Sketch Review
By Itai Varochik | Last updated February 1, 2026
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Our Verdict
Sketch remains an excellent macOS-native design tool with superior performance and a clean workflow. However, its platform lock-in and declining ecosystem make Figma the better choice for most teams starting fresh in 2026.
GetASearch Score: 7/10
Rating: 4.3/5 (1200 reviews)
Pros
- Native Mac performance
- Mature ecosystem
- Focused feature set
- Strong symbol system
Cons
- Mac only
- No real-time collaboration
- Losing market share
- Fewer updates
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Features | 7.0/10 |
| Ease of Use | 8.0/10 |
| Value for Money | 7.0/10 |
| Customer Support | 7.0/10 |
| Overall | 7.0/10 |
What is Sketch?
Sketch is a vector-based design tool built exclusively for macOS, widely regarded as the application that pioneered modern UI/UX design workflows. Founded in 2010 by Bohemian Coding in The Hague, Netherlands, Sketch disrupted Adobe's dominance by creating a tool purpose-built for digital product design rather than adapting print-oriented software. Sketch's core strength is its focused simplicity. Unlike Figma's collaborative-first approach or Adobe XD's integration with Creative Cloud, Sketch is deliberately a design tool first. The interface is clean, the learning curve is gentle, and performance on macOS is excellent - even with large files containing hundreds of artboards. Symbols (reusable components), text styles, and color variables provide a robust design system foundation. The plugin ecosystem, while smaller than it once was, remains valuable. Sketch Runner for quick actions, Stark for accessibility checking, and Anima for design-to-code handoff extend Sketch's capabilities. The native file format (.sketch) is well-documented and supported by development handoff tools like Zeplin, Avocode, and InVision Inspect. Sketch's collaboration features have improved significantly with the introduction of Sketch Cloud and real-time collaboration (added in 2022). Teams can now co-edit documents simultaneously, share prototypes via browser links, and manage a centralized component library. However, the collaboration experience still trails Figma, which was built around multiplayer editing from day one. Pricing is straightforward: $12/editor/month for the Standard plan (includes real-time collaboration) or a one-time $120 license for the Mac app only (without collaboration features). The one-time purchase option is unique in the market and appeals to freelancers and small studios who prefer to avoid subscriptions. The major limitation is platform exclusivity - Sketch runs only on macOS. This is a dealbreaker for teams with Windows or Linux users. Additionally, Sketch's market share has declined significantly since Figma's rise, which means fewer new plugins, tutorials, and community resources are being created. For new teams choosing a design tool in 2026, Figma is the safer long-term bet, but Sketch remains a capable, performant choice for Mac-only teams.
Sketch Features
| Feature | Available | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Symbols | Yes | Reusable components |
| Plugins | Yes | Large plugin directory |
| Web Collaboration | Yes | Share and inspect online |
Sketch Pricing
$12/mo
Best For
- Mac designers
- Solo designers
- Agencies on Mac
- Sketch veterans
Final Verdict
Sketch remains an excellent macOS-native design tool with superior performance and a clean workflow. However, its platform lock-in and declining ecosystem make Figma the better choice for most teams starting fresh in 2026.