software
Sketch vs InVision 2026: Design Tools Compared
Sketch is a lightweight vector design tool focused on UI/UX design with a one-time purchase model, while InVision is a comprehensive prototyping and collaboration platform with subscription-based pricing. Sketch excels at design speed, while InVision prioritizes interactive prototyping and team workflows.
S
Sketch
Lightweight vector design tool for UI/UX design with collaborative cloud features.
Solo designers, small design teams, and macOS-focused studios prioritizing affordability and design speed over advanced prototyping.
Score63%
VS
I
InVision
Web-based design and prototyping platform with advanced collaboration and interactive prototype features.
Larger design teams, agencies, and enterprises requiring robust prototyping, stakeholder collaboration, and user testing capabilities.
Score63%
Quick Answer
AI SummarySketch is a lightweight vector design tool focused on UI/UX design with a one-time purchase model, while InVision is a comprehensive prototyping and collaboration platform with subscription-based pricing. Sketch excels at design speed, while InVision prioritizes interactive prototyping and team workflows.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Sketch if you're a solo designer or small team prioritizing cost-efficiency, speed, and focused UI design work on macOS. Choose InVision if you need robust team collaboration, interactive prototyping with client handoff, and cross-platform accessibility for larger design teams.
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S
Sketch
8.2/10
InVision
6.8/10
I
S
Choose Sketch if
Best pickSolo designers, small design teams, and macOS-focused studios prioritizing affordability and design speed over advanced prototyping.
I
Choose InVision if
Larger design teams, agencies, and enterprises requiring robust prototyping, stakeholder collaboration, and user testing capabilities.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Primary Use Case:Vector-based UI/UX design tool vs Interactive prototyping and design collaboration platform
- Pricing Model:✓ Sketch wins($99 one-time purchase + $99/year updates vs $99-$149/month subscription per user)
- Team Collaboration Features:✓ InVision wins(Built-in version control, comments, and real-time collaboration vs Cloud workspace (Sketch Cloud) - basic file sharing)
Key Facts & Figures
88 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Sketch | InVision | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Designers | ~1M | — | — |
| Platforms Supported(count) | 3 (Mac, Windows, Web) | 4 (Web, Desktop, iOS, Android) | |
| Customer Support Channels(count) | 1 (Email only) | 3 (Email, Phone, Tickets) | |
| Plugin Ecosystem Size(plugins) | ~1,000+ community-built plugins | 500+ plugins and apps | |
| Prototyping Interaction Types(types) | 5-6 basic interactions (tap, click, scroll) | — | — |
| Cloud Storage Included (Free Plan/Trial)(GB) | Paid plans only | — | — |
| Market Share Among UI/UX Designers (2024)(%) | 38% | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost(USD) | $120 | — | — |
| Learning Curve (1-10 scale)(difficulty) | 8/10 (steep) | — | — |
| Template Library Size(templates) | 500+ | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Professional Plan)(USD) | $8.25/user (yearly: $99) | — | — |
| Plugin Ecosystem(available plugins) | 1,200+ plugins | 200+ integrations | |
| Available Plugins(count) | 3,500+ plugins | — | — |
| Market Adoption(percent of container deployments) | 95% | — | — |
| Annual Cost (Professional Plan)(USD) | $144 (Sketch Standard annual) | — | — |
| Maximum File Size Performance(MB) | Optimized for 100+ artboards without lag | — | — |
| Available Plugins/Integrations(plugins) | 15,000+ plugins and integrations | 300+ integrations | |
| Market Share Among Professional Designers(percent) | ~70% (industry standard for UI/UX teams) | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $14 | — | — |
| Artboard Size Limit(pixels) | 4,000 x 4,000 pixels | — | — |
| Application Load Time (4GB RAM)(seconds) | <1 second | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Individual)(USD) | $12 | $7-$99 | |
| Annual Cost per Editor(USD) | $299 | — | — |
| Available Plugins/Extensions(count) | 9,000+ | — | — |
| Version History Retention(months) | 30 days (local) | — | — |
| Market Share (2025)(percent) | ~18% | — | — |
| Monthly Cost (Individual Editor)(USD) | $11.99 | — | — |
| Annual Cost (Single License)(USD) | $99 | — | — |
| File Performance Threshold(artboards) | 800+ without degradation | — | — |
