Sketch Keyboard Shortcuts
80+ Sketch shortcuts for UI design on macOS. Layers, symbols, artboards, and prototyping reference.
Tools
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Selection tool | |
| Rectangle | |
| Oval | |
| Line | |
| Rounded rectangle | |
| Text tool | |
| Artboard tool | |
| Slice tool | |
| Pencil tool | |
| Color picker | |
| Pen tool (vector) |
Editing
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Undo | |
| Redo | |
| Cut | |
| Copy | |
| Paste | |
| Paste in place | |
| Duplicate | |
| Duplicate by dragging | |
| Select all | |
| Select all artboards | |
| Delete selected | |
| Rename layer | |
| Edit selected shape/group | |
| Finish editing / deselect |
Layers
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Group layers | |
| Ungroup | |
| Send backward | |
| Bring forward | |
| Send to back | |
| Bring to front | |
| Hide/show layer | |
| Lock/unlock layer |
Alignment
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Align top | |
| Align bottom | |
| Align left | |
| Align right | |
| Align horizontally | |
| Align vertically |
Transform
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Transform | |
| Scale proportionally | |
| Scale from center | |
| Rotate in 15° increments | |
| Move 1px | |
| Move 10px | |
| Resize to specific dimensions |
Boolean
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Union | |
| Subtract | |
| Intersect | |
| Difference |
Components
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Create symbol | |
| Detach from symbol |
Navigation
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Zoom in | |
| Zoom out | |
| Zoom to 100% | |
| Zoom to fit canvas | |
| Center selection | |
| Zoom tool | |
| Pan canvas | |
| Scroll artboards |
Typography
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Bold | |
| Italic | |
| Underline | |
| Increase/decrease font size | |
| Increase line spacing | |
| Decrease line spacing | |
| Align text left / right | |
| Align text center |
Export
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Export | |
| Export selected | |
| Save | |
| Duplicate document | |
| New document | |
| Open document |
View
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Toggle rulers | |
| Toggle grid | |
| Toggle layout grid | |
| Toggle pixel preview | |
| Toggle sidebar panels |
Pro tips
Symbols for Consistency
Convert repeated elements (buttons, icons, nav bars) into Symbols. Edit one instance and all others update automatically. Overrides let you customize text and images per instance.
Smart Layout Saves Time
Enable Smart Layout on groups and symbols. Elements resize and reflow automatically when content changes - perfect for buttons, list items, and cards.
Shared Styles & Variables
Create shared Layer Styles and Text Styles for your design system. When you update a shared style, every instance updates. Use Variables for responsive sizing.
Use Artboards as Screens
Each artboard represents a screen. Use the Artboard tool (A) to create preset device sizes. Link artboards with prototyping for interactive previews.
Copy CSS for Developers
Select any element and open the Inspector (right panel) to see CSS values. Right-click → Copy CSS Attributes to share exact specs with developers.
Plugins Extend Everything
Install plugins from the Sketch Plugin Directory. Popular ones: Content Generator (placeholder data), Stark (accessibility), and Runner (command palette).
Frequently asked questions
Is Sketch available on Windows?
No, Sketch is macOS-only. However, you can view Sketch files on any platform using Sketch's web app at sketch.com. For Windows alternatives, consider Figma (browser-based) or Adobe XD.
How does Sketch compare to Figma?
Sketch is a native Mac app (faster on macOS) with a mature plugin ecosystem. Figma is browser-based and cross-platform with real-time collaboration built in. Sketch has added collaboration via its web app, but Figma leads in multiplayer design.
What file format does Sketch use?
Sketch uses the .sketch format (a zip of JSON + images). It can export to PNG, JPG, SVG, PDF, WebP, and TIFF. You can open Sketch files in Figma, Adobe XD, and other tools for migration.
How do I hand off designs to developers?
Use Sketch's built-in Inspector in the web app. Upload your document to your Sketch workspace. Developers can inspect elements, copy CSS, measure distances, and download assets without a Sketch license.
How do I create a design system in Sketch?
Use a Library document with shared Symbols, Text Styles, Layer Styles, and Color Variables. Link this Library to all project files. Updates to the Library propagate to every linked document.
Does Sketch support prototyping?
Yes. Select a layer and add a Link in the Prototype tab (right panel). Choose the destination artboard and transition type. Preview prototypes in Sketch or share them via sketch.com.
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