9-3 Sketch Explained
Key Concepts
- Sketch Interface
- Artboards
- Layers
- Symbols
- Plugins
- Exporting Assets
- Prototyping
- Collaboration
Sketch Interface
The Sketch interface is designed to be intuitive and efficient for UI design. It consists of a toolbar, a layer list, a canvas, and inspector panel. The toolbar provides quick access to essential tools, while the layer list organizes all elements on the canvas. The inspector panel allows for detailed adjustments to properties like color, size, and position.
Example: The toolbar includes tools for drawing shapes, text, and images, while the layer list displays all elements in a hierarchical structure, making it easy to manage and edit them.
Artboards
Artboards in Sketch are virtual canvases where you design different screens or pages of your application. Each artboard represents a different view or state of the interface. Artboards can be resized and arranged to fit various device sizes and orientations.
Example: Designing a mobile app with separate artboards for the home screen, settings screen, and profile screen, each tailored to the dimensions of a smartphone.
Layers
Layers in Sketch are individual elements that make up the design. These can include shapes, text, images, and other graphical elements. Layers can be grouped, duplicated, and reordered to create complex designs. The layer list provides a clear overview of all elements and their hierarchy.
Example: A button on a webpage might consist of multiple layers: a background shape layer, a text layer, and an icon layer, all grouped together for easy management.
Symbols
Symbols in Sketch are reusable components that can be used across different artboards and projects. Once a symbol is created, any changes made to it are automatically updated wherever it is used. This feature is crucial for maintaining consistency and efficiency in design.
Example: Creating a symbol for a standard button that appears on multiple screens of a mobile app. If the button design needs to be updated, changing the symbol will update all instances of the button across the app.
Plugins
Plugins extend Sketch's functionality by adding new tools and features. There is a vast library of plugins available, created by the community, that can automate tasks, enhance design capabilities, and improve workflow efficiency.
Example: Installing a plugin that automatically generates a style guide from the design elements, saving time and ensuring consistency in the design system.
Exporting Assets
Sketch allows designers to export design elements in various formats and sizes. This feature is essential for delivering assets to developers or for use in different environments. Export options include PNG, JPG, SVG, and more, with customizable settings for resolution and quality.
Example: Exporting a logo in multiple sizes and formats for use on a website, mobile app, and print materials.
Prototyping
Sketch supports prototyping, enabling designers to create interactive prototypes of their designs. This feature allows for linking artboards, adding transitions, and simulating user interactions. Prototypes can be tested and shared with stakeholders for feedback.
Example: Creating a prototype of a mobile app that simulates the flow from the login screen to the home screen, including interactive elements like buttons and menus.
Collaboration
Sketch offers collaboration features that allow multiple designers to work on the same project simultaneously. This includes real-time editing, commenting, and version control. Sketch also integrates with cloud services for easy sharing and collaboration.
Example: A team of designers working on a website redesign, each focusing on different sections of the site. They can collaborate in real-time, leave comments, and track changes to ensure a cohesive final product.