| Global Design Tool Market Share 2026(percent) | 22% | — | — |
| Subscription Cost (Monthly Equivalent)(USD) | $12/month (or $129 one-time) | — | — |
| Concurrent Collaboration Users(users) | 15 concurrent users | — | — |
| Design Community Size(years established) | 8+ years of resources | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) | $12 | — | — |
| Base Monthly Cost (Annual Billing)(USD) | $12/month | $25/month | |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 30 days | 7 days | |
| Built-In Prototyping Interactions(interaction types) | Limited via plugins (~5) | Native support (15+) | |
| Prototype Interaction Types(count) | 6-8 basic interactions | 25+ interactions (links, hotspots, gestures) | |
| Free Cloud Storage(GB) | Limited free tier (projects only) | — | — |
| Market Share Among UX Designers(percent) | 22% of design tools market (2024) | — | — |
| Setup Time for Beginners(minutes) | 15-20 min (macOS native install) | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost (Individual)(USD) | $168 | — | — |
| Onboarding Time to Proficiency(weeks) | 20+ hours | — | — |
| Pre-built Templates(templates) | Limited; community-contributed | — | — |
| Professional Designer Adoption (2025)(percent) | 18% | — | — |
| Maximum Recommended File Size(MB) | 1,000+ MB | — | — |
| Learning Curve (Hours to Proficiency)(hours) | 6-10 hours | — | — |
| Prototyping Animation Options(types) | Basic: 4-5 transition types (fade, slide, push, pop) | — | — |
| Average File Size(MB) | 2-5 MB per project | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost (Year 1)(USD) | $120 | — | — |
| 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership(USD) | $600 | — | — |
| Operating Systems Supported(count) | 2 (macOS, Web beta) | — | — |
| Cloud Storage Included(GB) | 0 (third-party integration only) | — | — |
| Prototyping Interaction Triggers(count) | 6 | — | — |
| Monthly Cost (Individual License)(USD) | $14/month (annual billing) or $20/month (monthly) | — | — |
| File Performance (Artboards)(artboards) | Optimal up to 200+ artboards with <100ms interaction latency | — | — |
| Market Adoption (Design Professionals)(percent) | 62% of design professionals (2024) | — | — |
| Annual Cost per User(USD) | $99 one-time + $99/year | $1,188-$1,788/year | |
| Maximum Team Size (Optimal)(users) | Up to 5 efficiently | Unlimited | |
| Prototyping Interactivity Level(features) | Basic (5-10 interaction types) | Advanced (40+ interaction types) | |
| Desktop Application Performance(MB/s file load) | 65 MB/s average | 12 MB/s (web-based limitation) | |
| Community Plugin Ecosystem(plugins) | 800+ plugins | 150+ plugins | |
| Average Project File Size(MB) | 10 MB for complex UI | 20 MB including prototypes | |
| Active Customers in Industry(customers) | 4,951 customers | 4,951 customers | |
| Market Share Ratio(x) | 1x (baseline) | 1x (baseline) | |
| Base Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $7.00/month | $7.00/month | |
| Integration Plugins/Extensions(count) | 50 | 50 | |
| Setup Time for New User(minutes) | 45 | 45 | |
| Starting Price (USD/month per editor)(USD) | $25 | $25 | |
| Market Share 2026(percent) | 12% | 12% | |
| Monthly Cost (Base Plan per User)(USD) | $7 per viewer | $7 per viewer | |
| Time to Basic Proficiency(days) | 21 days (3 weeks) | 21 days (3 weeks) | |
| Market Share(%) | 12% | 12% | |
| Free Tier Projects Allowed(projects) | 3 projects | 3 projects | |
| Monthly Cost (Professional Plan)(USD) | $25 per month (flat rate) | $25 per month (flat rate) | |
| Real-Time Co-Editors(simultaneous users) | Limited to commenter model | Limited to commenter model | |
| Prototyping & Interactions(capability) | 35+ gesture and animation controls | 35+ gesture and animation controls | |
| File Collaboration Limit(artboards) | Optimal up to 3,000 artboards | Optimal up to 3,000 artboards | |
| Market Adoption Rate (2024)(percent of design teams) | 8-12% declining adoption | 8-12% declining adoption | |
| Monthly Cost per Editor (Standard)(USD) | $15/month | $15/month | |
| Active User Base(millions) | 500,000-750,000 users | 500,000-750,000 users | |
| Prototype Animation Capability Level(complexity scale (1-10)) | Advanced micro-interactions (9/10) | Advanced micro-interactions (9/10) | |
| Developer Handoff Quality(rating (1-10)) | Industry-leading (9/10) | Industry-leading (9/10) | |
| Learning Curve (Time to Proficiency)(weeks) | 3-4 weeks | 3-4 weeks | |
| Maximum File Size(MB) | 100 screens per prototype (practical limit) | 100 screens per prototype (practical limit) | |
