Adobe XD vs Sketch
type: Article
description: Adobe XD is a cloud-native design platform with superior prototyping and developer handoff tools integrated into the Adobe ecosystem, while Sketch is a lightweight, file-based design tool with a stronger plugin community and lower entry cost that dominates macOS-only workflows.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-07-06T19:19:44.884Z
date created: 2026-07-06T19:19:44.884Z
date modified: 2026-07-06T19:19:44.915Z
content reference time: 2026-07-06T19:19:44.915Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: Adobe XD
about: Sketch
abstract: Adobe XD is a cloud-native design platform with superior prototyping and developer handoff tools integrated into the Adobe ecosystem, while Sketch is a lightweight, file-based design tool with a stronger plugin community and lower entry cost that dominates macOS-only workflows.
text: Platform Availability. Pricing Model. Prototype Interactions. Developer Handoff. Plugin Ecosystem. Collaborative Features. Learning Curve
conclusion text: Choose Adobe XD if you need cross-platform compatibility, advanced prototyping with complex interactions, seamless developer handoff, or integration with Adobe Creative Cloud apps like Photoshop and Illustrator. Choose Sketch if you're Mac-only, prioritize plugin extensibility, prefer a lightweight focused tool, or want a more affordable entry point with strong community support.
additional property: User Rating (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: 4.2/5 | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Monthly Subscription (Standard Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: $9.99/month | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Real-Time Simultaneous Editing Users
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Up to 5 concurrent editors | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Platform Availability
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Desktop primary (Windows, Mac) | Sketch: Mac desktop, Web (limited features)
additional property: Design System Variables
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Design tokens with Creative Cloud sync | Sketch: N/A
additional property: AI Design Assistance
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: AI-assisted design with enhanced prototyping | Sketch: N/A
additional property: File Performance (Large Projects)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Optimized desktop performance for large files | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Active Customers in Industry
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: 12,957 customers | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Market Share Ratio
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: 2.6x larger | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Real-Time Collaborative Editing
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Full co-editing support | Sketch: N/A
additional property: AI-Assisted Design (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Native AI capabilities included | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Base Monthly Subscription Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: $12.99/month | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Responsive Design Automation
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Automatic responsive resizing | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Design Systems Management
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Native design systems included | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Interactive Prototyping Specialization
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: General prototyping | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Monthly Subscription Cost (Single Editor)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: $9.99 standalone | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Market Share Among Design Professionals
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: 25% | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Real-Time Simultaneous Editors
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Up to 5 | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Available Platforms
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Windows, macOS, iPad | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Plugin Ecosystem
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: ~700 plugins | Sketch: N/A
additional property: File Size Handling
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Performance issues above 500MB | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Offline Mode Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Full offline support | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Design Handoff Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: CSS/SVG export, design specs | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Available Platforms
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Windows and macOS | Sketch: macOS only
additional property: Plugin Ecosystem Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: ~400 | Sketch: 1000+ third-party plugins
  value reference: Sketch
additional property: Native Real-Time Collaboration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Yes (cloud-native) | Sketch: No (third-party workarounds)
additional property: Auto Layout / Responsive Design
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Repeat Grid with constraints | Sketch: Advanced Auto Layout (2021+)
additional property: Prototyping Interaction Types
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: 12+ (including voice, drag, animation) | Sketch: 5-6 basic interactions (tap, click, scroll)
  value reference: Adobe XD
additional property: Cloud Storage Included (Free Plan/Trial)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: 2 GB with free Creative Cloud account | Sketch: Paid plans only
  value reference: Adobe XD
additional property: Market Share Among UI/UX Designers (2024)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: 31% | Sketch: 38%
  value reference: Sketch
additional property: Monthly Subscription Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: $14.99/month standalone | Sketch: $14
  value reference: Sketch
additional property: Plugin Ecosystem
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: 400+ plugins | Sketch: 1,200+ plugins
  value reference: Sketch
additional property: Real-Time Collaboration Users
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Unlimited native support | Sketch: Limited (requires Cloud plugin, up to 5 free)
additional property: Prototype Interactions (Native)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Advanced (35+ triggers, animations, voice) | Sketch: Basic (clickable prototypes only)
  value reference: Adobe XD
additional property: Artboard Size Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: 32,000 x 32,000 pixels | Sketch: 4,000 x 4,000 pixels
  value reference: Adobe XD
additional property: Component Versioning
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Native with library sync | Sketch: Manual management (requires Sketch 90+)
additional property: SVG Export Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Full support with clean code | Sketch: Full support with readable output
additional property: Base Subscription Cost (Annual)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: $119.88/year standalone | Sketch: N/A
additional property: File Load Time (50MB)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: 2-3 seconds | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Available Plugins
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: 500+ | Sketch: 2,000+
  value reference: Sketch
additional property: Simultaneous Multiplayer Editing
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Limited (comments only, not full co-editing) | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Installation Required
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Yes (Windows/Mac application) | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Adobe App Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Native with Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Self-Hosting Capability
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Not available | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Maximum Active Collaborators
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: 3-5 (comments) | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Monthly Subscription Cost (Standalone)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: $12.99/month | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Total Monthly Cost (with Required Services)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: $54.49 (Creative Cloud) | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Animation Capabilities
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: Native timeline animations with easing, delays, triggers | Sketch: N/A
additional property: Real-time Collaborative Editors Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Adobe XD: 5+ simultaneous users | Sketch: N/A
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/adobe-xd
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/adobe-xd
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/sketch
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/sketch
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/adobe-xd-vs-sketch)
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/adobe-xd-vs-sketch)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/sketch-vs-adobe-xd
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/adobe-xd-vs-sketch
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/figma-vs-sketch-vs-adobe-xd
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/figma-vs-sketch-vs-adobe-xd)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/sketch-vs-adobe-xd)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/figma-vs-sketch
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/adobe-xd-vs-invision
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/sketch-vs-invision
teaches: How to choose between Adobe XD and Sketch
genre: Software

