Adobe XD is a cloud-native design tool integrated with the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem and available on both macOS and Windows, while Sketch is macOS-exclusive and file-based but offers superior performance and a more intuitive interface for UI/UX design. Adobe XD costs $12.99/month standalone, while Sketch is a one-time $129 purchase or $12/month subscription.
Adobe XD vs Sketch — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose Adobe XD if you need cross-platform support (Windows + Mac), advanced prototyping features, real-time team collaboration, and seamless integration with other Adobe tools—ideal for enterprise teams and designers already in the Creative Cloud ecosystem. Choose Sketch if you're on macOS, prioritize performance and a streamlined interface, prefer a one-time purchase model, and work primarily on UI/UX design without extensive prototyping requirements.
Cross-platform web and desktop design tool with advanced prototyping, integrated into Creative Cloud.
Professional vector design and prototyping platform for UI/UX designers with advanced collaboration.
Structured comparison data for Adobe XD vs Sketch with 183 attributes.
Monthly Subscription Cost (Single Editor)
Cloud Storage Included (Free Plan/Trial)
Market Share Among UI/UX Designers (2024)
Total Monthly Cost (with Required Services)
Performance on Large Files (100+ Artboards)
Monthly Subscription Cost (Individual Plan)
Monthly Subscription Cost (Professional Plan)
Market Share Among Professional Designers
Adobe XD vs Sketch — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Adobe XD vs Sketch.
No, Sketch is macOS-exclusive. If you need a cross-platform design tool, Adobe XD supports both Windows 10+ and macOS. Alternatively, Figma offers a web-based platform that works on any OS but has a different feature set and pricing model ($12-45/month).
Which tool is better for team collaboration?
Adobe XD has superior built-in collaboration with native real-time co-editing, shared design systems, and version history. Sketch requires third-party plugins (like Figma's embed or Marvel) for real-time collaboration, making it less suitable for larger teams. For teams prioritizing seamless collaboration, Adobe XD or Figma are stronger choices.
Yes, Adobe XD has offline functionality, but some cloud-based collaboration features (co-editing, cloud documents) require an internet connection. Sketch also works offline and stores files locally by default, providing more reliable offline access without cloud dependency.
Sketch has a gentler learning curve with a more intuitive interface layout, making it faster for beginners to pick up basic UI design tasks (typically 1-2 weeks to proficiency). Adobe XD requires more time to master (~3-4 weeks) due to its broader feature set and complex interface organization, but this steeper curve pays off for advanced prototyping and animation workflows.
Can I migrate designs between Sketch and Adobe XD?
Direct migration is limited. Sketch files (.sketch) cannot be directly imported into Adobe XD. However, you can export Sketch designs as SVG or PDF and manually reconstruct them in Adobe XD. Third-party conversion tools exist but often require manual cleanup. Consider this when switching tools, as redesigning projects may be necessary.