| Learning Curve (Estimated Hours)(hours) | 5-10 hours for proficiency | 5-10 hours for proficiency | |
| Third-Party Plugin/Integration Count(count) | 50+ integrations and API | 50+ integrations and API | |
| User Base Growth (2022-2024)(percent) | 12% annual growth | 12% annual growth |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
S
3SketchEvenly matched1 tie
I
3InVisionSketch
Attribute
InVision
- Vector-based UI/UX design toolPrimary Use CaseInteractive prototyping and design collaboration platform
- $99 one-time purchase + $99/year updates(winner)Pricing Model$99-$149/month subscription per user
- Cloud workspace (Sketch Cloud) - basic file sharingTeam Collaboration FeaturesBuilt-in version control, comments, and real-time collaboration(winner)
- Basic prototyping with limited interactivityPrototyping CapabilitiesAdvanced interactive prototyping with animations and transitions(winner)
- 5-15 MB for complex projects(winner)Design File Size (Average Project)10-30 MB including prototype assets
- 8-12 hours for basic UI design(winner)Learning Curve (Hours to Proficiency)15-20 hours including prototyping workflows
- macOS only (desktop), web browser access limitedPlatform AvailabilityWeb-based, works on Mac/Windows/Linux browsers(winner)
- Primary Use Case
Sketch
Vector-based UI/UX design tool
InVision
Interactive prototyping and design collaboration platform
- Pricing Model
Sketch
$99 one-time purchase + $99/year updates(winner)
InVision
$99-$149/month subscription per user
- Team Collaboration Features
Sketch
Cloud workspace (Sketch Cloud) - basic file sharing
InVision
Built-in version control, comments, and real-time collaboration(winner)
- Prototyping Capabilities
Sketch
Basic prototyping with limited interactivity
InVision
Advanced interactive prototyping with animations and transitions(winner)
- Design File Size (Average Project)
Sketch
5-15 MB for complex projects(winner)
InVision
10-30 MB including prototype assets
- Learning Curve (Hours to Proficiency)
Sketch
8-12 hours for basic UI design(winner)
InVision
15-20 hours including prototyping workflows
- Platform Availability
Sketch
macOS only (desktop), web browser access limited
InVision
Web-based, works on Mac/Windows/Linux browsers(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Sketch | InVision |
|---|---|---|
| Active Designers | ~1M | — |
| Market Share Among UI/UX Designers (2024)(%) | 38% | — |
| Market Adoption(percent of container deployments) | 95% | — |
| Market Share Among Professional Designers(percent) | ~70% (industry standard for UI/UX teams) | — |
| Global Design Tool Market Share 2026(percent) | 22% | — |
Show 4 more attributesMarket Share Among UX Designers(percent) 22% of design tools market (2024) — Market Share(%) 12% — Active User Base(millions) 500,000-750,000 users — User Base Growth (2022-2024)(percent) 12% annual growth — | ||
| Platform Support(platforms) | macOS, Windows (beta) | — |
| Platforms Supported(count) | 3 (Mac, Windows, Web) | 4 (Web, Desktop, iOS, Android)(winner) |
| Available Platforms | macOS only | — |
| Cross-Platform Availability(platforms) | macOS, Windows, Web (recently improved) | — |
| Supported Operating Systems | 1 (Mac only) | — |
Show 2 more attributesOperating System Support macOS 10.13+ only — Operating Systems Supported(count) 2 (macOS, Web beta) — | ||
| Pricing (Individual/Starter)(USD per year or month) | $120/year ($10/month)(winner) | $25-$50/month ($300-$600/year) |
| Annual Subscription Cost(USD) | $120 | — |
| Built-in Prototyping | Basic (plugin-dependent) | Advanced with interactions |
| Design System Components(maturity level) | Native support with libraries | Supported via DSM add-on |
| Design System Maturity(null) | Symbols, shared styles, nested components (established) | — |
| Real-time Collaboration | Plugin-based, additional cost | Limited to paid Team tier |
| Prototyping Capabilities(feature count) | Advanced (interactions, animations, states) | — |