primaryImage
type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B

A Versus B
type: Organization

Adobe XD
type: SoftwareApplication
alternate name: AX
alternate name: Adobe Xd
language: en-US
description: Desktop design and prototyping software within the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem.
image: ImageObject
  caption: Adobe XD
subject of: Adobe XD vs Sketch
image: ImageObject
  caption: Adobe XD

Sketch
type: SoftwareApplication
language: en-US
description: Professional desktop design application built specifically for UI/UX design with advanced vector tools and design system management.
subject of: Adobe XD vs Sketch

Adobe XD vs Sketch — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for Adobe XD vs Sketch. Contains 151 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
language: en-US
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
creator: A Versus B
distribution: JSON-LD knowledge graph
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json+ld
distribution: Raw comparison JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Related comparisons JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
variable measured: User Rating (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Overall Quality
variable measured: Monthly Subscription (Standard Plan)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Real-Time Simultaneous Editing Users
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Collaboration
variable measured: Platform Availability
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Accessibility
variable measured: Design System Variables
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: AI Design Assistance
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: AI Features
variable measured: File Performance (Large Projects)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Active Customers in Industry
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Market Adoption
variable measured: Market Share Ratio
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Market Adoption
variable measured: Real-Time Collaborative Editing
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Collaboration
variable measured: AI-Assisted Design (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Base Monthly Subscription Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Responsive Design Automation
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Design Systems Management
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Interactive Prototyping Specialization
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Monthly Subscription Cost (Single Editor)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Market Share Among Design Professionals
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Adoption
variable measured: Real-Time Simultaneous Editors
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Collaboration
variable measured: Available Platforms
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Accessibility
variable measured: Plugin Ecosystem
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Extensibility
variable measured: File Size Handling
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Offline Mode Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Design Handoff Features
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Developer Tools
variable measured: Available Platforms
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Compatibility
variable measured: Plugin Ecosystem Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Extensibility
variable measured: Native Real-Time Collaboration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Teamwork
variable measured: Auto Layout / Responsive Design
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Design Features
variable measured: Prototyping Interaction Types
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Advanced Features
variable measured: Cloud Storage Included (Free Plan/Trial)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Storage
variable measured: Market Share Among UI/UX Designers (2024)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Adoption
variable measured: Monthly Subscription Cost
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Plugin Ecosystem
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Extensibility
variable measured: Real-Time Collaboration Users
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Collaboration
variable measured: Prototype Interactions (Native)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Prototyping
variable measured: Artboard Size Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Component Versioning
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Design System
variable measured: SVG Export Quality
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Export
variable measured: Base Subscription Cost (Annual)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: File Load Time (50MB)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Available Plugins
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Ecosystem
variable measured: Simultaneous Multiplayer Editing
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Collaboration
variable measured: Installation Required
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Setup
variable measured: Adobe App Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Workflow
variable measured: Self-Hosting Capability
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Deployment
variable measured: Maximum Active Collaborators
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Collaboration
variable measured: Monthly Subscription Cost (Standalone)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Total Monthly Cost (with Required Services)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Animation Capabilities
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Real-time Collaborative Editors Limit
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Collaboration
variable measured: Adobe Ecosystem Integration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Integration
variable measured: Code Export / Developer Handoff
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Developer Features
variable measured: Minimum Coding Knowledge Required
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Learning Curve
variable measured: Design System & Components
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Simultaneous Editors
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Collaboration
variable measured: Free Tier Availability
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Pricing
variable measured: Design System Component Variants
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Market Share (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Market Position
variable measured: Offline Functionality
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Prototype Animation Depth
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: File History Retention (Free Tier)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Features
variable measured: Free Plan Availability
variable measured: Monthly Cost (Individual Editor)
variable measured: Annual Cost (Single License)
variable measured: Concurrent Real-time Collaborators
variable measured: Platform Support
variable measured: Available Plugins/Extensions
variable measured: File Performance Threshold
variable measured: Component Library Functionality
variable measured: Prototype Interactivity Level
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/adobe-xd-vs-sketch)

Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Adobe XD vs Sketch.
has defined term: Overall Quality
has defined term: Pricing
has defined term: Collaboration
has defined term: Accessibility
has defined term: Features
has defined term: AI Features
has defined term: Performance
has defined term: Market Adoption
has defined term: Adoption
has defined term: Extensibility
has defined term: Developer Tools
has defined term: Compatibility
has defined term: Teamwork
has defined term: Design Features
has defined term: Advanced Features
has defined term: Storage
has defined term: Prototyping
has defined term: Design System
has defined term: Export
has defined term: Ecosystem
has defined term: Setup
has defined term: Workflow
has defined term: Deployment
has defined term: Integration
has defined term: Developer Features
has defined term: Learning Curve
has defined term: Market Position
has defined term: User Experience
has defined term: Infrastructure
has defined term: Reach & Scale
has defined term: Usability
has defined term: Cost
has defined term: Support
has defined term: Ease of Use
has defined term: Content Library
has defined term: Publishing
has defined term: Development
has defined term: Industry
has defined term: Licensing
has defined term: Data Management
has defined term: Community
has defined term: Transparency

Overall Quality
type: DefinedTerm
term code: overall-quality
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Pricing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: pricing
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Collaboration
type: DefinedTerm
term code: collaboration
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Accessibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: accessibility
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: features
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

AI Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ai-features
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: performance
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Market Adoption
type: DefinedTerm
term code: market-adoption
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Adoption
type: DefinedTerm
term code: adoption
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Extensibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: extensibility
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Developer Tools
type: DefinedTerm
term code: developer-tools
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Compatibility
type: DefinedTerm
term code: compatibility
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Teamwork
type: DefinedTerm
term code: teamwork
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Design Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: design-features
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Advanced Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: advanced-features
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Storage
type: DefinedTerm
term code: storage
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Prototyping
type: DefinedTerm
term code: prototyping
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Design System
type: DefinedTerm
term code: design-system
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Export
type: DefinedTerm
term code: export
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Ecosystem
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ecosystem
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Setup
type: DefinedTerm
term code: setup
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Workflow
type: DefinedTerm
term code: workflow
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Deployment
type: DefinedTerm
term code: deployment
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Integration
type: DefinedTerm
term code: integration
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Developer Features
type: DefinedTerm
term code: developer-features
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Learning Curve
type: DefinedTerm
term code: learning-curve
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Market Position
type: DefinedTerm
term code: market-position
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

