Sketch (software)

Sketch is a vector graphics editor for macOS developed by the Dutch company Sketch B.V. (formerly named Bohemian Coding). It was first released on 7 September 2010[2] and won an Apple Design Award in 2012.[3] It also has a web application that allows users to share files online.[4]

Sketch
Developer(s)Sketch B.V.
Initial release7 September 2010 (2010-09-07)
Stable release
96 / 18 April 2023[1]
Operating systemmacOS
TypeVector graphics editor
LicenceProprietary
Websitewww.sketch.com

It is primarily used for user interface and user experience design of websites and mobile apps and does not include print design features.[5] Sketch has more recently added features for prototyping and collaboration. Being only available for macOS, third party software and handoff tools may be used to view Sketch designs on other platforms.[6]

Overview

Sketch is used mainly for designing the UI and UX of mobile apps and web. The files designed in Sketch are saved in its own .sketch file format, though the files can also be opened in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and other programs. The designs can also be exported to raster or vector formats such as PNG, JPG, SVG, and PDF. The designs created in Sketch are utilized by app engineers to design mobile apps and by website developers to convert designs into websites.[7]

Although Sketch was previously sold through the App Store, the developers pulled the app from the store in December 2015 and instead sold it through their own website. They cited Apple's strict technical guidelines, slow review process and lack of upgrade pricing as reasons for the decision.[8] On 8 June 2016, they announced on their blog that they were switching to a new licensing system for Sketch. Licenses would allow users to receive updates for 1 year, after which they could continue using the last version published prior to the license expiring, or renew their license to continue receiving updates for another year.[9]

Features

Sketch is a vector graphics editor that allows designers to create high-fidelity digital designs quickly and efficiently.

Some of the main functionalities of Sketch for UI designers include:

  • Vector Editing: Sketch is primarily a vector editor, which means that designers can create scalable designs that can be resized without losing quality. This is essential for designing interfaces that need to be displayed on different screen sizes.
  • Symbols: Symbols in Sketch allow designers to create reusable components that can be used across multiple artboards. This makes it easy to maintain consistency across the design and update multiple instances of a component at once.
  • Artboards: Sketch uses artboards to organize designs into separate screens or pages. This makes it easy to manage large projects with multiple screens or variations.
  • Plugins: Sketch has a large community of third-party plugins that can be used to extend the functionality of the software. These plugins can help automate repetitive tasks, create animations, or add new design elements.
  • Prototyping: Sketch includes a basic prototyping tool that allows designers to create interactive prototypes by linking artboards together and adding simple transitions and animations.

Overall, Sketch is a powerful tool for UI designers that offers a range of functionalities to help create high-quality digital designs efficiently.

See also

References
  1. "Download the latest Sketch software updates". Sketch. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
  2. "Sketch 1.0 finally released". Bohemian Coding. 7 September 2010. Archived from the original on 11 July 2011. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  3. Lowensohn, Josh (11 June 2012). "Apple announces 2012 Design Award winners". CNET. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  4. "Apps". Sketch. Retrieved 4 February 2022.
  5. Sutton, Kelly (21 October 2014). "An Interview with Pieter Omvlee, the Founder of Bohemian Coding". Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  6. Schoenmaker, Martijn (1 February 2016). "How I Started Using Sketch App In Windows". Design + Sketch. Retrieved 10 October 2018.
  7. Solutions, Fantastech (10 September 2018). "Converting Website Designs to Code". Fantastech.co.
  8. Weinberger, Matt (2 December 2015). "One of Apple's most important initiatives is showing signs of failure". Business Insider Australia. Archived from the original on 28 June 2016. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  9. "Versioning, Licensing, and Sketch 4.0". 8 June 2016. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
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