Show 19 more attributesComponent Library Functionality Shared symbols with nesting — Prototype Interactivity Level Advanced with animations — Design System Features(capability level) Advanced (Symbols, Shared Styles, Tokens) — Prototyping Interaction Depth Basic (transitions, drag triggers) — Built-In Prototyping Interactions(interaction types) Limited via plugins (~5) Native support (15+) Design System Symbol Management Advanced with nested symbols Basic component system Design System Token Support(feature maturity) Advanced design tokens with shared libraries Pattern library with limited tokenization Prototyping Animation Options(types) Basic: 4-5 transition types (fade, slide, push, pop) — Design System Component Libraries Shared symbols with cloud sync via subscription — Prototyping Interaction Triggers(count) 6 — File Format Native Support(formats) Sketch, SVG, PDF export — Design-to-Code Export Via third-party plugins (Zeplin, Abstract) — AI-Assisted Design (2026) Not available — Responsive Design Automation Manual responsive workflow — Design Systems Management Requires external integration — Interactive Prototyping Specialization Specialized interactive prototypes — Native Prototyping Depth(capability level) Advanced (micro-interactions, animations) — Free Tier Available Limited (view-only) — Prototype Animation Capability Level(complexity scale (1-10)) Advanced micro-interactions (9/10) — | ||
| Real-Time Collaboration Users(users) | Limited (requires Cloud plugin, up to 5 free) | Unlimited users |
| Team Collaboration Features | Shared libraries, comments, version history (async) | Comments, design voting, stakeholder reviews, inspect mode |
| Real-Time Collaboration Support | Limited (file sharing only) | Full real-time with live cursors |
| Concurrent Real-time Collaborators(users) | Requires workarounds | — |
| Concurrent Collaboration Users(users) | 15 concurrent users | — |
Show 10 more attributesCollaborative Real-Time Editing Available in beta/plugins Native Liveshare feature Real-Time Multiplayer Collaboration Via plugins; file-based — Real-Time Co-Editing Support Third-party plugins only — Real-Time Collaborative Users(simultaneous users) Unlimited (2024+) — Real-time Multiplayer Editing Comments only; async collaboration — Real-Time Collaborative Editing Comment-based feedback only — Real-Time Co-editing Users(simultaneous users) Comment-based workflow — Real-Time Co-Editors(simultaneous users) Limited to commenter model — Simultaneous Real-Time Editors(users) Unlimited — Feedback & Comment Threads(depth) Advanced nested threads with task management — | ||
| Customer Support Channels(count) | 1 (Email only) | 3 (Email, Phone, Tickets)(winner) |
| File Performance with 50+ Artboards(responsiveness rating) | Excellent - minimal lag(winner) | Good - occasional lag |
| Maximum File Size Performance(MB) | Optimized for 100+ artboards without lag | — |
| Artboard Size Limit(pixels) | 4,000 x 4,000 pixels | — |
| Application Load Time (4GB RAM)(seconds) | <1 second | — |
| File Performance Threshold(artboards) | 800+ without degradation | — |
Show 8 more attributesPerformance on Large Files (100+ Artboards)(stability rating) Excellent (instant load) — Maximum Recommended File Size(MB) 1,000+ MB — Average File Size(MB) 2-5 MB per project — File Performance (Artboards)(artboards) Optimal up to 200+ artboards with <100ms interaction latency — Desktop Application Performance(MB/s file load) 65 MB/s average 12 MB/s (web-based limitation) Average Project File Size(MB) 10 MB for complex UI 20 MB including prototypes Maximum File Size Recommended(pages) Unlimited — File Collaboration Limit(artboards) Optimal up to 3,000 artboards — | ||
| Plugin Ecosystem Size(plugins) | ~1,000+ community-built plugins(winner) | 500+ plugins and apps |
| Plugin Ecosystem(available plugins) | 1,200+ plugins(winner) | 200+ integrations |
| Available Plugins/Extensions(count) | 9,000+ | — |
| Community Plugin Ecosystem(plugins) | 800+ plugins(winner) | 150+ plugins |
| Native Real-Time Collaboration | No (third-party workarounds) | — |
| Auto Layout / Responsive Design | Advanced Auto Layout (2021+) | — |
| Animation Timeline Controls | Advanced Smart Animate with frame-by-frame timeline | — |
| Vector Design Tools | Basic: shapes, text, limited path editing | — |
| Prototyping Interaction Types(types) | 5-6 basic interactions (tap, click, scroll) | — |
| Prototyping Capability(null) | Full interactive prototyping with animations and states | — |
| Cloud Storage Included (Free Plan/Trial)(GB) | Paid plans only | — |
| Free Cloud Storage(GB) | Limited free tier (projects only) | — |
| Cloud Storage Included(GB) | 0 (third-party integration only) | — |
| Learning Curve (1-10 scale)(difficulty) | 8/10 (steep) | — |
| Setup Time for Beginners(minutes) | 15-20 min (macOS native install) | — |
| Onboarding Time to Proficiency(weeks) | 20+ hours | — |
| Setup Time for New User(minutes) | 45 | — |
| Learning Curve (Time to Proficiency)(weeks) | 3-4 weeks | — |
Show 1 more attributeLearning Curve (Estimated Hours)(hours) 5-10 hours for proficiency — | ||
| Template Library Size(templates) | 500+ | — |
