Sketch is a modern graphic design app for macOS that took the world by storm after its release in 2010. It is now a staple of web, mobile, UI/UX, and icon design. The app is widely loved and has few direct competitors, but unfortunately, due to the technology it relies on that is unique to macOS, the developers did not consider releasing it on Windows and Linux。 While a lot of graphic designers use Macs, many don’t, and as a result, Sketch’s Mac exclusivity becomes an issue. So, if you’re primarily a Windows or Linux user, here are 10 of the best Sketch alternatives for Windows and Linux that you can use.
What are the best Sketch alternatives for Windows and Linux
Here, we have listed all the Sketch alternatives for Windows and Linux. Just click on the link below and you can easily go to the alternative of your choice.
List of Best Sketch Alternatives: A Collection of the Best Product Design Tools
1.Figma
Best Product Design Software Recommendation: Figma is one of the best Sketch alternatives for Windows that brings a powerful and powerful UI/UX design tool. This tool is browser-based and has its own advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of being a browser-based tool is that you can use it on any operating system, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Also, you don’t have to download any software or patches or update it because everything happens in the background. On the other hand, you will need a constant internet connection to use its web app. Recently, the company has also launched native apps for Windows and macOS platforms, but there is still no app for Linux users.
Figma’s UI is very similar to Sketch, so you’ll find yourself right at home. For its features, Figma brings feature-rich prototyping tools that allow you to quickly create beautiful prototypes and share them with your customers with a single click.
Its pen tool is very powerful and uses a vector network. It also supports 60 FPS interactive editing, with pixel-perfect previews and exports. Another benefit of Figma is that all your work is automatically synced to the cloud with a specific version history, so you don’t have to worry about saving or uploading files.
Figma is also suitable for teams. There’s a shared team library where all assets are shared among team members, so they can all access the same assets at any time. That said, this feature is only available to professional users. Figma has received rave reviews from the designers, so you should definitely check it out.
Features:
- Cross-platform
- Cloud sync
- Pixel-perfect
- Collaboration and asset sharing
Best Product Design Software Download: Windows, macOS, and web (free, $12/month)
2. Lunacy
Lunacy is one-of-a-kind software that has everything you’re looking for. Just as Sketch is exclusive to macOS, Lunacy is exclusive to Windows, and it works the same way. Great design and great tools mean great results. It’s a free graphic design software that doesn’t have any outdated software, ads, or spam, which is fantastic.
On top of that, Lunacy provides you with built-in assets, including icons, photos, vector illustrations, and more. Not to mention, Lunacy is fully compatible with .sketch files, and it can even work with older .sketch files without any problems. Cross-compatibility, do you see that?
And that’s not all. Lunacy is very performative and light on resources. It is 2x faster and takes up less memory than Sketch. Another notable feature of Lunacy is that it takes full advantage of GPU acceleration like Sketch and can export code with a single click. All in all, Lunacy is probably the best Sketch alternative you can get on a Windows computer.
Features:
- Free and private
- 2x faster
- Compatible with .sketch files
- Built-in assets
- Best for Windows machines
Availability: Windows (Free)
3. InVision Studio
A collection of the best product design tools: InVision Studio is another top graphic designer software that has been praised by the designer community. It is seen as a potential alternative to Sketch because its powerful layout engine is said to be the best in the industry.
InVision Studio is available on macOS and Windows, and it’s compatible with .sketch files, so you don’t have to worry about legacy components and assets. In addition to that, the software really tries to turn your ideas into powerful designs.
You’ll get an infinite canvas with tons of vector-based tools that can help you create stunning icons, poster cards, graphic designs, and more. What I like about InVision Studio is that it’s easy to adjust and scale, and it feels very responsive when doing so.
Basically, the design experience is top-notch, just like how you feel when using Sketch on macOS. Plus, InVision Studio is completely free to use and prototype your designs. I’d say that if Figma and Lunacy don’t cut for you, then InVision Studio will definitely take you home.
Features:
- Free and powerful layout engine
- Compatible with .sketch files
- Scalable and responsive like Sketch
- Numerous vector tools
Availability: macOS and Windows (free)
4.Adobe XD
What are the best Sketch alternatives? Adobe is a giant in the creative industry and seems to have one tool for all creative needs, including video editing, audio editing, photo editing, and more. Similar to all other popular authoring apps, Adobe XD is a powerful tool that can easily replace the Sketch app for Windows users.
