Sketch review: everything you need to know

After having considerable experience with both Sketch and Photoshop in the course of my design work, I am confident in asserting that Sketch is rapidly becoming the prefered tool for creating interface prototypes and is on track to surpass Photoshop. As a result of its rising popularity, Sketch files are quickly becoming the format of choice for developers, even over layered Photoshop files. The fact that Sketch was designed from the beginning to emphasise the creation of interactive interfaces is what sets it distinct. In contrast to Photoshop, which was initially developed for image editing and then adapted for use in design, Sketch was created with interactive interfaces in mind from the start.

It is quite good at producing live comps that allow customers to test how clicking, swiping, or tapping on the design will work on different devices such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. The unique selling point of Sketch is its emphasis on the creation of interactive web and app prototypes. The Mac-only vector design programme that was developed in the Netherlands is ideal for this purpose. It generates prototypes that are closer to the actual product so that customers can better visualise how everything will function.

This realism enables customers to provide more insightful feedback regarding the user interface and user experience. During the development phase, designers can lessen discomfort while also saving time and money if they receive informed approvals earlier on in the process. Therefore, if you are using Photoshop for UI and UX design, the possibilities of Sketch’s interface prototype are something you should give some thought to.

Sketch Specifications

The creation of a more polished work of art, such as a painting or sculpture, frequently begins with the creation of a sketch. It is possible to use it to play about with concepts, try out different compositions, and figure out the specifics of a scenario.

What Is Sketch?

The heart of Sketch is an application for creating vector graphics. It is a tool for product design that is frequently utilised by web designers for the purpose of producing concept pages, icons, and several other parts of websites. It is also very well known among designers of user interfaces and user experiences (UI and UX). Sketch is a vector editing programme that caters to both amateur and expert artists by providing a vast array of effective boolean operations and a full collection of sophisticated vector editing tools. There is also a web version for users who do not have a Mac, in addition to the native macOS application.

Sketch review: User-Friendly Interface

Sketch has three main parts and no floating panels for a clean, contextual interface. Sketch’s UI is modelled after Apple apps like Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. The current software supports Apple Dark Mode. The Page List on the left displays your layers, personal objects for layer and artboard content development, named content, etc. Locate the Inspector on the right. You can use content features on any level there. The upper Toolbar displays tools and activities. The screen’s centre is where you design.

In order to improve workflow, the Page List makes it easier to manage, set, alter layers, name, group, select, and copy material. Everything will appear perfect when you deliver your files to a developer. With easy-to-create libraries, text and layer styles, symbol examples, and presets, Sketch streamlines your productivity. Additionally, this software offers several interface sets, templates, and plug-ins to save time and enhance Sketch capabilities.

Sketch review: Drawing and Typesetting

Sketch prototyping is like a Cheetah running. Cheetahs can walk, but they evolved to sprint. Sketch can be used for drawing, but its prototyping is amazing. Still, learning Sketch’s sketching tools is worthwhile. The Insert option starts content creation, import, and assembly.

The usual shape, drawing, and text tools are included. Bring to front, alignment, distribution, and non-destructive Boolean tools like Union, Subtract, Intersect, and Difference are conveniently located to the right. Vector tools are easy to use for creating and modifying shapes, points, and Bezier curves. Sketch can do basic drawing, but it’s not Illustrator—or designed to be.

Sketch review: Sketch Pricing

Sketch is $99 for the first year and $69 to renew annually. Sketch’s volume licence is $89 per device for two devices for the first year and $64 per device for renewals. Your largest volume licence is 50+ devices for $59 per device for the first year and $49 per device for renewals. The 30-day free trial begins when you launch the app and requires no email or credit card.

Sketch comes with one year of updates, however you can use it forever or update every year to get the latest developments. The software comes with the Mirror app, which allows you preview your creations in real time on your iPad or iPhone, and a year of Sketch Cloud.

Final Words

I’ve used Sketch, a great Mac-only UI and prototyping tool. Sketch is unique in its ease of use for beginners and experts. Sketch’s straightforward, Photoshop-like capability for Mac is one of my favourites. The UI blends with other Mac program, making it comfortable to Mac users like me. Sketch provides extensive tutorials, dynamic forums, and a wealth of preloaded templates and kits to its users. Sketch’s versatility makes it appealing. Many plugins let you customise your workflow. Sketch is compatible with Photoshop and Illustrator libraries, making design tools work together.

Sketch review: The Good and Bad

The relatively recent conception of Sketch was centred on collaborative design for screens, giving it an advantage over Photoshop, which launched 30 years earlier, at a time when the word “screen” referred to the measurement of the density of halftones. Sketch was designed for collaborative design of screens.

Questions and Answers