Designing interfaces and reports is perhaps the most large element of today’s virtual product development. Sketch, mainly designed for macOS, has been a popular tool for UI and UX designers for a long time. And also, Sketch gives vector-based design, Symbols, and a surroundings of plugins that make it efficient and effective. Sketch, even though, is not unfastened, and plenty of individual designers, students, and small organizations like fee-saving or entirely free options.
If you are a Mac user searching out alternatives to Sketch that can offer you the same design capabilities without the fee of a subscription, you’ve come to the right place. In this newsletter, we’re going to check out the top free Sketch alternatives for macOS in 2025, explore how to convert HEIC images to JPG on Mac, and display their features, advantages, and applications so you can determine the best one for your needs.
Why Look for Sketch Alternatives?
Before diving into the gear, it’s essential to recognize why many designers search for options to Sketch:
Cost: Sketch calls for a paid license. For freelancers or small studios, this may be a pointless cost.
- Platform Limitation: Sketch is different to macOS, meaning crew contributors who use Windows or Linux can not collaborate directly.
- Collaboration Gaps: While Sketch integrates with cloud-primarily based gear, it’s much less seamless as compared to browser-first structures like Figma.
- Learning Curve for Beginners: It can be overwhelming for new designers while as compared to greater natural or extra streamlined design gear.
Lucky for us, there are some free products with expert-degree features which are acceptable for UI/UX designing, prototyping, and collaboration.
Features to Consider in a Free Sketch Alternative
When searching for free Sketch alternatives on macOS, keep in mind the following core features:
- Vector-based design tools: for exact, scalable designs.
- Prototyping: to convert static screens into interactive mockups.
- Cross-platform support: just in case you’re working with non-Mac users.
- Collaboration: live editing and sharing with groups.
- Plugins and integrations: to add features.
- Export options: PNG, SVG, PDF, or direct developer handoff.
Best Free Sketch Alternatives for macOS
Let’s look at the best free design software that is well-suited for macOS and can be great Sketch alternatives.
1. Figma (Free Plan)
Ideal for: Real-time cooperation and cross-platform design
Figma is the most popular UI/UX design tool in recent times. Figma is browser-based, unlike Sketch, thus being available on macOS, Windows, and even Linux. Its free plan is quite capable for individuals and small teams.
Key Features:
- Real-time collaboration (like Google Docs).
- Prototyping tools for interactive designs.
- Access on macOS through browser or desktop app.
- Big collection of free plugins and widgets.
- Easy sharing with a simple link.
Why It’s a Great Alternative: Gravit Designer eliminates the problem of operating system barriers and offers effortless collaboration. For Mac users who require flexibility and team-oriented workflows, Gravit Designer’s free version is a Sketch alternative that can’t be beat.
2. Gravit Designer (Free Version)
Ideal for: Vector design and cross-platform use
Gravit Designer is an adaptable vector-based design application for macOS as a desktop program and also running in the browser. It’s used for anything from UI design to icons and illustrations.
Key features:
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Cloud storage for files.
- Export in various formats
- Spontaneous and minimum interface.
- The offline version is included with the desktop application.
Why It’s a Great Alternative: Gravit Designer is packed with many of the vector editing features Sketch users are accustomed to, but in a light, free package.
3. Lunacy by Icons8
Best for: Offline editing with free design assets
Lunacy is a graphic and UI design app with a full-characteristics that began only as Windows-Cowl, but now runs on Mac originally. It is free, and includes underlying resources such as stock photos, pictures and icons.
key features:
- Works offline on Mac.
- Free access to built -in ICONS8 assets.
- Real time cooperation.
- Cross-Platform Support.
- Lightweight and adapted for performance.
Why It’s a Great Alternative: If you’re used to Sketch’s offline workflow but want to avoid subscriptions, Lunacy is an excellent choice.
4. Penpot (Open Source)
Best for: Designers who prefer open-source tools
Penpot is the initial open-supply design and prototyping platform, designed for groups. It runs absolutely in the browser, so users on macOS do not need to install bulky software programs.
Key Features:
- Vector-primarily based design tools.
- Free forever (open-source license).
- Team collaboration capabilities.
- Prototyping and interactive mockups.
- Works on any device with a browser.
Why It’s a Great Alternative: Penpot is right for designers and organizations that prioritize open-source solutions and need entire freedom without subscription costs.
5. Vectr
Best for: New designers learning about UI design
Vectr is a free, light weight design program offered on macOS via both desktop and web applications. It is less sophisticated than the sketch, but it provides a straight space for vector editing and simple UI design.
