What is Sketch and what can you do with it?
Sketch is a vector graphic design software that was launched in 2010 by a Dutch company called Bohemian Coding. It is designed specifically for screen design, meaning that it helps you create user interfaces for websites, mobile apps, icons, illustrations, and more. Sketch has a simple and intuitive interface that lets you work with layers, artboards, symbols, styles, components, and other elements that make your design process easier and faster. You can also use Sketch to create interactive prototypes that you can test and share with your team or clients. Sketch supports importing and exporting various file formats, such as PSD, SVG, PNG, JPG, PDF, and FIG.
Why is Sketch a popular choice for UI/UX designers?
Sketch has gained popularity among UI/UX designers for several reasons. First of all, it is a native Mac app that works smoothly and efficiently on macOS devices. It also has a low learning curve compared to other graphic design software, such as Photoshop or Illustrator. Secondly, Sketch has a rich ecosystem of plugins that extend its functionality and automate certain tasks. You can find over 1,000 plugins for Sketch on its official website or on other platforms like [Sketch App Sources](^2^) or [Sketch Repo](^3^). Thirdly, Sketch has a collaborative feature called Workspace that lets you store, sync, share, and manage your documents online. You can also use Workspace to invite viewers for free, leave feedback using annotations, test prototypes in any browser, and handoff designs to developers.
How to download Sketch for free or buy a license?
If you want to try Sketch for free, you can download a 30-day trial version from its [official website](^1^). You will need macOS High Sierra (10.13.4) or newer to run Sketch on your Mac. After the trial period ends, you will need to buy a license to continue using Sketch. There are two types of licenses available: Standard plan and Business plan. The Standard plan costs $9 per editor per month if billed yearly or $12 per editor per month if billed monthly. The Business plan costs $20 per editor per month if billed yearly only. The Business plan is ideal for teams of 25 editors or more and offers additional features such as Single Sign-On (SSO), unlimited cloud storage, invoice-based billing, permissions directory, priority support, dedicated Customer Success Manager, customized reviews and terms.[^10^
Main Features of Sketch
Sketch has many features that make it a powerful and versatile tool for screen design. Here are some of the main features that you should know about: – Powerful vector editing: Sketch lets you create and edit vector shapes with ease. You can use the Pen tool, the Pencil tool, the Vector tool, or the Scissors tool to draw and modify paths. You can also use Boolean operations, masks, outlines, and transformations to manipulate your shapes. Sketch also supports SVG filters, gradients, fills, strokes, shadows, and blurs. – Easy, intuitive prototyping: Sketch lets you turn your designs into interactive prototypes that you can preview and share with others. You can use the Link tool to connect your artboards with transitions and animations. You can also use the Hotspot tool to create clickable areas on your designs. You can preview your prototypes on Sketch Mirror, Sketch Cloud, or any browser. You can also export your prototypes as HTML files or videos. – Shared Libraries, styles and components: Sketch lets you create and reuse design elements across your projects. You can use Libraries to store and sync your symbols, styles, components, and assets in one place. You can also use styles to apply consistent colors, fonts, and effects to your elements. You can also use components to create reusable UI elements that you can update in bulk. – Control over color profiles: Sketch lets you choose and manage the color profiles for your documents and exports. You can use the Color Management settings to select the color space for your document, such as sRGB, P3, or Display P3. You can also use the Export Presets to specify the color profile for your exports, such as PNG-8, PNG-24, JPG, or WebP. – Variable and OpenType font support: Sketch lets you use variable fonts and OpenType fonts in your designs. Variable fonts are fonts that have adjustable attributes, such as weight, width, slant, or optical size. OpenType fonts are fonts that have advanced features, such as ligatures, alternates, swashes, or fractions. You can access these features from the Typography panel in Sketch. – Reusable design templates: Sketch lets you use templates to speed up your design process. You can use the built-in templates for iOS, macOS, Material Design, Responsive Web Design, and Wireframes. You can also create your own templates or download templates from other sources. – Open .fig files: Sketch lets you open and edit .fig files from Figma in Sketch. You can use this feature to collaborate with Figma users or to import Figma designs into Sketch. You can also export your Sketch designs as .fig files if you want to share them with Figma users.
