Sketch
Review
Sketch is a complete design and prototyping solution for
macOS. While the macOS has plenty of design tools available. Sketch stands out
as a great all rounder that handles UI and UX design and prototyping and is not
too expensive.
Cons
- Small selection of templates.
Pros
- Strong UI/UX features but handles most design tasks.
- Affordable macOS design tool.
- Easy learning curve with impressive advanced options.
Sketch is a prototyping and designing tool for macOS
available from since 20210 with the quite reputation. For many UI and UX
designers using Apple hardware Sketch is the software to use covering every
stage from the wireframes through to final handoff. It offers advanced
collaboration feedback and permission settings and there is even the option to
use the browser version.
Dutch developer Sketch B.V has overseen this tool since in
the beginning with its primar macOS version complemented with prototype preview
apps on the iPad and iPhone. There is no windows version and no android app.
This is award winning software highly regarded across the industry with a
selection of license options depending on the size of your team and project.
Plans and Pricing
Three pricing options are available for Sketch suitable for
difference users. You have got the option of the Standard subscription for solo
designers and small teams. The Mac only have license for solo designers and the
Business subscription. At first glance these seem a little confusing but the
differences clearly defined in the pricing and description.
The standard subscription is dollar 10 per month and includes
access to the Mac app the browser app and iPhone/iPad design previews. A 30
days trial version available with this subscription.
If the Mac only license is more attractive this is dollar 20
per seat and includes just the Mac app there is no browser version. However
this is a single purchase with 12 months of updates and a free trial.
Finally the business subscription is $20 per editor per month
available only with annual billing. This includes everything in the standard
subscription plus single sign on unlimited online storage permissions
management and invoicing. Teams with 25 editors or more also get priority
support and a dedicated customer manager. A free option is available for the students
and educators if the relevant information is required.
How to use?
Sketch features a comparatively small number of templates
compared with competing design apps. These are sadly largely unsuitable for
website and app design instead more appropriate for business cards and flyers.
This is an unfortunate barrier to learning how to use the
software. Happily Sketch is easy enough. I was able to pull together a
rudimentary page design based on a physical sketch in just a few minutes. With
the basics of the page outlines you can either build a wireframe for your site
or app or switch to the prototype tools.
As designs are built they are synced to the Sketch server.
This means that the design can be viewed in your browser your Sketch workspace
at any computer and oversee access permissions. Inspect layers etc. comments
can also be placed here. Sketch features all of the design placement alignment
and laying tools you would expect. Importing images is straightforward as is
handing off your design.
Features
Sketch is compatible with any Apple system running macOS
Monterey 12.0.0 or later. It is essentially a vector graphics editor set up
with a focus to design user interfaces and user experiences for websites and
mobile apps. It uses a proprietary format sketch which can be opened in Adobe
illustrator photoshop and various other programs. Along with the websites and
mobile projects. Sketch illustration can be used to create icons and
illustrations. The application is designed for a smooth exchange of ideas
between designers developers and managers with smart feedback options. While
complete the design systems can be constructed for the single or the multiple
projects.
Recent version of the Sketch have revised workflows with the
superior collaboration file organization and the ability to store and sync the
projects. Design systems can be shared favorites pinned and the interface
customized to suit how you work. Sketch is optimized for Apple Silicon so
owners of newer Macs and MacBooks can use the software with confidence.
Competition
Since its initial launch the Sketch has seen off many rivals.
Unsurprisingly they keep on coming and some have been more successful than
others. As a Mac only design app it makes sense to compare this with similar
tools available on the macOS.
Figma for example is a key competitor available on the
Windows and in the browser as well as on macOS. Another competitor balsamiq
also offers windows and browser support alongside its core Apple audience.
Indeed Balsamiq offers a very strong wireframing experience and Figma design
interface is easily on per with Sketch.
However I had plae the Sketch just ahead of Figma which is
slightly more expensive. Sketch also feels just that bit more Apple.
Customer Service
Various resources are provided to help you to make the most
of Sketch. A searchable index of guides is provided covering every step from
starting your first design to developer handoff. For technical queries a
searchable knowledgebase offers solutions to billing account management
licenses and other issues. Where a solution can not be found or provides
inadequate the information you can contact the Sketch tech support service
directly.
Final
verdict
Sketch offers a strong compelling design interface for
creating all the manner of visual experiences. We are looking at it mainly as a
UX/UI prototyping and design tool but Sketch is suitable for others purposes
to. This is demonstrated by the various templates it includes. Significantly
the Sketch is far from the most expensive design tool of this type on macOS.
While some competitors offers Windows and browser options. Sketch focuses on
the core platform too its credit.
The design landscape on macOS is incredible. However if you are looking for a focused web and app UX/UI design and prototyping solution with affordable pricing across all the tiers Sketch is the top choice.
Final Review:
