Both Sketch and Inkscape are essential tools for businesses and designers. Sketch offers a comprehensive design platform with advanced features for collaboration and prototyping, while Inkscape provides a powerful, free alternative with extensive file format support. We'll compare these tools to determine which one best meets the needs of designers and businesses.

A Quick Overview of Sketch and Inkscape

What is Sketch?

clickup screenshot

Sketch provides a comprehensive design platform that includes a Mac app for creating designs and a web app for collaboration, feedback, and handoff. The platform is designed to help designers create, prototype, and collaborate efficiently.

Smart Animate adds movement to prototypes, making designs more dynamic. The integration of Mac and web apps allows seamless collaboration and handoff, setting Sketch apart from competitors.

What is Inkscape?

clickup screenshot

Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor designed for illustrators, designers, and web designers. It provides flexible drawing tools, broad file format compatibility, and advanced features like Bezier and spiro curves.

One unique feature of Inkscape is its powerful text tool, which allows for extensive text manipulation. Additionally, being free and open-source under the GPL license sets it apart from competitors, enabling community-driven development and contributions.

Features of Sketch and Inkscape

Similarities

Sketch and Inkscape share several key features that make them both powerful tools for designers. Despite their differences, they offer similar functionalities that cater to the needs of creative professionals.

  • Vector Graphics Editing: Both Sketch and Inkscape excel in vector graphics editing, allowing users to create and manipulate vector images with precision.
  • Bezier and Spiro Curves: Advanced path editing capabilities, including Bezier and spiro curves, are available in both tools for detailed shape control.
  • Text Tools: Each application provides robust text tools for creating and editing text within designs, enhancing typographic flexibility.
  • File Format Compatibility: Both support a wide range of file formats, facilitating easy import and export of designs across different platforms.
  • Community Engagement: Active communities contribute to the development and improvement of both Sketch and Inkscape, fostering a collaborative environment for users.

Differences

Sketch and Inkscape cater to different design needs, each offering unique features that set them apart. Here are the most significant differences:

  • Platform Focus: Sketch is primarily a Mac app, while Inkscape is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
  • Prototyping: Sketch includes advanced prototyping tools like Smart Animate, which Inkscape lacks.
  • Cost: Inkscape is free and open-source, whereas Sketch requires a subscription.
  • Collaboration: Sketch offers real-time collaboration and a web app for feedback and handoff, features not available in Inkscape.
  • Plug-ins: Sketch supports a wide range of plug-ins for various functionalities, while Inkscape relies on community-driven extensions.

User Interface and Usability

Sketch's user interface is designed to be intuitive, with customizable toolbars and an infinite canvas that supports a seamless workflow. The user experience is enhanced by features like real-time collaboration and offline support, making it suitable for both individual and team projects. However, the need for a subscription may be a drawback for some users.

Inkscape, on the other hand, offers a clean and well-organized interface with flexible drawing tools and broad file format compatibility. The user experience is bolstered by extensive community support and resources, making it accessible to both beginners and advanced users. Despite being free, it lacks some of the advanced collaboration features found in Sketch.

Sketch has a better user interface and usability over Inkscape.

Collaboration

Sketch offers a robust platform for collaboration, featuring real-time collaboration tools, shared libraries, and feedback management. Users can work offline and sync their projects across devices, making it easy to collaborate from anywhere. The web app further enhances teamwork by allowing feedback, inspection, and handoff directly in the browser.

Inkscape, on the other hand, lacks built-in collaboration tools but emphasizes community involvement through forums, mailing lists, and contributor meetings. While these options facilitate communication and teamwork, they do not offer the same level of integrated collaboration features as Sketch.

Sketch is better for collaboration.

Sketch and Inkscape Pricing

Sketch offers a variety of pricing plans to cater to different user needs. The Standard Subscription costs $10 per month per Editor when billed yearly, or $12 when billed monthly. For businesses, the subscription is $22 per month per Editor, billed yearly. Additionally, a Mac-only license is available for a one-time fee of $120 per seat, which includes one year of updates.

