Why Are There So Many Tools?

In the past, our only concern was “Let’s find a program to design, and we’re good.” Now Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, even InVision Studio, Axure…

The reason is simple:

• Development of Needs: Design is no longer just about creating beautiful screens; it also includes stages like collaboration, prototyping, and user testing.

• Differences in Ecosystems: Some prefer Mac-based tools (like Sketch), some choose the Adobe ecosystem (XD), while others offer cloud collaboration at its maximum level (Figma).

Figma: The New King of the Hill?

Figma, being browser-based and having real-time collaboration features, has become like the new favourite coffee of designers.

• Cloud and Teamwork: You can open files in the browser without downloading anything, and you can design simultaneously. Everyone can see updates “instantly.”

• Platform Independence: Windows, Mac, or Linux—it doesn't matter. It significantly solves team compatibility issues.

• Migration from Sketch: Sketch was once essential for Mac users; however, many teams have migrated by saying, “We can gather everyone in one file with Figma.”

• Surpassing Adobe XD: Despite being part of Creative Cloud, Adobe XD struggled to keep up with Figma’s speed and cloud-based innovations.

Sketch and Adobe XD: Are They Now Second Rate?

• Sketch: It was once referred to as “the king of UI design”; still popular among Mac users. However, due to the cloud integration (Sketch Cloud) not being as smooth as Figma, teams gradually preferred transitioning to Figma.

• Adobe XD: While integration with siblings like Photoshop and Illustrator is advantageous, it has fallen behind in terms of real-time collaboration and cloud ease when competing with Figma. Especially in large design teams, the use of XD is decreasing.

• They’re Not Dead Yet: Sketch is still attractive for small teams seeking simplicity. XD continues to be chosen in companies that heavily use the Adobe ecosystem.

Which Tool Should You Choose?

• Team Size and Platform: Large and mixed (Windows-Mac) teams generally prefer Figma. For a small team using only Mac, Sketch may still be practical.

• If You’re Within the Adobe Ecosystem: XD offers an integrated flow with Photoshop and Illustrator. There are advantages like rapid prototyping, animations, and Adobe Fonts.

• Flexibility and Future Prospects: Even the attempts to acquire Figma (e.g., news of Adobe acquiring Figma) prove it is the darling of the industry. Its cloud-based structure and rapidly growing plugin pool say, “I am here!”