Sketch vs Figma - Why I switched!

TL;DR

A web designer shares their experience and insights after switching from Sketch to Figma, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of the new tool.

Transcript

• Design tools, there are a lot of them, right? And I don't know about you but I often feel a lot of pressure to keep up with the trends of what everyone else is using in our industry. So I like to try new tools out, just you know see how they function. But for the most part in my design career so far, I've been pretty reluctant to switch tools com... Read More

Key Insights

• 😤 Figma's collaboration features, such as easy sharing and commenting, make it a great choice for team-based design projects.
• 🔼 Figma's small details, like deleting empty groups and using arrow keys for color adjustments, improve workflow and help maintain a clean design file.
• 👻 The ability to copy specific properties in Figma saves time and allows for easy application to other elements.
• 👀 Figma's compatibility with both Mac and PC makes it a suitable alternative for Sketch users looking for a PC option.
• ❓ While Figma has a learning curve, it is generally easier to transition to compared to switching from Photoshop to Sketch.
• 🪡 Figma's handling of images as shape fills and vectors within vector networks provides flexibility and reduces the need for additional software like Illustrator.
• 🥶 Figma's free version offers all the essential design tools, making it an accessible option for designers on a budget.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did the designer switch from Sketch to Figma?

The designer found Figma's collaboration features, such as easy sharing and commenting on projects, to be more advantageous compared to Sketch. They appreciated the ability to work collaboratively in real-time and share project elements easily.

Q: What are some specific features of Figma that the designer found helpful?

The designer highlighted several features of Figma that improved their workflow, including the ability to delete empty groups, using arrow keys for color adjustments, easily rearranging layers, and copying specific properties. These features made designing and organizing elements more efficient and intuitive.

Q: Is Figma a free tool?

Yes, Figma offers a free version that includes all the necessary features for designing web pages. They do have professional team accounts with additional features, but for basic design needs, the free version is sufficient.

Q: What are the drawbacks of using Figma?

One drawback the designer mentioned is that Figma is a web-based tool, requiring an internet connection to access and edit projects. While Figma does offer an offline mode through their Mac app, it still requires opening projects before going offline. This limitation may pose challenges for designers who frequently work without an internet connection.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The designer initially switched from Photoshop to Sketch and found it improved their workflow. After four years, they made the switch from Sketch to Figma, primarily due to Figma's collaboration features.

• Figma's collaboration features, such as easy sharing and commenting on projects, were a major advantage compared to Sketch, where files had to be shared separately.

• Figma's small but helpful features, like deleting empty groups, using arrow keys for color adjustments, and easily rearranging layers, made the designer's workflow smoother and more efficient.