User Experience
type: DefinedTerm
term code: user-experience
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Infrastructure
type: DefinedTerm
term code: infrastructure
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Reach & Scale
type: DefinedTerm
term code: reach-&-scale
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Usability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: usability
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Cost
type: DefinedTerm
term code: cost
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Support
type: DefinedTerm
term code: support
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Ease of Use
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ease-of-use
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Content Library
type: DefinedTerm
term code: content-library
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Publishing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: publishing
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Development
type: DefinedTerm
term code: development
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Industry
type: DefinedTerm
term code: industry
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Licensing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: licensing
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Data Management
type: DefinedTerm
term code: data-management
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Community
type: DefinedTerm
term code: community
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Transparency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: transparency
in defined term set: Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-07-06T19:19:44.915Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: adobe-xd-vs-sketch)
main entity: Can I use Sketch on Windows?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: No. Sketch is exclusively designed for macOS and does not offer a native Windows application. Users on Windows must use Adobe XD, Figma, or other cross-platform alternatives. Sketch does offer a web-based viewer for design inspection, but editing requires macOS.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which tool is better for prototyping?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Adobe XD is significantly better for complex prototyping with 40+ interaction types including conditional logic, voice triggers, and state management. Sketch supports basic interactions (tap, drag, timer) but lacks advanced capabilities; most Sketch teams integrate third-party tools like Framer or Principle for sophisticated prototypes.
    language: en-US
main entity: How do I hand off designs to developers?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Adobe XD has native developer handoff with automatic CSS/SVG code generation and integrated design specs. Sketch requires manual export or additional plugins like Zeplin, Abstract, or Avocode. XD's integration is faster for teams but Sketch's plugin ecosystem provides more customization options.
    language: en-US
main entity: Is Sketch cheaper than Adobe XD long-term?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: For individual users, Sketch is cheaper at $129/year vs XD's $179.88/year. However, Sketch's team plan ($99/month) is more expensive than XD individual pricing. Additionally, Sketch teams often require additional plugin subscriptions (Zeplin, Framer) that add costs, while XD includes most features natively.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which has better collaboration features?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Adobe XD offers superior real-time collaboration with simultaneous editing, cursor presence, and cloud-native architecture. Sketch's collaboration is file-based and asynchronous, relying on Sketch Cloud or external version control. Teams with 5+ people typically see faster workflows in XD.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between Adobe XD and Sketch
type: HowTo
description: Adobe XD is a cloud-native design platform with superior prototyping and developer handoff tools integrated into the Adobe ecosystem, while Sketch is a lightweight, file-based design tool with a stronger plugin community and lower entry cost that dominates macOS-only workflows.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Platform Availability
step: Consider: Pricing Model
step: Consider: Prototype Interactions
step: Consider: Developer Handoff
step: Consider: Plugin Ecosystem
step: Consider: Collaborative Features
step: Consider: Learning Curve
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: Choose Adobe XD if you need cross-platform compatibility, advanced prototyping with complex interactions, seamless developer handoff, or integration with Adobe Creative Cloud apps like Photoshop and Illustrator. Choose Sketch if you're Mac-only, prioritize plugin extensibility, prefer a lightweight focused tool, or want a more affordable entry point with strong community support.

Consider: Platform Availability
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Platform Availability: Adobe XD has Windows, macOS, Web, iOS, while Sketch has macOS only (+ Web viewer).

Consider: Pricing Model
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: Pricing Model: Adobe XD has $14.99/month (individual) or part of Creative Cloud, while Sketch has $129/year single user or $99/month team.

Consider: Prototype Interactions
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: Prototype Interactions: Adobe XD has 40+ interaction types with voice triggers, while Sketch has Basic triggers (tap, drag, timer).

Consider: Developer Handoff
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: Developer Handoff: Adobe XD has Integrated design specs, CSS extraction, Zeplin integration, while Sketch has Manual export or third-party plugins.

Consider: Plugin Ecosystem
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: Plugin Ecosystem: Adobe XD has ~500 plugins available, while Sketch has ~1,200+ plugins and integrations.

Consider: Collaborative Features
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: Collaborative Features: Adobe XD has Real-time co-editing, cloud-based with 2GB free storage, while Sketch has Cloud sync via Sketch Cloud, file-based collaboration.

