Adobe Express is a browser-based, all-in-one design tool optimized for quick graphics and social media content creation with AI features, while Sketch is a professional vector design application built specifically for UI/UX design with superior performance on macOS. Adobe Express targets casual creators and small teams, whereas Sketch caters to dedicated UX/UI designers requiring advanced prototyping capabilities.
Adobe Express vs Sketch — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose Adobe Express if you need a fast, accessible tool for creating social media content, marketing materials, or quick graphics with AI assistance—it requires no design experience and works on any device. Choose Sketch if you're a dedicated UI/UX designer who values advanced prototyping, design system precision, and professional-grade tools that justify the macOS-only limitation and learning investment.
Browser-based design tool for creating social media graphics, presentations, and quick designs with templates.
Mac-exclusive vector design tool optimized for UI/UX design with extensive plugin ecosystem.
Adobe Express vs Sketch — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for Adobe Express vs Sketch with 156 attributes.
Market Share Among Professional Designers
Monthly Subscription Cost (Individual Plan)
Estimated Time to First Design (Beginner)
Cloud Storage Included (Free Plan/Trial)
Market Share Among UI/UX Designers (2024)
Monthly Subscription Cost (Professional Plan)
Performance on Large Files (100+ Artboards)
Adobe Express vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Adobe Express vs Sketch.
Can I use Sketch on Windows or a web browser?
Sketch is exclusively available on macOS desktop applications. Sketch Cloud (web) allows viewing, commenting, and basic feedback on design files, but all design editing must occur in the macOS app. Adobe Express, by contrast, works fully in any web browser and includes native Windows/Mac/iOS/Android apps.
Which tool is better for prototyping interactive user interfaces?
Sketch is significantly superior for prototyping. It offers animation timelines, conditional interactions, variable-driven designs, and trigger-based logic that enable realistic interactive prototypes. Adobe Express provides only basic transitions and overlays, making it inadequate for complex UI interaction flows that require advanced prototyping.
Does Adobe Express have AI design tools?
Yes, Adobe Express includes multiple AI-powered features: generative fill (AI-powered content removal/addition), text-to-image generation, smart layouts, and design suggestions. Sketch has no built-in generative AI; designers must use third-party plugins (like Relume, Diagram, or Genius) to access similar functionality.
Adobe Express is ideal for beginners. It has an intuitive interface, thousands of templates, minimal learning curve, and works on any device. Sketch has a steep learning curve designed for experienced designers and requires foundational design knowledge—beginners typically struggle significantly without formal training or mentorship.
Are real-time collaboration features equivalent in both tools?
Both tools now offer real-time co-editing, live comments, and shared design libraries. However, Sketch's collaboration was historically weaker but improved significantly in 2024 with better permission controls and simultaneous editing. Adobe Express collaboration is more streamlined for casual team workflows, while Sketch's is built for larger design teams managing complex projects.