If you’re a designer or simply curious about creative software, you’ve probably heard of Sketch—one of the most popular vector graphics editors in the world. But the question people often ask is: How old is Sketch? The answer might surprise you. In this post, we’ll break down when Sketch first launched, how it has evolved over time, and why its age still matters in the fast-moving design industry.
The Birth of a Design Powerhouse
When Exactly Did Sketch Launch?
Sketch officially launched its first public version, Sketch 1.0, on September 7, 2010. That makes the app almost 15 years old as of 2025.
Fifteen years in the world of tech tools is a long time—especially in design, where trends and software seem to change almost overnight. The fact that Sketch is still widely recognized and used speaks volumes about its relevance and adaptability.
The Early Days and What Inspired It
The story of Sketch actually started a bit earlier. Around 2008, Pieter Omvlee, the developer behind the app, began experimenting with prototypes and design concepts. Before Sketch, he had worked on another program called DrawIt. While DrawIt never became a household name, it gave him valuable experience that helped shape Sketch’s foundation.
From the very beginning, Sketch was designed to fill a gap in the market: a lightweight, intuitive tool made specifically for digital interface design. Unlike Photoshop, which was powerful but bloated for UI/UX work, Sketch zeroed in on what web and app designers truly needed.f
Charting Sketch’s Evolution Over the Years
Early Momentum and Recognition
Just two years after its release, Sketch was awarded an Apple Design Award in 2012. This recognition not only boosted its visibility but also validated its simple, user-focused approach to design software. Designers who were tired of using complex tools with unnecessary features now had a professional alternative.
Licensing, Pricing, and Distribution
In the early years, Sketch was available on the Mac App Store for around $49.99—an affordable price compared to industry giants. By 2015, however, Sketch was pulled from the App Store. The reason? The developers wanted more control over updates, upgrade pricing, and user licensing. From that point on, Sketch was sold exclusively through its own website.
A year later, in 2016, Sketch introduced an annual licensing model. Instead of buying the app once, users now purchase a yearly license that includes all updates for 12 months. If the license isn’t renewed, users can still keep the last updated version they received—ensuring no one is left stranded.
Expanding Beyond Basics
Over time, Sketch continued to grow beyond just a drawing tool. It added prototyping features, plugins, and real-time collaboration, making it more competitive with newer tools like Figma. These updates weren’t just for show—they reflected Sketch’s commitment to staying useful for modern design teams.
A Milestone Achievement
By 2020, Sketch hit its 10-year anniversary and celebrated crossing one million users worldwide. What started as a small app created by a single developer had become a global tool for professional designers. It was a proud moment that highlighted how far Sketch had come since its modest beginnings.
Why Sketch’s Age Matters to Designers
Stability and Trust
Being almost 15 years old means Sketch is a proven tool. It has weathered changes in design trends, operating systems, and competing apps. For professional designers, investing time in learning Sketch is less risky than adopting a brand-new tool that might disappear in a few years.
Focused Evolution
Unlike Photoshop or Illustrator, which serve many industries, Sketch focused narrowly on UI and UX design. This specialization allowed it to refine its features instead of trying to do everything. Its maturity over 15 years reflects how dedicated focus can lead to a superior, more streamlined product.
A Strong Community
Another benefit of Sketch’s long life is the thriving community of designers, plugin creators, and educators around it. Countless tutorials, resources, and add-ons exist today because the app has been around long enough for users to build on top of it. For new designers, this ecosystem is as valuable as the app itself.
Real-Life Example: A Design Team’s Journey
Consider a digital product agency that started in 2015. When Sketch first appeared on their radar, it seemed like a bold alternative to Photoshop. They adopted it early on, using it to create mobile app interfaces. Over time, as Sketch added collaboration features, the team was able to prototype, test, and hand off designs more efficiently—all within one ecosystem.
Now, ten years later, they still rely on Sketch daily. Its stability and continuous improvements allowed them to grow with the tool instead of switching software every few years. This longevity is part of what makes Sketch so attractive to professionals.
Quick Timeline Recap
Here’s a brief snapshot of Sketch’s age and evolution:
- 2008 – Initial development begins
- 2010 – Sketch 1.0 is officially launched (September 7)
- 2012 – Wins Apple Design Award
- 2015 – Pulled from Mac App Store
- 2016 – Introduces annual licensing model
- 2020 – 10th anniversary; reaches 1 million users
- 2025 – Nearly 15 years old and still going strong
Wrapping It Up
So, how old is Sketch? Officially, it launched in 2010, making it nearly 15 years old in 2025. But its journey started even earlier, with development beginning around 2008.
Why does this matter? Because age in the software world isn’t just about numbers—it’s about experience, trust, and evolution. Sketch has not only survived but thrived, shaping how designers approach user interfaces and continuing to stay relevant in an ever-changing industry.
Final Thoughts
The next time someone asks, “How old is Sketch?” you can confidently say it’s almost 15 years old—and it’s still a staple in the design world. Its story is a great reminder that with focus, community support, and a commitment to innovation, even a small app can grow into an industry leader.
For designers, Sketch isn’t just an app; it’s proof that the right tool, given enough time, can truly change the way we work.