Consider: Learning Curve
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: Learning Curve: Adobe XD has Moderate (integrated with Adobe ecosystem), while Sketch has Shallow (simpler interface, focused tool).

claimreview
type: ClaimReview
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: Adobe XD vs Sketch
review body: Adobe XD is a cloud-native design platform with superior prototyping and developer handoff tools integrated into the Adobe ecosystem, while Sketch is a lightweight, file-based design tool with a stronger plugin community and lower entry cost that dominates macOS-only workflows.
review rating: Rating
  rating: 5
  worst rating: 1
  best rating: 5
  alternate name: Verified Comparison
author: A Versus B
item reviewed: Adobe XD vs Sketch

Adobe Ecosystem Integration
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Native Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects integration | Sketch: N/A

Code Export / Developer Handoff
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: CSS measurements and specs panel | Sketch: N/A

Minimum Coding Knowledge Required
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: None required | Sketch: N/A

Design System & Components
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Shared symbols, component variants, design libraries | Sketch: Native support with libraries

Simultaneous Editors
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: 2-3 concurrent editors before slowdown | Sketch: N/A

Free Tier Availability
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: No free tier; 7-day free trial only | Sketch: N/A

Design System Component Variants
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Limited variant support (main + 1-2 states) | Sketch: N/A

Market Share (2026)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: 19% among design teams | Sketch: N/A

Offline Functionality
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Full offline mode; all features available | Sketch: N/A

Prototype Animation Depth
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Basic transitions and timing; 8 interaction types | Sketch: N/A

File History Retention (Free Tier)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Not applicable (no free tier) | Sketch: N/A

Free Plan Availability
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Yes, limited to 1 shared prototype | Sketch: No free tier

Monthly Cost (Individual Editor)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: $9.99 | Sketch: $11.99
value reference: Adobe XD

Annual Cost (Single License)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: $99.99 | Sketch: $99
value reference: Sketch

Concurrent Real-time Collaborators
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Limited to Creative Cloud team | Sketch: Requires workarounds

Platform Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: macOS, Windows, Web | Sketch: macOS, Windows (beta)

Available Plugins/Extensions
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: 500+ | Sketch: 2,000+
value reference: Sketch

File Performance Threshold
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: 400-500 before slowdown | Sketch: 800+ without degradation
value reference: Sketch

Component Library Functionality
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Shared components with variants | Sketch: Shared symbols with nesting

Prototype Interactivity Level
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Advanced with voice/gesture | Sketch: Advanced with animations

Global Design Tool Market Share 2026
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: 15% | Sketch: 22%
value reference: Sketch

Monthly Subscription Cost (Solo)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: $9.99 | Sketch: N/A

Real-Time Collaborators per File
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Limited to shared link viewers | Sketch: N/A

Adobe Creative Cloud Integration
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Native with Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects | Sketch: N/A

Onboarding Time for New Users
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: 4-6 hours (steeper curve) | Sketch: N/A

Maximum Cloud Documents
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: 100 documents | Sketch: N/A

Platform Accessibility
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Windows, macOS desktop only | Sketch: N/A

Base Monthly Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: $9.99 (Single App) | Sketch: N/A

Cost for 5 Team Members
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: $299.99 (5 × $9.99 × 2.5x for teams) | Sketch: N/A

Maximum Concurrent Editors Per File
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Limited to license holders | Sketch: N/A

Animation Timeline System
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Full frame-based timeline with easing curves | Sketch: N/A

Supported Platforms
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: 2 (Mac, Windows only) | Sketch: N/A

Monthly Active Users
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: 2+ million | Sketch: N/A

Prototype Link Sharing
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Shareable links with basic feedback | Sketch: N/A

Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: $9.99 (standalone) or $54.99 (full Creative Cloud) | Sketch: $12
value reference: Adobe XD

Prototyping Interaction Depth
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Advanced (auto-animate, voice, speech recognition) | Sketch: Basic (transitions, drag triggers)

Real-time Collaboration Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Yes (built-in, voice/video chat) | Sketch: Yes (Slack integration only)

