InVision vs Sketch: What are the differences?

Introduction

InVision and Sketch are two popular design tools in the industry, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Understanding the key differences between them can help designers choose the right tool for their projects.

1. Interface and User Experience: InVision is primarily focused on creating interactive prototypes and collaboration among team members, offering a browser-based platform for design reviews and feedback. On the other hand, Sketch is a vector-based design tool that provides a more focused interface for creating intricate designs with precision and speed.

2. Prototyping Capabilities: InVision excels in prototyping with features like hotspot interactions, gestures, and animations, making it ideal for creating interactive designs for web and mobile apps. While Sketch offers basic prototyping functionality, it may require plugins like Craft by InVision to match the advanced prototyping capabilities of InVision.

3. Collaboration Tools: InVision provides robust collaboration features, allowing team members to comment on designs, share feedback, and conduct design reviews seamlessly. Sketch, on the other hand, relies on third-party integrations like Abstract or Zeplin for collaboration, which may not be as integrated and intuitive as InVision's built-in tools.

4. Platform Compatibility: Sketch is exclusive to macOS, limiting its accessibility for designers who use other operating systems. In contrast, InVision is cloud-based and supports both macOS and Windows, making it a more versatile choice for teams with diverse setups.

5. Plugins and Integrations: Sketch has a vibrant ecosystem of plugins that extend its functionality, offering a wide range of tools for design automation, prototyping, and asset management. InVision also has plugins, but its strength lies in seamless integrations with tools like Jira, Slack, and Trello, enhancing the workflow and collaboration capabilities.

6. Price and Licensing Options: While Sketch follows a traditional licensing model with a one-time purchase fee, InVision operates on a subscription-based pricing structure, which may be more cost-effective for individual designers or small teams. Additionally, InVision offers a free plan with limited features, making it accessible for new designers to explore the platform.

In Summary, understanding the key differences between InVision and Sketch, such as their interface, prototyping capabilities, collaboration tools, platform compatibility, plugins, and pricing, can help designers make informed decisions when choosing the right tool for their design projects.