| Platform Availability(null) | Mac desktop, Web (limited features) | — |
| Offline Editing(capability) | Full support | — |
| Native Platform Support | Mac (Web beta) | Any browser (cross-platform) |
| Platform Compatibility | macOS only + Web viewer | — |
| Offline Functionality(qualitative) | Full design support | Desktop app supports offline work |
| Free Tier Capability | 14-day free trial only; no free plan | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Professional Plan)(USD) | $8.25/user (yearly: $99) | — |
| Annual Cost (Professional Plan)(USD) | $144 (Sketch Standard annual) | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $14 | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Individual)(USD) | $12(winner) | $7-$99 |
Show 19 more attributesAnnual Cost per Editor(USD) $299 — Free Plan Availability No free tier — Monthly Cost (Individual Editor)(USD) $11.99 — Annual Cost (Single License)(USD) $99 — Subscription Cost (Monthly Equivalent)(USD) $12/month (or $129 one-time) — Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) $12 — Free Version Available No (30-day trial only) — Base Monthly Cost (Annual Billing)(USD) $12/month $25/month Annual Subscription Cost (Individual)(USD) $168 — Annual Subscription Cost (Year 1)(USD) $120 — 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership(USD) $600 — Monthly Cost (Individual License)(USD) $14/month (annual billing) or $20/month (monthly) — Annual Cost per User(USD) $99 one-time + $99/year $1,188-$1,788/year Base Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) $7.00/month — Starting Price (USD/month per editor)(USD) $25 — Monthly Cost (Base Plan per User)(USD) $7 per viewer — Free Tier Projects Allowed(projects) 3 projects — Monthly Cost (Professional Plan)(USD) $25 per month (flat rate) — Monthly Cost per Editor (Standard)(USD) $15/month — | ||
| Stock Assets Included(millions) | Partner integrations (photos/icons sold separately) | — |
| Pre-built Templates(templates) | Limited; community-contributed | — |
| Built-in Web Hosting(null) | Not included; requires third-party services | — |
| React Component Export(supported) | Requires third-party plugins (e.g., Figma-to-React) | — |
| Available Plugins(count) | 3,500+ plugins | — |
| Available Plugins/Integrations(plugins) | 15,000+ plugins and integrations(winner) | 300+ integrations |
| Integration Plugins/Extensions(count) | 50 | — |
| Third-Party Plugin/Integration Count(count) | 50+ integrations and API | — |
| Native Creative Cloud Integration(null) | Limited; file-based workflow only | — |
| Open Source | No (proprietary) | — |
| Self-Hosting Option(yes/no) | No | — |
| AI-Powered Features(count) | 0 (native); available via plugins | — |
| Prototype Interactions (Native)(interaction types) | Basic (clickable prototypes only) | — |
| Prototype Interaction Types(count) | 6-8 basic interactions | 25+ interactions (links, hotspots, gestures)(winner) |
| Prototyping Interactivity Level(features) | Basic (5-10 interaction types) | Advanced (40+ interaction types)(winner) |
| Prototyping Animation States(states) | Limited; basic animation support | — |
| Mobile Prototype Preview(null) | InVision app with inspect mode | — |
| Component Versioning(feature availability) | Manual management (requires Sketch 90+) | — |
| SVG Export Quality(optimization level) | Full support with readable output | — |
| Version History Retention(months) | 30 days (local) | — |
| Market Share (2025)(percent) | ~18% | — |
| Market Adoption (Design Professionals)(percent) | 62% of design professionals (2024) | — |
| Market Share 2026(percent) | 12% | — |
| Market Adoption Rate (2024)(percent of design teams) | 8-12% declining adoption | — |
| Design Community Size(years established) | 8+ years of resources | — |
| Source Code Access | Proprietary/Closed | — |
| Real-time Collaboration Features | Yes (Slack integration only) | — |
| Creative Cloud Integration | None (third-party workarounds) | — |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 30 days(winner) | 7 days |
| Automated Developer Handoff | Requires integration (Zeplin, Abstract) | Native Inspect with code generation |
| Professional Designer Adoption (2025)(percent) | 18% | — |
| Learning Curve (Hours to Proficiency)(hours) | 6-10 hours | — |
| Open Source Status | Proprietary closed-source | — |
| Platform Access | macOS and Windows desktop apps | — |
| Maximum Team Size (Optimal)(users) | Up to 5 efficiently | Unlimited(winner) |
| Cross-Platform Compatibility(platforms) | macOS only | Mac, Windows, Linux via browser(winner) |
