Choosing your design tool: a look at Sketch & Pixso

#designers #designsystems #sketch #pixso

Hey everyone! Thinking about getting into UI design and wondering which tool to start with? Let’s break down Sketch and Pixso, two popular picks, and see which one might fit you better.

First off, your choice really depends on your operating system, what kind of features you need, and how you like to learn. Both are solid tools, but they shine in different ways.

Operating System Support

Sketch runs only on macOS. So if you’re a Mac user, you’re good to go. But if you’re on Windows or Linux, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Pixso, on the other hand, works across Windows, macOS, and Linux. That makes it super flexible, especially if you’re not using a Mac.

Features Comparison

Sketch comes packed with essential tools like shapes, text, and symbols, making it easy to create clean, reusable components. It also supports styles to keep your designs consistent. One of its biggest strengths is its plugin ecosystem—there’s a ton of extensions to add more functionality. You can export designs as PNG, JPG, or SVG, and share them via Sketch Cloud.

Pixso offers similar core tools, but with some handy extras. For example, you can adjust curves easily with handle controls or use the bend tool to tweak shapes intuitively. The paint bucket tool lets you fill any closed area with color, and it even auto-generates code for iOS, Android, or CSS. It also measures distances between objects automatically. Collaboration is where Pixso really stands out—it supports real-time cloud-based teamwork. You can build a shared component library so your team stays consistent, and it comes with a built-in resource library full of icons, images, and UI elements to speed up your workflow.

Learning Curve & Ease of Use

Sketch has a clean, intuitive interface that Mac users tend to pick up quickly. There’s also a wealth of tutorials and a strong community to help you learn.

Pixso is browser-based and doesn’t require installation, so you can jump in right away no matter what device you’re on. Its interface is straightforward, and it offers lots of learning materials like video guides and articles to help beginners. Plus, its community lets designers share work and resources—great for getting inspiration or reusing designs as you learn.

So, which one should you choose? If you’re all in on Apple and love customizing with plugins, Sketch is a trusted go-to. But if you want cross-platform flexibility, real-time collaboration, and helpful built-in resources, give Pixso a try—especially if you're on Windows.