Axure RP and Sketch are two popular design tools that are used to create effective wireframes, prototypes, and more. Each has its own unique advantages, and both are excellent tools to increase the effectiveness, aesthetic value, and functionality of your designs. So how does Sketch compare directly to Axure? Which is better? Keep reading to learn more about both programs and how they compare to each other.
Sketch for Design
In terms of aesthetic design, Sketch definitely excels. If you’re looking for a great program to create better visual designs and assets, Sketch can help you improve the quality of your vector images and the overall UI design of your project. Sketch isn’t necessarily used for the same thing as Axure, as it’s more focused on UI than UX.
Axure for Functionality
Axure is more focused on UX design than UI; that is, it’s more focused on improving your software’s functionality instead of its aesthetic design. While both are important in brand recognition and awareness, a design that functions well will always be more appreciated than one that only looks nice.
Ideally, you’ll have a highly functioning design with an amazingly attractive interface, but this isn’t always the case. If you have to sacrifice any part of a design, do not sacrifice its functionality. Imagine trying to use a mobile app that doesn’t work or crashes when you try to use it. It looks great, feels great, but doesn’t function well. How likely are you to uninstall the app from your device?
Compatible With Each Other
The two programs are compatible with each other, meaning you can upload your Sketch designs in Axure to provide a bridge between the UX and UI of the entire design. As we mentioned, UX is incredibly important, and should be your focus; but if you can marry the two effectively, you’ll end up with a sleek, powerful design your users will love.
Marrying UX and UI sets you apart from other designers, as you show a unique understanding of both the importance of excellent aesthetic and functional design. You must have both to have a lasting design, especially with mobile apps or websites. Have you ever used a website that was difficult to navigate, loaded slowly, or crashed all the time? It becomes frustrating rather quickly, and most users tend to disengage when designs don’t work correctly.
Prototyping
The difference between Axure and Sketch is simple; they’re focused on different things. However, both programs have prototyping tools, which can allow you to see your design in real-time and identify any issues (or strong points) in both your UX and UI interfaces.
With effective prototypes, you can provide clients or stakeholders with a tangible update of your progress, show your team members how the design should look and feel, and give yourself a better understanding of your design process and how your outcomes look and function.
Prototyping is the final stage before implementing your design, so you’ll want to make sure you’re creating the best prototype possible. Prototypes should look and feel like the real thing, and can be used to test the functionality of your designs with your intended users.
Do I Need One to Use the Other?
You can use both Axure and Sketch separate from each other, but as we mentioned, Axure is compatible with Sketch files, and can be used in conjunction with the program for a more well-reounded design experience.
Cloud Storage and Collaboration
Axure RP comes standard with cloud storage and collaboration tools, but Sketch’s Cloud storage is only in its Beta testing phase. The Sketch for Teams cloud storage will allow for projects to be completed and stored in a unified location, giving everyone access to the project to maximize collaboration and synchronicity.
Sketch’s cloud storage should be available soon, but in the meantime, if you want a dedicated cloud-based design platform, you’ll probably want to go with Axure RP. Seamless cloud integration and storage tools take away the worry of not saving projects and having to download and email large files.
What’s the Cost of Each?
Sketch is the cheaper of the two programs, at $99/year for a personal license. After your subscription ends, you can keep using the program without updates until you choose to reactivate your subscription. At $99/year, the software is affordable for both individual designers and teams alike.
Axure is more costly simply because the software is so much more feature-rich and in-depth. For $29/month per user, you’ll get access to Axure’s “Pro” package, which comes complete with wireframes, prototyping tools, mobile prototyping, and free hosting on the Axure Cloud. If you upgrade to the “Team” package, you’ll get access to co-authoring, revision history, and team project hosting on the cloud. This package runs at around $49/month per user.
The Bottom Line
While Sketch and Axure share some similarities, they’re used for different purposes; with Axure more focused on UX and prototyping, and Sketch focused on visual design and UI. Sketch is compatible with Axure, so you’ll be able to import your images from Sketch directly into your Axure projects.
When it comes to price, Sketch is the more affordable option, but doesn’t quite offer the same features as Axure. Depending on the needs of you or your team, you may want to actually purchase both programs and use them together for the ultimate synchronicity in UX and UI.
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