| Native Desktop App(availability) | Mac and Windows desktop apps | — |
| Active Customers in Industry(customers) | 4,951 customers | — |
| Market Share Ratio(x) | 1x (baseline) | — |
| Time to Basic Proficiency(days) | 21 days (3 weeks) | — |
| Simultaneous Team Members(users) | Unlimited on paid plans | — |
| Developer Handoff Features(capabilities) | Inspect mode with code export and specifications | — |
| Developer Handoff Quality(rating (1-10)) | Industry-leading (9/10) | — |
| Design System Versioning | Native versioning in InVision DSM (separate product) | — |
| Built-in Design System Platform(null) | Yes; dedicated DSP included | — |
| Prototyping & Interactions(capability) | 35+ gesture and animation controls | — |
| Maximum File Size(MB) | 100 screens per prototype (practical limit) | — |
| Offline Capability | Browser-based, internet required | — |
SSketch
IInVision
Active Designers
~1M
—
Market Share Among UI/UX Designers (2024)(%)
38%
—
Market Adoption(percent of container deployments)
95%
—
Market Share Among Professional Designers(percent)
~70% (industry standard for UI/UX teams)
—
Global Design Tool Market Share 2026(percent)
22%
—
Show 4 more attributes
Market Share Among UX Designers(percent)
22% of design tools market (2024)
—
Market Share(%)
12%
—
Active User Base(millions)
500,000-750,000 users
—
User Base Growth (2022-2024)(percent)
12% annual growth
—
Platform Support(platforms)
macOS, Windows (beta)
—
Platforms Supported(count)
3 (Mac, Windows, Web)
4 (Web, Desktop, iOS, Android)
Available Platforms
macOS only
—
Cross-Platform Availability(platforms)
macOS, Windows, Web (recently improved)
—
Supported Operating Systems
1 (Mac only)
—
Show 2 more attributes
Operating System Support
macOS 10.13+ only
—
Operating Systems Supported(count)
2 (macOS, Web beta)
—
Pricing (Individual/Starter)(USD per year or month)
$120/year ($10/month)
$25-$50/month ($300-$600/year)
Annual Subscription Cost(USD)
$120
—
Built-in Prototyping
Basic (plugin-dependent)
Advanced with interactions
Design System Components(maturity level)
Native support with libraries
Supported via DSM add-on
Design System Maturity(null)
Symbols, shared styles, nested components (established)
—
Real-time Collaboration
Plugin-based, additional cost
Limited to paid Team tier
Prototyping Capabilities(feature count)
Advanced (interactions, animations, states)
—
Show 19 more attributes
Component Library Functionality
Shared symbols with nesting
—
Prototype Interactivity Level
Advanced with animations
—
Design System Features(capability level)
Advanced (Symbols, Shared Styles, Tokens)
—
Prototyping Interaction Depth
Basic (transitions, drag triggers)
—
Built-In Prototyping Interactions(interaction types)
Limited via plugins (~5)
Native support (15+)
Design System Symbol Management
Advanced with nested symbols
Basic component system
Design System Token Support(feature maturity)
Advanced design tokens with shared libraries
Pattern library with limited tokenization
Prototyping Animation Options(types)
Basic: 4-5 transition types (fade, slide, push, pop)
—
Design System Component Libraries
Shared symbols with cloud sync via subscription
—
Prototyping Interaction Triggers(count)
6
—
File Format Native Support(formats)
Sketch, SVG, PDF export
—
Design-to-Code Export
Via third-party plugins (Zeplin, Abstract)
—
AI-Assisted Design (2026)
Not available
—
Responsive Design Automation
Manual responsive workflow
—
Design Systems Management
Requires external integration
—
Interactive Prototyping Specialization
Specialized interactive prototypes
—
Native Prototyping Depth(capability level)
Advanced (micro-interactions, animations)
—
Free Tier Available
Limited (view-only)
—
Prototype Animation Capability Level(complexity scale (1-10))
Advanced micro-interactions (9/10)
—
Real-Time Collaboration Users(users)
Limited (requires Cloud plugin, up to 5 free)
Unlimited users
Team Collaboration Features
Shared libraries, comments, version history (async)
Comments, design voting, stakeholder reviews, inspect mode
Real-Time Collaboration Support
Limited (file sharing only)
Full real-time with live cursors
Concurrent Real-time Collaborators(users)
Requires workarounds
—
Concurrent Collaboration Users(users)
15 concurrent users
—
Show 10 more attributes
Collaborative Real-Time Editing
Available in beta/plugins
Native Liveshare feature
Real-Time Multiplayer Collaboration
Via plugins; file-based
—
Real-Time Co-Editing Support
Third-party plugins only
—
Real-Time Collaborative Users(simultaneous users)
Unlimited (2024+)
—
Real-time Multiplayer Editing