Sketch Web App and iOS App
Sketch is not only a Mac app, but also a web app and an iOS app. These apps allow you to access and use some of the features of Sketch on different devices and platforms. Here are some of the benefits and limitations of using the web app and the iOS app: – Sketch Web App: The Sketch web app is a browser-based version of Sketch that lets you view, edit, and collaborate on your Sketch documents online. You can use the web app to access your Workspace, where you can store, sync, share, and manage your documents. You can also use the web app to invite viewers for free, leave feedback using annotations, test prototypes in any browser, and handoff designs to developers. The web app supports most of the features of the Mac app, except for some plugins, vector editing tools, and export options. – Sketch iOS App: The Sketch iOS app is a companion app for Sketch that lets you preview and test your designs on your iPhone or iPad. You can use the iOS app to connect to your Mac via Wi-Fi or USB and mirror your designs in real time. You can also use the iOS app to access your Workspace and view your documents online. You can also use the iOS app to test your prototypes and leave feedback using annotations. The iOS app does not support editing or creating designs on your device.
Sketch Alternatives
Sketch is not the only screen design tool available in the market. There are many alternatives to Sketch that offer different features, pricing, and usability for different platforms and needs. Here are some of the best alternatives to Sketch that you might want to consider: | Tool | Pros | Cons | | — | — | — | | Figma | – Cross-platform web-based tool that works on any device and browser
– Real-time collaboration and co-editing features
– Auto-layout and responsive design features
– Free for up to 3 editors and 2 projects | – Requires internet connection to work
– Limited offline support
– Less plugins and integrations than Sketch | | Adobe XD | – Cross-platform tool that works on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android
– Seamless integration with other Adobe products
– Voice prototyping and 3D transform features
– Free for up to 2GB of cloud storage and one shared document | – Less powerful vector editing tools than Sketch
– Less plugins and integrations than Sketch
– No shared Libraries or components | | InVision Studio | – Cross-platform tool that works on Mac and Windows
– Advanced animation and motion design features
– Integration with InVision Cloud for collaboration and feedback
– Free for up to 3 documents and 10GB of cloud storage | – Still in beta stage and may have bugs or glitches
– Less plugins and integrations than Sketch
– No shared Libraries or components |
Conclusion
Sketch is a great tool for screen design that offers many features, such as powerful vector editing, easy prototyping, shared Libraries, color management, variable fonts, and more. It is a native Mac app that works smoothly and efficiently on macOS devices. It also has a rich ecosystem of plugins that extend its functionality and automate certain tasks. You can download Sketch for free for 30 days or buy a license for $9 or $20 per month depending on your plan. You can also use the Sketch web app and the Sketch iOS app to access and collaborate on your documents online. However, Sketch is not the only option for screen design. There are many alternatives to Sketch that offer different features, pricing, and usability for different platforms and needs. Some of the best alternatives to Sketch are Figma, Adobe XD, and InVision Studio. You can compare them to Sketch in terms of their pros and cons and choose the one that suits you best. We hope this article has helped you learn more about Sketch and its alternatives. If you are interested in trying Sketch or one of its alternatives, you can visit their websites and download their apps. You can also check out some of the resources and tutorials that we have listed below to help you get started with screen design.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions that people have about Sketch or its alternatives: – Q: How do I install plugins for Sketch? – A: You can install plugins for Sketch from its official website or from other platforms like [Sketch App Sources] or [Sketch Repo]. You can also use the Plugin Manager in Sketch to browse, install, update, and uninstall plugins. – Q: How do I export my designs from Sketch? – A: You can export your designs from Sketch as various file formats, such as PNG, JPG, PDF, SVG, or FIG. You can also export your designs as HTML files or videos. You can use the Export panel in Sketch to select the format, size, resolution, color profile, and other options for your exports. – Q: How do I import my designs from Figma to Sketch? – A: You can import your designs from Figma to Sketch by using the Open .fig files feature in Sketch. You can use this feature to open and edit .fig files from Figma in Sketch. You can also export your designs from Sketch as .fig files if you want to share them with Figma users. – Q: How do I sync my designs with InVision Cloud? – A: You can sync your designs with InVision Cloud by using the Craft plugin for Sketch. You can use this plugin to upload your designs to InVision Cloud and create prototypes, boards, freehands, and inspect documents. You can also use this plugin to sync your Libraries with InVision DSM. – Q: How do I create animations with Adobe XD? – A: You can create animations with Adobe XD by using the Auto-Animate feature. You can use this feature to create transitions between artboards based on the changes in position, size, rotation, opacity, and other properties of your elements. You can also use this feature to create micro-interactions, such as button states, loading indicators, or progress bars.
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