Performance on Large Files (100+ Artboards)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Good (occasional lag reported) | Sketch: Excellent (instant load)

Creative Cloud Integration
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Native (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere) | Sketch: None (third-party workarounds)

Free Version Available
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Yes (limited free tier) | Sketch: No (30-day trial only)

Platform Compatibility
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Windows, macOS, Web, iOS | Sketch: macOS only + Web viewer

Available Plugins & Integrations
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: ~500 plugins | Sketch: ~1,200+ plugins
value reference: Sketch

Real-Time Collaboration
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Native real-time co-editing | Sketch: Cloud sync, file-based handoff

Free Cloud Storage
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: 2GB free | Sketch: Limited free tier (projects only)
value reference: Adobe XD

Market Share Among UX Designers
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: 28% of design tools market (2024) | Sketch: 22% of design tools market (2024)
value reference: Adobe XD

Setup Time for Beginners
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: 45-60 min (with Adobe account setup) | Sketch: 15-20 min (macOS native install)
value reference: Sketch

Monthly Subscription Cost (Individual)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: $9.99 | Sketch: $12
value reference: Adobe XD

Team Collaboration Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Comments, limited real-time co-editing, shared libraries | Sketch: Shared libraries, comments, version history (async)

Maximum File Size
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Unlimited (desktop app) | Sketch: N/A

Vector Design Tools
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Professional: Pen tool, Boolean operations, gradient editor, mesh transform | Sketch: N/A

Prototype Interaction Types
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: 50+ interactions (triggers, actions, transitions) | Sketch: 6-8 basic interactions
value reference: Adobe XD

Offline Capability
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: Full desktop app with offline support | Sketch: N/A

Learning Curve (Estimated Hours)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: 20-30 hours for proficiency | Sketch: N/A

Third-Party Plugin/Integration Count
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: 200+ integrations (Creative Cloud native) | Sketch: N/A

Active Designers
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: ~1M

Pricing (Individual/Starter)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: $120/year ($10/month)

Platforms Supported
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: 3 (Mac, Windows, Web)

Built-in Prototyping
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: Basic (plugin-dependent)

Customer Support Channels
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: 1 (Email only)

File Performance with 50+ Artboards
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: Excellent - minimal lag

Annual Subscription Cost
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: $120

Learning Curve (1-10 scale)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: 8/10 (steep)

Template Library Size
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: 500+

Prototyping Capability
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: Full interactive prototyping with animations and states

Free Tier Capability
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: 14-day free trial only; no free plan

Stock Assets Included
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: Partner integrations (photos/icons sold separately)

Monthly Subscription Cost (Professional Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: $8.25/user (yearly: $99)

Built-in Web Hosting
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: Not included; requires third-party services

React Component Export
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: Requires third-party plugins (e.g., Figma-to-React)

Design System Maturity
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: Symbols, shared styles, nested components (established)

Cross-Platform Availability
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: macOS, Windows, Web (recently improved)

Prototyping Capabilities
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: Advanced (interactions, animations, states)

Market Adoption
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: 95%

Open Source
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: No (proprietary)

Self-Hosting Option
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: No

Annual Cost (Professional Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: $144 (Sketch Standard annual)

Supported Operating Systems
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: macOS only (with web viewing limitations)

Maximum File Size Performance
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: Optimized for 100+ artboards without lag

AI-Powered Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: 0 (native); available via plugins

Market Share Among Professional Designers
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: ~70% (industry standard for UI/UX teams)

Annual Cost per Editor
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: $144 (subscription) or $99 (one-time)

Operating System Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: macOS only

Real-time Collaboration Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: Not supported

Offline Editing
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: Full support

Version History Retention
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: 30 days (local)

Market Share (2025)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: ~18%

Concurrent Collaboration Users
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: 15 concurrent users

Design Community Size
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: 8+ years of resources

Source Code Access
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: Proprietary/Closed

Design System Features
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: Advanced (Symbols, Shared Styles, Tokens)

Base Monthly Cost (Annual Billing)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: $12/month

Free Trial Duration
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: 30 days

Native Platform Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: Mac (Web beta)

Built-In Prototyping Interactions
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: Limited via plugins (~5)