Comments only; async collaboration
—
Real-Time Collaborative Editing
Comment-based feedback only
—
Real-Time Co-editing Users(simultaneous users)
Comment-based workflow
—
Real-Time Co-Editors(simultaneous users)
Limited to commenter model
—
Simultaneous Real-Time Editors(users)
Unlimited
—
Feedback & Comment Threads(depth)
Advanced nested threads with task management
—
Customer Support Channels(count)
1 (Email only)
3 (Email, Phone, Tickets)
File Performance with 50+ Artboards(responsiveness rating)
Excellent - minimal lag
Good - occasional lag
Maximum File Size Performance(MB)
Optimized for 100+ artboards without lag
—
Artboard Size Limit(pixels)
4,000 x 4,000 pixels
—
Application Load Time (4GB RAM)(seconds)
<1 second
—
File Performance Threshold(artboards)
800+ without degradation
—
Show 8 more attributes
Performance on Large Files (100+ Artboards)(stability rating)
Excellent (instant load)
—
Maximum Recommended File Size(MB)
1,000+ MB
—
Average File Size(MB)
2-5 MB per project
—
File Performance (Artboards)(artboards)
Optimal up to 200+ artboards with <100ms interaction latency
—
Desktop Application Performance(MB/s file load)
65 MB/s average
12 MB/s (web-based limitation)
Average Project File Size(MB)
10 MB for complex UI
20 MB including prototypes
Maximum File Size Recommended(pages)
Unlimited
—
File Collaboration Limit(artboards)
Optimal up to 3,000 artboards
—
Plugin Ecosystem Size(plugins)
~1,000+ community-built plugins
500+ plugins and apps
Plugin Ecosystem(available plugins)
1,200+ plugins
200+ integrations
Available Plugins/Extensions(count)
9,000+
—
Community Plugin Ecosystem(plugins)
800+ plugins
150+ plugins
Native Real-Time Collaboration
No (third-party workarounds)
—
Auto Layout / Responsive Design
Advanced Auto Layout (2021+)
—
Animation Timeline Controls
Advanced Smart Animate with frame-by-frame timeline
—
Vector Design Tools
Basic: shapes, text, limited path editing
—
Prototyping Interaction Types(types)
5-6 basic interactions (tap, click, scroll)
—
Prototyping Capability(null)
Full interactive prototyping with animations and states
—
Cloud Storage Included (Free Plan/Trial)(GB)
Paid plans only
—
Free Cloud Storage(GB)
Limited free tier (projects only)
—
Cloud Storage Included(GB)
0 (third-party integration only)
—
Learning Curve (1-10 scale)(difficulty)
8/10 (steep)
—
Setup Time for Beginners(minutes)
15-20 min (macOS native install)
—
Onboarding Time to Proficiency(weeks)
20+ hours
—
Setup Time for New User(minutes)
45
—
Learning Curve (Time to Proficiency)(weeks)
3-4 weeks
—
Show 1 more attribute
Learning Curve (Estimated Hours)(hours)
5-10 hours for proficiency
—
Template Library Size(templates)
500+
—
Platform Availability(null)
Mac desktop, Web (limited features)
—
Offline Editing(capability)
Full support
—
Native Platform Support
Mac (Web beta)
Any browser (cross-platform)
Platform Compatibility
macOS only + Web viewer
—
Offline Functionality(qualitative)
Full design support
Desktop app supports offline work
Free Tier Capability
14-day free trial only; no free plan
—
Monthly Subscription Cost (Professional Plan)(USD)
$8.25/user (yearly: $99)
—
Annual Cost (Professional Plan)(USD)
$144 (Sketch Standard annual)
—
Monthly Subscription Cost(USD)
$14
—
Monthly Subscription Cost (Individual)(USD)
$12
$7-$99
Show 19 more attributes
Annual Cost per Editor(USD)
$299
—
Free Plan Availability
No free tier
—
Monthly Cost (Individual Editor)(USD)
$11.99
—
Annual Cost (Single License)(USD)
$99
—
Subscription Cost (Monthly Equivalent)(USD)
$12/month (or $129 one-time)
—
Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD)
$12
—
Free Version Available
No (30-day trial only)
—
Base Monthly Cost (Annual Billing)(USD)
$12/month
$25/month
Annual Subscription Cost (Individual)(USD)
$168
—
Annual Subscription Cost (Year 1)(USD)
$120
—
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership(USD)
$600
—
Monthly Cost (Individual License)(USD)
$14/month (annual billing) or $20/month (monthly)
—
Annual Cost per User(USD)
$99 one-time + $99/year
$1,188-$1,788/year
Base Monthly Subscription Cost(USD)
$7.00/month
—
Starting Price (USD/month per editor)(USD)
$25
—
Monthly Cost (Base Plan per User)(USD)
$7 per viewer
—
Free Tier Projects Allowed(projects)
3 projects
—
Monthly Cost (Professional Plan)(USD)
$25 per month (flat rate)
—
Monthly Cost per Editor (Standard)(USD)
$15/month
—
Stock Assets Included(millions)
Partner integrations (photos/icons sold separately)
—
Pre-built Templates(templates)
Limited; community-contributed
—
Built-in Web Hosting(null)
Not included; requires third-party services
