Sketch's Journey Over the Past Two Years: A Retrospective

Introduction

Sketch, the popular vector graphics editor, has come a long way since its first release in 2010. Over the past two years, in particular, the app has undergone significant changes and improvements. In this article, we will take a look back at what Sketch has done over the past two years, from new features and updates to major milestones and acquisitions.

New Features and Updates

Sketch 47 (November 2020)

• Dark Mode Support: Sketch 47 introduced full support for dark mode on macOS, providing a more visually appealing and comfortable work environment for designers.
• New Export Options: The app gained new export options for exporting designs, including the ability to export assets in WebP format and control the quality and size of exported images.
• Improved Collaboration Tools: Sketch improved its collaboration features, making it easier for multiple designers to work on projects simultaneously.

Sketch 48 (April 2021)

• Figma Import: Sketch 48 introduced the ability to import Figma files, making it easier for designers to switch between different design tools and collaborate with teams that may be using different software.
• Cloud Library: Cloud Library, a cloud-based library for sharing symbols and styles, was introduced, allowing designers to collaborate more seamlessly and reduce redundancy.
• Performance Enhancements: Sketch 48 included significant performance enhancements, making the app faster and more responsive, especially for large and complex projects.

Sketch 49 (November 2021)

• JSON Export: Sketch 49 added the ability to export designs in JSON format, making it easier for developers to integrate designs into web applications.
• Improved Text Styling: The app introduced new text styling options, including the ability to control line spacing and letter spacing, providing designers with greater flexibility in creating typography.
• New Plugin API: The launch of a new plugin API allowed developers to create custom plugins and integrations, expanding Sketch's functionality and catering to specific design needs.

Sketch 50 (April 2022)

• Frame Fixed Layouts: Sketch 50 introduced frame fixed layouts, providing designers with more control over the layout and alignment of elements within frames.
• Enhanced Design Inspection: The app gained improved design inspection tools, allowing designers to measure distances, align elements, and inspect colors and styles more easily.
• Cloud Document History: Cloud Document History, a feature that allows designers to track changes and restore previous versions of a document, was added, enhancing collaboration and version control.

Major Milestones and Acquisitions

Acquisition by Figma (June 2022)

In June 2022, Figma, a leading competitor in the design industry, acquired Sketch. This acquisition was a major milestone for both companies and the design industry as a whole.

Benefits of the Acquisition:

• Cross-Platform Support: The acquisition is expected to bring cross-platform support to Sketch, enabling designers to use the app on Windows and other operating systems.
• Expanded Functionality: Figma's extensive plugin ecosystem and collaboration features are expected to be integrated into Sketch, enhancing its functionality and user experience.
• Increased Market Share: The combined user base of Sketch and Figma is expected to give the acquired company a significant market share in the design industry.

Tips and Tricks

• Utilize Cloud Library: Take advantage of Cloud Library to streamline collaboration and reduce redundancy by sharing symbols and styles across multiple projects.
• Leverage Plugins: Explore the growing library of plugins to extend Sketch's functionality and automate repetitive tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
• Master Text Styling: Use the advanced text styling options in Sketch 49 and later to create visually appealing and sophisticated typography.

Why Sketch Matters

Sketch has gained popularity among designers due to its user-friendly interface, efficient workflow, and powerful features. Key reasons for its significance include:

• Industry Standard: Sketch has become an industry standard for UI and UX design, widely used by designers in various industries worldwide.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: While Sketch is primarily designed for macOS, it supports exporting designs for multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and web.
• Collaboration Tools: Sketch's collaboration features make it easy for multiple designers to work on projects simultaneously, enhancing efficiency and reducing the need for multiple iterations.

How Sketch Benefits Designers

By leveraging Sketch's capabilities, designers can:

• Improve Efficiency: Streamline their workflow with Sketch's efficient tools and automated features, freeing up time for more creative tasks.
• Enhance Precision: Create precise and detailed designs with Sketch's accurate measurement tools and alignment features, ensuring high-quality output.
• Foster Collaboration: Collaborate seamlessly with other designers through Sketch's sharing and versioning features, reducing miscommunication and delays.

Comparison of Sketch with Other Design Tools

Tables

Table 1: Sketch New Features Timeline

Table 2: Sketch Usage Statistics

Table 3: Popular Sketch Plugins

Conclusion

Sketch has come a long way over the past two years, adding significant new features, updates, and improvements to its platform. The app has become an industry-leading tool for UI and UX design, providing designers with a powerful set of tools to create high-quality designs efficiently. The acquisition by Figma is expected to further enhance Sketch's capabilities and solidif