds complexity, some teams prefer this modular approach, especially if they already have established workflows.
Component Systems and Design Tokens
Figma’s Modern Approach
Figma’s Variables system is incredibly powerful for web applications. You can define color schemes, typography scales, and spacing systems that automatically update across your entire design system.
The Auto Layout feature works like CSS Flexbox, making it easy to create responsive components that behave predictably when content changes.
Sketch’s Battle-Tested Symbols
Sketch’s Symbols have been refined over years of professional use. They’re reliable, fast, and many designers find them more intuitive than Figma’s component system.
Smart Layout in Sketch handles responsive design well, though it requires more manual setup compared to Figma’s Auto Layout.
Prototyping Capabilities
Figma’s All-in-One Prototyping
Figma prototypes can handle complex interactions, micro-animations with Smart Animate, and conditional logic. You can build realistic prototypes that feel close to the final web application.
The ability to test prototypes on mobile devices through the Figma Mirror app is incredibly useful for responsive web design.
Sketch’s Focused Approach
Sketch prototyping covers user flows, transitions, and hotspots effectively. For basic click-through prototypes and user testing, it’s perfectly capable.
For advanced motion design or complex interactions, many Sketch users integrate with specialized tools like Principle or ProtoPie.
Community and Resources
Figma’s Massive Ecosystem
The Figma Community is enormous. You’ll find UI kits, wireframe templates, icon libraries, and complete design systems that you can duplicate and customize for your projects.
This is especially valuable when you’re starting a new SaaS platform and need to move quickly from concept to prototype.
Sketch’s Curated Quality
Sketch’s template ecosystem is smaller but often more curated. You’ll find high-quality resources, though you might need to search across multiple sources.
The plugin ecosystem is mature and powerful—veteran designers often have workflows built around specific Sketch plugins.
Performance and File Management
Working with Large Projects
Figma handles large files well, especially when using components and variables properly. The browser-based nature means performance depends on your internet connection, though the desktop app helps with this.
Sketch feels snappier on Mac, especially for heavy vector work or complex illustrations. If you’re doing detailed icon design or intricate graphics alongside UI work, Sketch’s native performance shows.
Version Control
Figma’s automatic version history means you never lose work. You can name important milestones and easily roll back changes.
Sketch versions are managed locally by default, with Workspace providing cloud versioning. Some teams prefer this local control, especially for client work under NDAs.
Pricing Reality Check
Figma’s Subscription Model
Figma offers a generous free tier that’s perfect for solo developers or small teams getting started. Paid plans unlock advanced features like unlimited projects, Dev Mode, and organization controls.
The per-editor pricing scales with your team, which can get expensive for larger organizations.
Sketch’s License + Workspace Approach
Sketch requires a Mac app license plus optional Workspace subscriptions for collaboration. This can be more cost-effective for Mac-only teams, especially if you prefer owning your software.
The upfront cost might be higher, but ongoing expenses can be lower depending on your team size.
Which Should You Choose?
Pick Figma If You:
- Have a mixed-OS team (Mac, Windows, Linux)
- Need seamless real-time collaboration
- Want all-in-one prototyping and dev handoff
- Are building design systems at scale
- Value community resources and rapid iteration
- Work on distributed teams or with external contractors
Pick Sketch If You:
- Are a Mac-only environment
- Prefer native desktop performance
- Have existing workflows with Zeplin or similar tools
- Value offline-first work and local file control
- Want to own your software license
- Do detailed vector illustration alongside UI design
Learning Curve and Getting Started
For New Designers
Figma feels familiar to most people because it works like other web applications. The interface is clean, and you can start designing immediately without worrying about file management or complex setups.
Sketch has a steeper initial learning curve but many designers find it more intuitive once they get the hang of it. The Mac-native interface follows familiar patterns that Mac users expect.
For Experienced Designers
Switching between tools requires rebuilding muscle memory. Figma’s web-based shortcuts differ from traditional Mac app conventions, while Sketch follows standard Mac patterns.
Community learning resources: Figma’s community provides tons of tutorials and examples. Sketch has a more mature educational ecosystem with established courses and documentation.
Migration and File Compatibility
Moving Files Between Tools
Figma can import Sketch files directly, though you’ll need to rebuild components using Figma’s Auto Layout and Variables for best results.
Sketch to Figma migration is generally smoother than going the other direction. Many teams treat migration as an opportunity to clean up their design systems.
File format considerations: Figma uses cloud-based storage while Sketch creates local .sketch files. This affects how you backup, share, and organize projects.
Making the Switch: Migration Tips
Don’t try to convert everything 1:1. Instead, rebuild your core design system using Figma’s Variables and Auto Layout. This gives you a cleaner, more maintainable setup.
Start with your color palette and typography as Variables, then rebuild key components using modern Figma features.
From Figma to Sketch
Focus on recreating your component library as Symbols first. Use Sketch’s Color Variables and Text Styles to maintain consistency.
Plan for developer handoff changes—you might need to introduce tools like Zeplin if your developers relied heavily on Figma’s Dev Mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Figma or Sketch better for beginners?
Figma is generally easier for beginners because it works like familiar web applications and offers a generous free tier. The built-in tutorials and massive community library help you learn by example.
Sketch has excellent documentation but requires a Mac and paid license upfront, which can be barriers for newcomers.
Can I use Sketch files in Figma?
Yes, Figma can import Sketch files directly. However, you’ll get the best results by rebuilding components using Figma’s Auto Layout and Variables rather than relying on direct conversion.
Which tool is better for design systems?
Both excel at design systems, but differently:
Figma’s Variables and Auto Layout make responsive, token-based systems easier to maintain
Sketch’s Symbols and Libraries are battle-tested and reliable, especially for teams already invested in the ecosystem
Do I need additional tools with either platform?
Figma is more all-in-one with built-in prototyping, developer handoff, and collaboration.
Sketch often requires additional tools like Zeplin for developer specs, Abstract for version control, or InVision for advanced prototyping—though some teams prefer this modular approach.
The Bottom Line
Figma excels when you need cross-platform collaboration, rapid prototyping, and streamlined developer handoff. It’s particularly strong for remote teams and modern design system workflows.
Sketch shines when you’re in a Mac environment, value native performance, and prefer a modular toolkit approach. It’s still the choice of many agencies and design-focused teams.
My honest advice? If you’re starting fresh and have a mixed-OS team, go with Figma. If you’re already established on Mac with existing Sketch workflows, there’s no urgent need to switch—Sketch continues to evolve and compete effectively.
The best design tool is the one your team actually uses consistently. Both Figma and Sketch can help you build amazing web experiences—pick the one that fits your workflow, then focus on shipping great products.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Hashbyt