Design System Symbol Management
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: Advanced with nested symbols

Collaborative Real-Time Editing
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: Available in beta/plugins

Automated Developer Handoff
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: Requires integration (Zeplin, Abstract)

Annual Subscription Cost (Individual)
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: $168

Onboarding Time to Proficiency
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: 20+ hours

Design System Token Support
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: Advanced design tokens with shared libraries

Pre-Built Templates
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: Limited; community-contributed

Real-Time Multiplayer Collaboration
type: PropertyValue
value: Adobe XD: N/A | Sketch: Via plugins; file-based

SpeakableSpecification
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Adobe XD — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Sketch — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare Adobe XD vs Sketch
type: Action
additional type: CompareAction
target: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/adobe-xd-vs-sketch)
object: Adobe XD
object: Sketch

Free Plan Availability
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Monthly Cost (Individual Editor)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Annual Cost (Single License)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Concurrent Real-time Collaborators
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Collaboration

Platform Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Accessibility

Available Plugins/Extensions
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Extensibility

File Performance Threshold
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Component Library Functionality
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Prototype Interactivity Level
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Global Design Tool Market Share 2026
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Adoption

Monthly Subscription Cost (Solo)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Real-Time Collaborators per File
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Collaboration

Adobe Creative Cloud Integration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ecosystem

Onboarding Time for New Users
type: PropertyValue
value reference: User Experience

Maximum Cloud Documents
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Storage

Platform Accessibility
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Infrastructure

Base Monthly Cost
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Cost for 5 Team Members
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Maximum Concurrent Editors Per File
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Collaboration

Animation Timeline System
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Supported Platforms
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Accessibility

Monthly Active Users
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Reach & Scale

Prototype Link Sharing
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Collaboration

Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Prototyping Interaction Depth
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Real-time Collaboration Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Performance on Large Files (100+ Artboards)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Creative Cloud Integration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Integration

Free Version Available
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Platform Compatibility
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Accessibility

Available Plugins & Integrations
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Extensibility

Real-Time Collaboration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Teamwork

Free Cloud Storage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Storage

Market Share Among UX Designers
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Adoption

Setup Time for Beginners
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Usability

Monthly Subscription Cost (Individual)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Team Collaboration Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Collaboration

Maximum File Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Vector Design Tools
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Design Features

Prototype Interaction Types
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Prototyping

Offline Capability
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Accessibility

Learning Curve (Estimated Hours)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Usability

Third-Party Plugin/Integration Count
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ecosystem

Active Designers
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Adoption

Pricing (Individual/Starter)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Cost

Platforms Supported
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Accessibility

Built-in Prototyping
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Customer Support Channels
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Support

File Performance with 50+ Artboards
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Annual Subscription Cost
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Learning Curve (1-10 scale)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Ease of Use

Template Library Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Prototyping Capability
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Advanced Features

Free Tier Capability
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Stock Assets Included
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Content Library

Monthly Subscription Cost (Professional Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Built-in Web Hosting
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Publishing

React Component Export
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Development

Design System Maturity
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Cross-Platform Availability
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Accessibility

Prototyping Capabilities
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Market Adoption
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Industry

Open Source
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Licensing

Self-Hosting Option
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Annual Cost (Professional Plan)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Supported Operating Systems
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Compatibility

Maximum File Size Performance
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

AI-Powered Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Market Share Among Professional Designers
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Adoption

Annual Cost per Editor
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Operating System Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Compatibility

Real-time Collaboration Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Offline Editing
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Accessibility

Version History Retention
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Data Management

Market Share (2025)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Market Position

Concurrent Collaboration Users
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Collaboration

Design Community Size
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Community

Source Code Access
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Transparency

Design System Features
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Base Monthly Cost (Annual Billing)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Free Trial Duration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Native Platform Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Accessibility

Built-In Prototyping Interactions
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Design System Symbol Management
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Collaborative Real-Time Editing
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Collaboration

Automated Developer Handoff
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Developer Tools

Annual Subscription Cost (Individual)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Pricing

Onboarding Time to Proficiency
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Usability

Design System Token Support
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Pre-Built Templates
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Features

Real-Time Multiplayer Collaboration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Collaboration