The app offers powerful UI and UX design tools that can help you go from wireframing to prototyping. The app also brings a familiar user interface that you’ll find Adobe XD easy to get used to if you’ve used Sketch or any other such app in the past.
Adobe CD brings a host of features, including fast and versatile artboards, modern and contextual layer panels, support for Illustrator and PSD files, interactive transitions, drag-and-drop controls, zero lag time when interacting with the canvas, and more. One of the biggest benefits of Adobe XD is that it also comes with a mobile app that allows you to preview files on your smartphone.
This means that you’ll be able to see exactly how your design will look on your smartphone without having to code it. Other features of Adobe XD include voice prototyping, responsive resizing, automatic animation, and more. If you’re looking for the best Sketch alternative, it should be on your list.
Features:
- Responsive
- Illustrator and PSD files are supported
- Automated prototyping
- Drag-and-drop controls
- Export the code
Availability: Windows, macOS (free, $9.99/month)
5. Affinity Designer
Best Product Design Software Download: Affinity Designer, the Apple Design Award-winning vector editor, was originally created as an alternative to Adobe Illustrator. However, this doesn’t negate the fact that it’s one of the best Sketch alternatives on the market depending on the use case. I’ve been a long-time user of Affinity Designer on Mac and I’m happy to report that the Windows version is no different from the Mac version in terms of features.
This means that if you buy it for a Windows machine, you basically don’t sacrifice any features. Affinity Designer introduces powerful pen and node tools, allowing users to create the content they want with just a few clicks.
Best Product Design Software Recommendation: The software also supports custom keyboard shortcuts, so you can customize the way your app works to your needs. Other features of Designer include tool and mode switching support, multiple artboard support, symbol panels, UI design constraints, corner and pencil tools, and more.
Another great thing about Affinity Designer is that when you buy it, you get a free ‘Grade UI Kit’ with over 1000 customisable elements, icons, panels. and buttons. While this software isn’t as powerful as Sketch in terms of UI/UX design, it’s a worthwhile option for Windows users.
Features:
- Powerful graphics tools
- Powerful pen mode
- Customizable elements
- Built-in assets and UI suite
- Simple user interface
Availability: Windows / macOS ($49.99)
6.Vectr
Vectr is a free graphic design tool that can be used to create graphics easily and intuitively. The app doesn’t have a huge learning curve, and anyone, including beginners, can easily get up and running with the software.
Vectr also comes with written and video tutorials, which is a great place to start if you’re just starting your design journey. Like Figma, Vectr can be used both online in a browser and with its native app available for Linux and Windows devices.
In addition to the regular UI/UX design features that you can expect from this type of software, Vectr brings a host of other cool features to the table. What I like the most is the real-time collaborative linking feature. The feature basically allows you to send links to the projects you’re working on to other Vectr users so that you can work on the same project in real-time.
Plus, all your work is automatically uploaded and saved to the cloud, so you don’t have to worry about any of that. While Vectr isn’t as powerful as some of the other tools on this list, if you’re looking for an easy-to-use Sketch alternative to help you get started, then this is the app for you.
Features:
- Web-based and therefore cross-platform
- Collaborate in real time
- Best for basic graphic design
- Easy to use
Availability: Windows, Linux, and Web (free)
7. Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is the world’s most well-known and feature-rich vector graphics editor. From logos, icons, mobile devices, and web design to sketching, print design, and typography, Illustrator lets you do it all. Just like most other Adobe products, the community of free and paid guides, tutorials, and resources is huge.
Some of these features include perspective drawing tools, shaping tools, live shapes, dynamic symbols, smart guides, multiple artboards, gradient transparency, and real-time gradient editing.
Using Illustrator through Creative Cloud also brings additional features such as cloud sync, which lets you access your designs from anywhere, companion apps for Android and iOS, and access to Adobe’s collection of millions of royalty-free images, graphics, and videos.
While Illustrator is great for digital illustration (hence the name) and generic vector design, it doesn’t have a workflow for product and interface/UX design. This is certainly doable, but lacks the versatility of Sketch in this sector.
Features:
- Best for vector graphic design
- Cloud sync
- Royalty-free images
- Plenty of design tools
- Cross-compatible with many Adobe products
Availability: Windows, macOS (7-day free trial; Use Creative Cloud $19.99/mo)
8.Gravit Designer
A collection of the best product design tools: Gravit Designer has evolved a lot over the past few years and has become the best free and open-source alternative to Sketch for Windows and Linux users. First of all, now the app not only runs on the web, but also offers native apps for all three major desktop platforms, including macOS, Windows, and Linux.