Inkscape, on the other hand, is completely free to use. There are no subscription costs, one-time purchase options, or trial periods. This makes Inkscape an attractive option for those looking for a cost-effective solution without compromising on features. Overall, Inkscape offers better pricing as it is entirely free.

Comparing Sketch and Inkscape to Piktochart

clickup screenshot

Piktochart transforms complex ideas into captivating visuals that inform and engage your audience. With Piktochart AI, you can create stunning infographics, reports, and presentations in seconds, perfectly aligned with your brand. No design experience required.

Pros of Piktochart

  • AI-Powered Design Generator: Piktochart's AI-powered design generator allows users to create stunning visuals quickly and effortlessly, saving valuable time and effort.
  • Extensive Template Library: With a wide range of customizable templates for infographics, presentations, reports, and more, Piktochart caters to various needs and industries.
  • Versatile Visual Tools: Piktochart offers a variety of visual tools, including an infographic maker, banner maker, and video tools like a screen recorder and video to text converter, making it a versatile platform for all visual content needs.
  • Customizable Text and View Properties: Users can easily change text properties and view properties, such as background color and aspect ratios, to better suit their design requirements.
  • Community and Support: Piktochart boasts an active community and extensive support resources, ensuring users have the help they need to create professional-quality visuals.

Piktochart's Pricing

  • Free: $0 (Free forever)
  • Pro:
    • $29 per member/month (billed monthly)
    • $14 per member/month (billed annually, save 52%)
  • Business:
    • $49 per member/month (billed monthly)
    • $24 per member/month (billed annually, save 52%)
  • Enterprise: Custom Pricing (Contact for details)
  • Campus: Custom Pricing (Minimum 3000 seats, contact for details)

What Are Others Saying?

Sketch Reviews

Overall, users have given Sketch a rating of 4.5 out of 5. While many appreciate its ease of use and features, frustrations include platform exclusivity and compatibility issues.

"The app is good but only available for Mac, which limits its use." - Verified User (Small-Business), 2.5 out of 5

"Sketch lacks some features that other design tools offer." - Anonymous, 3 out of 5

"Compatibility issues with other software can be frustrating." - John D., 3.5 out of 5

Find more of Sketch reviews on G2!

Inkscape Reviews

Overall, users have given Inkscape a rating of 4.4 out of 5. While many appreciate its affordability and vector design capabilities, frustrations include a steep learning curve and poor usability.

"Free but complex" - Katie T., 3.0 out of 5

"THE BEST FREE SVG EDITOR SO FAR" - Kuo B., 3.0 out of 5

"Best Open Source designer" - Lavya P., 3.0 out of 5

Find more of Inkscape reviews on G2!

Piktochart Reviews

Our users have given Piktochart an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5. They appreciate its ease of use, extensive template library, and versatility in creating professional visuals.

  • "Easy to create content even if you're not a designer" - Jessica D.
  • "My Go-To for ALL Professional Presentations!" - Jennifer K.
  • "Incredibly intuitive design app" - Samuel [SAM] J.

Find more of our reviews on G2!

Why choose one over the other?

Why a consumer might want to use Sketch over Inkscape:

  • Sketch is ideal for Mac users who need advanced prototyping and real-time collaboration tools. It's perfect for product designers, UX designers, and teams looking for a comprehensive design platform.

Why a consumer might want to use Inkscape over Sketch:

  • Inkscape is a great choice for those who need a free, open-source vector graphics editor with extensive file format support. It's suitable for illustrators, web designers, and anyone looking for a cost-effective design solution.

Why a consumer might want to use Piktochart over Inkscape and Sketch:

  • Piktochart is perfect for users who need an all-in-one visual communication tool with AI-powered design features and a vast template library. It's ideal for communications professionals, educators, and marketing teams looking to create engaging visuals quickly and effortlessly.

Sketch, Inkscape, or Piktochart: Which is the best platform for you?

Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting, Sketch, Inkscape, and Piktochart each offer unique strengths to meet your needs. While Sketch and Inkscape are excellent choices for specific design tasks, we believe Piktochart stands out with its AI-powered features and extensive template library, making it the perfect tool for creating stunning visuals effortlessly. Give Piktochart a try and see how it can transform your visual communication.