Adobe XD vs Sketch: Which UI Design Tool Wins in 2024?

Introduction

In July 2018 Adobe released a Chinese version of XD, a lightweight vector‑based prototyping tool that combines wireframing, visual design, interaction design, and prototyping. Adobe positions XD not to replace Photoshop or Illustrator but as a dedicated UX prototyping solution, potentially challenging Sketch.

Platform Support and Pricing

XD runs on both macOS and Windows, offering a free version compared to Sketch’s $99‑per‑year price, making it especially appealing to Windows users.

Ease of Use

Both XD and Sketch receive high usability scores (★★★★). Their interfaces are similarly minimalistic, allowing users familiar with one to transition quickly to the other. However, XD hides the layer panel in the lower‑left corner, which some users find less intuitive.

Compatibility

XD scores ★★★★★ for compatibility, supporting files from Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketch, Zeplin, and Protopie. Files must be copied (Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V) rather than dragged directly, and early versions had limited Sketch support that improved in later updates.

Drawing Capabilities

Sketch excels in vector drawing (★★★★★) while XD lags (★★). XD’s drawing tools are basic—rectangle, ellipse, pen (without point selection)—requiring external tools for complex vector work.

Speed and Efficiency

XD outperforms Sketch in speed (★★★★★ vs ★★) thanks to features like repeat grid, batch replace, and a resource panel that consolidates layer styles, text styles, and symbols. These tools streamline layout creation and asset management.

Resource Panel and Export

XD’s resource panel mirrors Sketch’s layer, text, and symbol styles, offering quick color and typography adjustments without leaving the canvas. It also provides one‑click export for iOS, Android, and web assets at multiple resolutions.

Plugins and Extensibility

Both tools support plugins; Adobe even offers a $10 million prize for XD plugin developers. Popular Sketch plugins like PixelChef, Lanhu, and Rename It have been ported to XD.

Responsive Design

XD includes a responsive design option that automatically adjusts canvas size for iPad and web layouts.

Prototyping Interaction

XD’s prototyping currently supports simple page transitions with drag‑and‑drop, offering control over animation type, duration, and easing. It also provides preview and screen‑recording features.

Conclusion

While XD is still maturing, Adobe’s rapid update cycle shows strong ambition in the UI design tool market. For designers weighing whether to invest time in learning XD, its efficiency‑boosting features and free pricing make it a compelling option.