Should Sketch be used in 2025?

Since I started with Easy Web in 2020, Sketch has always been at the heart of our design processes. I've seen it evolve, adapt, and sincerely, it remains a pillar for our creations. What always strikes me is its lightness and optimization for UI/UX workflow.

For user interface and experience design (UI/UX), it's a champion. Its speed of execution and dedicated features (symbols, overrides, libraries) mean you can prototype and iterate at breakneck speed. It's the ideal tool when you want to concentrate on pure, no-frills design.

However, Sketch is primarily for Macs. This is a major limitation for multi-OS teams. And if you need advanced interactive prototyping features or ultra-fluid real-time collaboration, other tools can sometimes take over.

Sketch is not for Macs.

When you're new to interface design, the complexity of the tools can quickly put you off. Sketch, in my experience, radically simplifies this first approach. Its interface is uncluttered, focused on the essentials: creating screens. You have access to intuitive vector tools, perfect for understanding the logic of digital design. Don't forget the symbols, reusable elements that introduce you to the notion of design system right from the start, without drowning you.

It's a real springboard for young talent. You're not overwhelmed by a thousand photo editing or printing features. The emphasis is on artboards, for designing multiple screens of an application or site, and creating components. For someone who wants to learn UI/UX straight away, this is the ideal tool for building a solid foundation before exploring wider ecosystems.

Cost is often the first question that comes to mind when evaluating a tool. For Sketch, the model is transparent, and I appreciate that. We're on an annual subscription per user, hovering around $99 per year in 2025. This one-time cost is a full license for the Mac application, giving you access to all updates, major and minor, and to the Sketch Cloud ecosystem. Think real-time collaboration, prototype sharing, and centralized management of Design Systems - it's all included. It's perfect for solo designers, independent studios, or integrated teams looking for a robust solution without the complexity (or cost) of an exhaustive suite. And an important point: even if you don't renew, you keep the latest version of the app, a not inconsiderable asset for the longevity of your projects.

For me, what really sets Sketch apart is its symbol management. At Easy Web, this functionality has become the backbone of our efficiency. The ability to create reusable components - whether buttons, navigation bars or maps - and instantly synchronize them across all our layouts is a game-changer. It ensures impeccable consistency and saves us precious time, especially on complex projects.

The other major strength is clearly the ecosystem of plugins. For pros, Sketch goes beyond a simple design application thanks to this extensibility. I immediately think of tools like Zeplin for a fluid handoff developer, or even extensions to generate dummy content quickly. These plugins personalize the experience, allowing us to tailor the tool precisely to our needs and optimize our workflows. It's the freedom to sculpt your tool.

When it comes to design efficiency, Sketch's smart resizing features are a major plus. You know, the ability to define "Smart Layouts" allows your elements to automatically adjust to the size of the content or frame. It's a revolution for rapid iterations, and has saved us countless times on complex projects at Easy Web, avoiding tedious manual adjustments at every change.

And let's never underestimate the power of Symbols and their "Overrides". Creating a reusable component is the basics. But being able to easily modify its text, images or colors without breaking the link with the master symbol? This is where Sketch excels. Combine this with Libraries and you've got the coherent design system that every modern agency is looking for. It's a time-saver and quality assurance that's second to none.