Software · head to head
Figma vs Sketch
The short version
- Only Figma has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: Figma no offline editing capability, can only view and create new files when disconnected; Sketch macOS-only for editing, blocking Windows and Linux users from accessing design features
- They diverge on capability: Figma covers Vector networks, Sketch covers Vector editing.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Figma and Sketch actually diverge.
Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Figma
- Vector networks
- Auto-layout
- Components & variants
- Design systems
- Version control
- Slack
- Microsoft Teams
- GitHub
Only in Sketch
- Vector editing
- Symbols & components
- Plugins ecosystem
- Cloud sync
- Version history
- InVision
- Framer
- Zeplin
Both cover
- Real-time collaboration
- Prototyping
- Developer handoff
- Jira
- Principle
- 2FA
- SSO
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Figma
- UI/UX designnot Sketch
- Design systems
- Prototyping
- Design collaborationnot Sketch
- Developer handoffnot Sketch
Sketch
- UI designnot Figma
- Mobile app designnot Figma
- Web designnot Figma
- Design systems
- Prototyping
Both are used for design systems, prototyping, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Figma
- No offline editing capability, can only view and create new files when disconnected
- Mobile apps are read-only, cannot edit designs on iOS or Android
- No self-hosted option, requires cloud connectivity and internet access
- Performance degradation with large files containing thousands of layers
- Library components and unloaded pages not accessible offline
Sketch
- macOS-only for editing, blocking Windows and Linux users from accessing design features
- Real-time collaboration feels less seamless than Figma with occasional sync delays
- Limited built-in image editing capabilities, requiring external software for bitmap work
- Subscription required for cloud features and collaboration, losing access if subscription lapses
Pricing, plan by plan
Figma
Free- StarterFree
- Unlimited drafts
- 3 Figma files
- 3 FigJam boards
- Professional$12/month
- Unlimited files and folders
- Team libraries
- Advanced prototyping
- Organization$55/month
- Unlimited teams
- Shared libraries
- Design system theming
- Enterprise$90/month
- Custom workspaces
- API access
- SCIM seat management
Sketch
$12/month- Standard$12/month
- Real-time collaboration
- Unlimited documents
- Unlimited free viewers
- Professional$24/month
- Everything in Standard
- Single Sign-On (SSO)
- Project archiving
- Enterprise$44/month
- Everything in Professional
- SCIM provisioning
- BYOK encryption
- Mac-only License$120/perpetual
- Native Mac app
- Offline access
- Local file saving
Which should you pick?
Choose Figma if
- You need vector networks.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android.
- You also want auto-layout.
Choose Sketch if
- You need vector editing.
- You work on macOS, Web, iOS, iPad.
- You also want symbols & components.
Questions people ask
- Is Figma or Sketch better?
- Neither clearly leads. Figma starts at Free and Sketch at $12/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Figma or Sketch?
- Figma has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Figma and $12/month for Sketch.
- Does Figma or Sketch run on more platforms?
- Figma runs on Web, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android. Sketch runs on macOS, Web, iOS, iPad.
- Can I use Figma for free?
- Yes. Figma has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Sketch starts at $12/month.
- What is Figma best used for?
- Figma is most often used for ui/ux design, design systems, prototyping, design collaboration. Of those, ui/ux design and design collaboration are not what Sketch is typically brought in for.
- What can Figma do that Sketch cannot?
- Figma covers Vector networks, Auto-layout, Components & variants, Design systems. Sketch covers Vector editing, Symbols & components, Plugins ecosystem, Cloud sync. Both handle Real-time collaboration, Prototyping, Developer handoff, Jira.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Figma: What's included in Figma's free tier?
Figma's Starter plan is free forever and includes unlimited drafts, up to 3 Figma files, 3 FigJam boards, core design features (vector editing, auto layout, components, prototyping), basic developer handoff (inspect), and 150 AI credits per day up to 500 per month. Maximum 2 editors per file.
SourceSketch: Is Sketch available for Windows or Linux?
No. Sketch is macOS-only for the design and prototyping features. Web and mobile apps provide viewing and collaboration, but editing requires macOS 14.0 or later.
SourceFigma: Does Figma work offline?
Figma has very limited offline support. You can create one new file and edit currently loaded pages, but cannot open previously created files, access new pages, search for library components, or see real-time collaboration. Changes are cached locally for up to 30 days and sync when you reconnect.
SourceSketch: Does Sketch offer a free trial?
Yes. Sketch provides a 30-day free trial with no credit card required. You can also purchase a one-time Mac-only license for $120 per seat instead of subscribing.
SourceFigma: Can you self-host Figma?
No. Figma is a closed, cloud-only platform with no option to self-host or run on your own servers.
SourceSketch: What collaboration features does Sketch include?
Sketch supports real-time collaboration, unlimited document sharing, unlimited viewers, and version history on all paid subscription plans (Standard $12/month, Professional $24/month, Enterprise $44/month).
SourceFigma: What export formats does Figma support?
Figma exports to PNG, JPEG, SVG (at 1x scale only), and PDF (at 1x scale only). Export settings allow customization of resolution, quality, and scale.
SourceSketch: Can I use Sketch offline?
Yes. The one-time Mac-only license ($120) allows you to use Sketch offline and save files locally, but it excludes cloud collaboration and iOS previewing features.
SourceFigma: What platforms does Figma support?
Figma is available as a web app (all platforms), desktop apps for macOS and Windows, and mobile apps for iOS and Android. Linux users can access Figma through the web browser only.
SourceFigma: What are Figma's integrations?
Figma integrates with Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Asana, Linear, Notion, VS Code, Zapier, and hundreds of other tools. Integration categories include collaboration, project management, developer handoff, prototyping, and AI/code generation.
Source