Getting Started - Using Artboards

So you just cracked the cellophane off your shiny new Sketch 3 and you’re not sure where to start. Maybe you’ve invested years into mastering Photoshop, Illustrator or Fireworks and its your go to software for UI Design, and you’re not convinced Sketch is worth all the hype. 

Here’s a few tips to get you oriented and hopefully help you make an informed decision about whether or not to jump on the bandwagon.

"Change is Good."
- Some guy, onetime

Using - Artboards

The Canvas in Sketch is a bit different from Photoshop in that its infinite. Its actually meant to be used more as a storyboard for all your screens in one place. This is great, because you’ll be able to see all your screens in one place and design a much more coherent UX in the end.

You can think of your ‘Artboards’ then as the ‘Screens’ for your app/website, or whatever your designing. To add a new one, you have three options:

1. Use the Keyboard shortcut ‘A’
2. Use the menu INSERT > ARTBOARD
3. or, hit the INSERT Icon in the toolbar, and select Artboard

Then, you can use your cursor and draw your Artboard to the Size you want.

Better yet… on the Inspector on the right side, you’ll see a bunch of preset artboard sizes for different devices, sizes and orientations. OR Make your won by clicking the PLUS icon at the bottom of the inspector to reuse later.

If you used Sketch 2, you’ll see it has changed just a but, for the better IMO.