Sketch is a design tools tool for Agencies and Freelancers, offered as paid ($12/mo). Founded in Netherlands in 2010. Popular alternatives include Lunacy.
About Sketch
Sketch is a native macOS design tool made by Sketch B.V., a company based in the Netherlands, first released in 2010. It popularized many of the concepts modern UI design tools rely on, including symbols, shared libraries and artboards for screens, and it was the industry standard for interface design before browser-based Figma overtook it.
Editing happens in the Mac app, which works offline and takes advantage of native performance on Apple hardware. Components, shared libraries, Smart Layout, color variables and styles, and prototyping with interactive flows cover day-to-day UI work. A web app adds real-time collaboration, comments, developer handoff with inspection and asset export, and viewing access from any platform. A large plugin ecosystem built over a decade extends the app. Subscriptions are priced per editor, and a Mac-only license with a year of updates is still available for those who prefer to own their software.
Sketch fits Mac-based designers and teams who value native speed, offline work and the option of a perpetual license, and organizations with years of Sketch libraries. Editing requires a Mac, collaboration and handoff lag Figma's, and community and plugin activity have shrunk as the industry moved on. Figma is the cross-platform default, Penpot is the open-source browser-based option, and Lunacy can open Sketch files on Windows and Linux.
Key features of Sketch
- Native Mac app with offline work
- Symbols, libraries and smart layout
- Prototyping
- Web app for collaboration and handoff
- Plugin ecosystem
- One-time license option
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fast native performance
- Works offline
- One-time license option
- Mature plugin ecosystem
Cons
- Mac only for editing
- Collaboration behind Figma
- Smaller community now
- Industry momentum is with Figma
Sketch pricing
Sketch uses a paid model. A 30-day free trial is available.
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $12 / editor/mo | Billed yearly; 50GB per editor, unlimited docs |
| Professional | $24 / editor/mo | Billed yearly; SSO, permission groups |
| Enterprise | $44 / editor/mo | Billed yearly; unlimited storage, SCIM, BYOK |
| Private Cloud | Custom | US or EU hosting, unlimited workspaces |
| Mac-only license | $120 | Per seat, one-time, includes 1 year of updates |
Source: www.sketch.com · checked on Oct 20, 2026
How Sketch compares in Design tools
- Rank by votes
- #2 / 21
- Starting price
- $12
- Free alternatives
- 3
0 votes from members
At the category median of $12/mo
Free or open-source tools in Design tools
Sketch ranks #2 of 21 design tools tools by community votes and is priced in line with the category.
Common use cases
- 1Mac-based designer working offline
- 2Teams invested in Sketch libraries
- 3Icon and UI design
- 4Freelancers avoiding subscriptions
Best for
Mac designers preferring native apps.
Not ideal for
Cross-platform collaborative teams (Figma).
Integrations
- Zeplin
- Abstract
- InVision
- Plugins
- Sketch web app
Our take
Sketch is still excellent, but Figma is the industry default.
FAQ
- What is Sketch?
- Sketch is a Design tools tool: Native Mac design toolkit.
- How much does Sketch cost?
- Sketch uses a Paid model; paid plans start at $12 per month.
- What are the best alternatives to Sketch?
- Community-listed alternatives to Sketch include Lunacy.
- Does Sketch have a free trial?
- Yes, Sketch offers a 30-day free trial.
- What does Sketch integrate with?
- Sketch integrates with Zeplin, Abstract, InVision, Plugins, Sketch web app and more.
- Which platforms does Sketch support?
- Sketch is available on macos, web.
- Who is Sketch for?
- Mac designers preferring native apps.
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