Top Features:
- Cloud sink.
- Cross-platform support.
- Live cooperation.
- Easy-use interfaces for newbies.
- Free project storage.
Why It’s Such a Great Alternative: For the new designer, Vectr offers an easy starting point with minimal complexity.
6. Canva (Free Plan)
Good for: Non-designers and quick designs
While Canva is perhaps most well-known for marketing graphics, its new additions make it ready for basic wireframing and UI mockups. The free plan is generous and easy to begin with.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop interface.
- Pre-made templates.
- Collaboration features.
- Works in any browser on macOS.
- Big free library of elements and graphics.
Why It’s a Great Alternative: If you’re not a professional designer but still want to create wireframes or simple mockups, Canva provides a no-fuss environment.
7. InVision (Free Plan)
Best for: Prototype and brainstorming
Invision is widely used to create prototypes and cooperate on interactive designs. Its free plan supports small teams and freelancers.
key features:
- Interactive prototype tools.
- Whiteboarding through Invision Freehand.
- Cloud-based sharing.
- Slack integrates with trello and cumin.
- Works in browsers and Mac apps.
Why It’s a Good Alternative: Pencil Project is best at simple wireframing and diagrams and thus is a good option when Sketch feels too complex.
8. Pencil Project
Best for: Basic wireframing and diagrams
Pencil Project is an open-supply wireframing and diagramming tool. Although much less complex than Sketch, it helps macOS and is sufficient for hard design thoughts inside the early ranges.
Key Features:
- Free and open-source.
- Pre-built shape libraries.
- Exports to several file formats.
- Simple-to-use interface.
- Offline compatibility.
Why It’s a Great Alternative: It’s great for college students, teachers, and groups looking for unfastened wireframing without complexity.
9. Inkscape
Best for: Vector layout and example
Inkscape is an open-supply vector photographs editor for macOS. Although greater biased towards instance than UI design, it can be made into workings for icon creation, layout, and mockups.
Key Features:
- Complete vector enhancing support.
- Cross-platform.
- Big on-line community and tutorials.
- Free and open-source for all time.
- Exports to SVG, PDF, EPS, and PNG.
Why It’s a Great Alternative: For Mac customers who require robust vector enhancing without forking over coins for software.
10. Krita
Best for: Designers who combine UI/UX with digital art
Crita is actually a digital functioning program by nature, but this vector adjusts shapes and works well for simple UI/UX design.
key features:
- Free and open source.
- Adjusts vector and rashapunj editing.
- Runs on macOS.
- Perfect for concept art fused with UI designing.
- Active community and developer support.
Why It’s a Great Substitute: If your design task entails both user interface and artistic aspects, Krita offers a free creative space.
Instant Comparison of Free Sketch Substitutes
- Figma: Best overall tool with live collaboration.
- Gravit Designer: Best for platform-agnostic vector editing.
- Lunacy: Best offline tool with free resources.
- Penpot: Best open-source tool for teams.
- Vectr: Most ideal for newcomers.
- Canva: Most ideal for rapid wireframes and non-designers.
- InVision: Most ideal for prototyping processes.
- Pencil Project: Most ideal for wireframing and diagrams.
- Inkscape: Most ideal for vector drawing.
- Krita: Most ideal for integrating design and digital working.
How to Select the Ideal Tool
- For collaborative projects: Opt for Figma or InVision.
- For open-source users: Penpot or Inkscape is ideal.
- For offline editing: Opt for Lunacy or Gravit Designer.
- For fast, easy-to-use use: Canva or Vectr is ideal.
- For broad creative requirements: Krita or Inkscape is great.
Converting from Sketch to Alternatives
If you already use sketch and want to switch:
- Export your sketch files to the forms that are compatible like SVG or PDF.
- Rebuild symbol and component libraries in the new application.
- Master shortcuts and plugins to improve your workflow.
- Try out one project first before fully transitioning.
- Utilize tutorials and community guides to adapt quickly.
Last Thoughts
Sketch remains a strong layout device for macOS users, however its rate and restrictions power many towards substitutes. Fortunately, as of 2025, loose Sketch alternatives are numerous and sturdy.
From Figma’s shared workflows to Lunacy’s offline editing, and Penpot’s open-supply versatility, there’s a device for every form of clothier. If you’re a freelancer, scholar, startup, or hobbyist, these equipment offer you the ability to design without costly software.
The top desire clearly comes down to your personal needs—whether you need real-time collaboration, offline admission to, or open-source flexibility. With the right loose device, you can unleash seasoned-stage design strength on macOS without spending a single dollar.
