How to Use Sketch: Shortcuts for UI Design

Boost your UI design efficiency with Sketch by mastering essential keyboard shortcuts. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of shortcuts that can streamline your workflow and enhance your design process.

1. Essential Shape Insertion Shortcuts

Quickly insert basic shapes using these shortcuts:

R: Rectangle
O: Oval
L: Line
V: Vector Tool
T: Text Tool

2. Layer Management Shortcuts

Efficiently manage layers with these commands:

Cmd + R: Rename layer
Cmd + G: Group layers
Cmd + Shift + G: Ungroup layers
Cmd + D: Duplicate layer

3. Navigating the Canvas

Navigate your workspace seamlessly:

Spacebar + Drag: Pan canvas
Cmd + 1: Zoom to fit
Cmd + 2: Zoom to selection
Cmd + 3: Center selection

4. Alignment and Distribution

Align and distribute elements precisely:

Cmd + ]: Bring forward
Cmd + [: Send backward
Ctrl + L: Show/hide layout grid

5. Text Editing Shortcuts

Enhance text editing with these shortcuts:

Cmd + T: Show fonts
Cmd + B: Bold text
Cmd + I: Italicize text
Cmd + U: Underline text

6. Exporting Assets

Export your designs efficiently:

Cmd + E: Export selected
Shift + Cmd + E: Export all

7. Utilizing the Inspector

Access detailed layer properties:

Option + Cmd + 1: Show/hide inspector

8. Customizing Shortcuts

Tailor shortcuts to your workflow:

Navigate to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts
Select App Shortcuts and add custom shortcuts for Sketch

9. Leveraging Plugins

Enhance functionality with plugins:

Sketch Runner: Quick access to commands
Craft by InVision: Streamline design workflow

10. Practice and Consistency

Regular use of shortcuts leads to improved speed and efficiency. Incorporate these shortcuts into your daily workflow to become a more proficient UI designer.

By integrating these shortcuts into your design process, you can significantly enhance your productivity and create more effective UI designs using Sketch.

About The Author

Hello, I'm Patrick Wilson — an entrepreneur, artist, and storyteller driven by curiosity and passion. Through this blog, I explore and share meaningful content around a wide spectrum of lifestyle and success topics that matter to everyday people looking to live better, earn more, and grow intentionally.

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How to Use Sketch: Shortcuts for UI Design