—
React Component Export(supported)
Requires third-party plugins (e.g., Figma-to-React)
—
Available Plugins(count)
3,500+ plugins
—
Available Plugins/Integrations(plugins)
15,000+ plugins and integrations
300+ integrations
Integration Plugins/Extensions(count)
50
—
Third-Party Plugin/Integration Count(count)
50+ integrations and API
—
Native Creative Cloud Integration(null)
Limited; file-based workflow only
—
Open Source
No (proprietary)
—
Self-Hosting Option(yes/no)
No
—
AI-Powered Features(count)
0 (native); available via plugins
—
Prototype Interactions (Native)(interaction types)
Basic (clickable prototypes only)
—
Prototype Interaction Types(count)
6-8 basic interactions
25+ interactions (links, hotspots, gestures)
Prototyping Interactivity Level(features)
Basic (5-10 interaction types)
Advanced (40+ interaction types)
Prototyping Animation States(states)
Limited; basic animation support
—
Mobile Prototype Preview(null)
InVision app with inspect mode
—
Component Versioning(feature availability)
Manual management (requires Sketch 90+)
—
SVG Export Quality(optimization level)
Full support with readable output
—
Version History Retention(months)
30 days (local)
—
Market Share (2025)(percent)
~18%
—
Market Adoption (Design Professionals)(percent)
62% of design professionals (2024)
—
Market Share 2026(percent)
12%
—
Market Adoption Rate (2024)(percent of design teams)
8-12% declining adoption
—
Design Community Size(years established)
8+ years of resources
—
Source Code Access
Proprietary/Closed
—
Real-time Collaboration Features
Yes (Slack integration only)
—
Creative Cloud Integration
None (third-party workarounds)
—
Free Trial Duration(days)
30 days
7 days
Automated Developer Handoff
Requires integration (Zeplin, Abstract)
Native Inspect with code generation
Professional Designer Adoption (2025)(percent)
18%
—
Learning Curve (Hours to Proficiency)(hours)
6-10 hours
—
Open Source Status
Proprietary closed-source
—
Platform Access
macOS and Windows desktop apps
—
Maximum Team Size (Optimal)(users)
Up to 5 efficiently
Unlimited
Cross-Platform Compatibility(platforms)
macOS only
Mac, Windows, Linux via browser
Native Desktop App(availability)
Mac and Windows desktop apps
—
Active Customers in Industry(customers)
4,951 customers
—
Market Share Ratio(x)
1x (baseline)
—
Time to Basic Proficiency(days)
21 days (3 weeks)
—
Simultaneous Team Members(users)
Unlimited on paid plans
—
Developer Handoff Features(capabilities)
Inspect mode with code export and specifications
—
Developer Handoff Quality(rating (1-10))
Industry-leading (9/10)
—
Design System Versioning
Native versioning in InVision DSM (separate product)
—
Built-in Design System Platform(null)
Yes; dedicated DSP included
—
Prototyping & Interactions(capability)
35+ gesture and animation controls
—
Maximum File Size(MB)
100 screens per prototype (practical limit)
—
Offline Capability
Browser-based, internet required
—
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
S
I
S
Sketch
+5-3
Pros
- Affordable one-time purchase at $99 with optional yearly updates
- Extremely fast performance for large, complex design files
- Intuitive interface with minimal learning curve for UI designers
- Extensive plugin ecosystem (800+ plugins via Sketch App Store)
- Native artboard system optimized for responsive design workflows
Cons
- macOS-only desktop application limits cross-platform team access
- Limited interactive prototyping compared to dedicated prototyping tools
- Weaker team collaboration features than InVision or Figma
I
InVision
+5-3
Pros
- Industry-leading interactive prototyping with animations, triggers, and transitions
- Built-in design collaboration with real-time comments and version history
- Inspect mode for accurate developer handoff with CSS/specs
- Works on any device via web browser (macOS, Windows, Linux)
- Integrated user testing and feedback collection from stakeholders
Cons
- Subscription pricing ($99-$149/month per user) significantly higher than Sketch's one-time cost
- Steeper learning curve for non-designers; requires 15-20 hours to master workflows
- File performance can lag with extremely large, complex prototypes (100+ screens)
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
No, Sketch is macOS-only for the desktop application. While you can view Sketch Cloud files in a web browser on Windows/Linux, you cannot edit them. InVision, however, is fully web-based and works on any OS with a browser.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
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