This is a huge update because now users don’t have to rely on the browser to get the job done because they can use native apps that feel more comfortable and are generally faster than web apps. Talking about the features of Gravit not only includes tools for screen design, interface design, vector graphics, and logo creation, but also allows users to create high-quality icons, presentations, and illustrations.
It comes with preset canvas sizes, over 29,000 icons, over 1,000 stock photos, a curated list of Google web fonts and a community marketplace where you can purchase assets for your project. Another benefit of using Gravit Designer is that it keeps everything in sync with the cloud.
Also, now you don’t need a constant internet connection to use this app because it works offline and the changes you make are automatically synced when you surf the web. The new app also brings a clean user interface that adjusts itself to your needs. Overall, Gravit is a great app, better than most paid apps. It’s definitely one of the best Sketch alternatives you can find in the market right now.
Features:
- Web-based
- Huge asset library
- Customizable components
- Cloud sync
- Clean user interface
Availability: Windows, Linux, macOS, and Web (free)
9. Inkscape
The old open-source tool Inkscape is a universal vector graphics editor. While it’s not as feature-rich and powerful as Sketch, it makes up for these shortcomings by being cross-platform and extremely lightweight. It supports importing the largest number of file formats, including Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Microsoft Visio, and Sketch (with extensions).
Inkscape includes features such as flexible drawing tools, including a pencil tool for freehand drawing, a pen tool for creating Bezier curves and lines, a text tool, and other powerful tools for illustration, web design, and general vector image editing. Since it’s free and cross-platform, it’s a great tool for students, people with old computers, and beginners for vector graphic design.
Features:
- Best for Linux users
- Lightweight and feature-rich
- Pencil mode
- Compatible with .sketch files
- Third-party extension support
Availability: Windows, Linux, macOS (free)
10. Xara Designer Pro
Best Product Design Software Download: Xara Designer Pro is one of the most comprehensive solutions for graphic design. In addition to basic support for vector design, it has tools for illustration, web design, photo editing, and more. Some of the advanced features include real-time effects, non-destructive photo manipulation, vector masks, layer blending, website creation tools, and support for PDF and PSD file formats.
Best Product Design Software Recommendation: Compared to Sketch’s UI / UX design tendencies, Xara is more of a general-purpose graphic design app that offers something for almost everyone. It is also more conducive to web design. If you only need basic raster and vector image editing, then Xara is redundant for you both in terms of range and price. Luckily, you can choose to purchase the graphic design or web design components separately.
Features:
- Basic vector design
- Layer blending
- Customizable design elements
- Live effects
Note: During the installation process, Xara offers to install a “PC Cleaner” app called Simplyclean, marked as the default installation. This is in line with the qualifications of the British media and is completely unacceptable for the reputation and price of Designer Pro.
Availability:
Designer Pro: Windows ($299, 7-day free trial)
Photo & Graphic Designer: Windows ($89.99, 7-day free trial)
Web Designer Premium: Windows ($99.99, 7-day free trial).
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Is there a free version of Sketch?
While Sketch doesn’t offer a free version, you can get a similar level of tools on Figma and InVision Studio without paying a dime.
Q: Is Sketch only available for Mac?
Yes, Sketch is only available for macOS.
Q: Is Sketch better than Adobe XD?
Many people prefer Sketch because of its responsiveness and pixel-perfect layout. However, many designers prefer to use Adobe XD because it is compatible with other Adobe products. I wouldn’t say Sketch is better than Adobe XD, but it depends on your use case.
Q: Is Sketch for Windows free?
Sketch isn’t available on Windows. If you want to use something like Sketch on Windows for free, then I highly recommend Lunacy.
Design your next project with these Sketch alternatives
What are the best Sketch alternatives? We hope you find these Sketch alternatives for Windows and Linux useful. Although Sketch’s features and workflows in UI and UX design are unmatched outside of the macOS ecosystem, things aren’t that bad in general vector and raster graphics editing. Even in the world of interface design, things are getting better with the upcoming release of Adobe Experience Design for Windows. Do you like these Sketch alternatives? Anything more to share? Let us know by leaving us a comment in the comments section below.
