Both Sketch and Adobe Photoshop 2025 are powerful tools for design, with Sketch offering a more accessible and user-friendly experience, while Adobe Photoshop 2025 provides deeper integration within the Adobe ecosystem and enhanced performance for large files. The choice depends on the user's specific needs, existing software ecosystem, and comfort level with complexity.
| Attribute | Sketch | Adobe Photoshop 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| User Interface Customization | Sketch is known for its customization tools and has a friendly user interface that is easy to use, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced designers. | Extensive workspace customization, allowing users to save personalized layouts and switch between them based on the project. Users can rearrange tools, customize panels, and adjust layout settings. |
| Collaboration Features | Sketch offers real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously. You can invite team members to edit or comment on a file. It also provides a shared workspace for files and libraries. | Live Co-Editing enables multiple creators to simultaneously access and edit documents from different computers. Features include real-time feedback and version control, with team members able to leave notes and suggestions directly within the project file. The 'Projects' feature allows users to package and distribute sets of design assets. |
| Prototyping Capabilities | Sketch provides tools to create interactive prototypes with features like links, hotspots, overlays, and scrolling areas. It supports interactions like hover, press, and toggle effects. It integrates with other tools for more complex interactions. | Facilitates quick prototyping with a built-in 3D asset library, allowing users to access high-quality 3D models and textures directly within the application. The 'Mockup' feature helps create visual prototypes of art on objects like packaging and apparel. |
| Plugin Ecosystem | Sketch has a wide range of plugins created by its developer community to expand its functionality for various purposes, including design systems, performance optimization, accessibility, and creativity. | Supports a wide array of plugins that can expand its functionality. These include plugins for noise reduction, AI effects, creating custom fonts, film looks and effects. |
| Vector Editing Tools | Sketch is primarily a vector-based tool, offering precise and versatile vector editing capabilities. | Has capabilities to edit and render vector graphics. |
| Raster Graphics Editing | Graphite is a vector and raster graphics editor. | Primarily a raster graphics editor that can edit and compose raster images in multiple layers and supports masks and alpha compositing. |
| Animation Support | Sketch supports animated transitions in prototypes. You can also integrate with other tools like Principle, ProtoPie, or After Effects for more advanced animations. | Simplifies the process of editing photos, creating graphics, and animating figures. It offers tools for creating animated logos, social media content, and motion graphics. The timeline panel is a foundation for animation projects. |
| Cloud Storage Integration | Sketch offers cloud storage integration through Sketch Cloud, enabling real-time collaboration and sharing of design files. | Utilizes cloud documents, allowing users to manage and work with them. |
| Performance on Large Files | Performance can be affected when working with large files. Tips to enhance performance include simplifying models, using layers wisely, and limiting high-resolution textures. | Improvements to GPU acceleration enable users to handle larger files and complex designs more smoothly. |
| Compatibility with Other Adobe Products | Sketch works with third-party applications. Integrations with tools like InVision and Zeplin are available. | Enhances integration with Adobe Fresco and other Creative Cloud apps, optimizing file transfer and preserving brush strokes and layers. |
| Pricing Model | Sketch offers subscription-based plans. The Standard plan starts at $9 per editor per month. A 30-day free trial is available. | Adobe uses a subscription-based model. There are different plans, including the Photography Plan, Single App plan, and All Apps plan. Discounts are available for students and teachers. |
| Learning Curve | The learning curve to draw is very shallow. | Can seem complex initially, but modern features like AI-powered Neural Filters and an improved Help system flatten the learning curve. |