Sketch
Sketch is a graphic design toolkit for creating vector artwork, interfaces, prototypes, and developer handoffs. It combines native Mac design work with browser-based sharing and real-time collaboration.
#43 in Image & Design ToolsGraphic Design SoftwareNo free plan
Who it's for
Best for
Mac-based product designers needing focused vector and interface design
UI teams using native Mac workflows with shared handoff and prototypes
Not for
- Cross-platform design teams needing one application across Mac and Windows
Careful buyers unwilling to absorb rising subscription costs
Features
Flexible foundations
Sketch provides stack layouts and nestable frames for arranging interface elements without locking designs into rigid structures.
Vector editing
Sketch provides a vector editor for creating work ranging from icons to complete applications with precise control.
Offline design
Sketch works locally without an internet connection, keeping design work available during offline periods.
Interactive prototypes
Sketch creates working prototypes with Smart Animate, overlays, hover states, scrolling areas, and touch interactions.
Sharing and feedback
Sketch supports document sharing, password-protected previews, pinned comments, threaded replies, and shared Workspaces.
What users say
Pros
- Vector shapes make quick creation, editing, recycling, and variation of artwork straightforward.
- A focused design workspace keeps interface work feeling more direct than broader all-in-one tools.
- The command palette and native Mac interface provide efficient controls for established design workflows.
- Core vector and UI design work remains strong enough to prompt returns from broader competitors.
Cons
- Sketch runs only on Mac, forcing cross-platform teams to combine it with another design tool.
- Subscription costs have risen enough to undermine the value of a Mac-only design application.
- Recent interface changes create extra effort and make established workflows harder to navigate.
A selection of the review sources we used:
Summarized from public user reviews and community discussions. View details
Global Traffic Rank
Top 1M
Alternatives
Rank#43 in category#1 in category#2 in category#3 in category
Free planNoYesYesYes
ProFast vector editing, focused workspace, strong native Mac workflowNo design training needed to make polished posts, flyers and slidesAI resizing, subscription value, faster graphics, captionsReal-time collaboration and design systems in one file
Better forQuick posts, flyers and slides from ready-made templatesResizing designs for many platforms, included in an Adobe subscriptionReal-time collaboration in one shared file, on any platform
Weaker atPrecise vector and typography work for interface designDetailed vector and UI design workFocused interface work without a broad all-in-one platform