Softwr

Technology · head to head

Lucidchart vs Sketch

Lucidchart logo

Lucidchart

Technology

Intelligent diagramming for every team

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Sketch logo

Sketch

Technology

The digital design toolkit

From
$12/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Lucidchart has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Lucidchart interface can overwhelm new users due to extensive features and customization options; Sketch macOS-only for editing, blocking Windows and Linux users from accessing design features
  • They diverge on capability: Lucidchart covers Flowcharts & diagrams, Sketch covers Vector editing.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Lucidchart and Sketch actually diverge.

Attributes where Lucidchart and Sketch differ
AttributeLucidchartSketch
Starting priceFree$12/month
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Desktop, macOS, WindowsmacOS, Web, iOS, iPad

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Technology), founded (2010).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Lucidchart

  • Flowcharts & diagrams
  • Process mapping
  • Mind maps
  • Wireframes & mockups
  • Network diagrams
  • Data visualization
  • Presentation mode
  • Google Workspace

Only in Sketch

  • Vector editing
  • Symbols & components
  • Prototyping
  • Developer handoff
  • Plugins ecosystem
  • Cloud sync
  • Version history
  • InVision

Both cover

  • Real-time collaboration
  • Jira

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Lucidchart

  • Process documentationnot Sketch
  • System architecturenot Sketch
  • Workflow designnot Sketch
  • Brainstormingnot Sketch
  • Technical documentationnot Sketch

Sketch

  • UI designnot Lucidchart
  • Mobile app designnot Lucidchart
  • Web designnot Lucidchart
  • Design systemsnot Lucidchart
  • Prototypingnot Lucidchart

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Lucidchart

  • Interface can overwhelm new users due to extensive features and customization options
  • Drag-and-drop canvas can feel clunky compared to modern whiteboard tools like Miro

Sketch

  • macOS-only for editing, blocking Windows and Linux users from accessing design features
  • Real-time collaboration feels less seamless than Figma with occasional sync delays
  • Limited built-in image editing capabilities, requiring external software for bitmap work
  • Subscription required for cloud features and collaboration, losing access if subscription lapses

Pricing, plan by plan

Lucidchart

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 3 documents
    • 60 shapes
    • Basic templates
  • Individual$7.95/month
    • Unlimited documents
    • Advanced templates
    • Cloud storage
  • Team$9/editor/month
    • Real-time collaboration
    • Team management
    • All integrations
  • Enterprise$null/custom
    • Advanced security
    • SSO
    • Dedicated support

Sketch

$12/month
  • Standard$12/month
    • Real-time collaboration
    • Unlimited documents
    • Unlimited free viewers
  • Professional$24/month
    • Everything in Standard
    • Single Sign-On (SSO)
    • Project archiving
  • Enterprise$44/month
    • Everything in Professional
    • SCIM provisioning
    • BYOK encryption
  • Mac-only License$120/perpetual
    • Native Mac app
    • Offline access
    • Local file saving

Which should you pick?

Choose Lucidchart if

  • You need flowcharts & diagrams.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Desktop, macOS, Windows.
  • You also want process mapping.
Lucidchart review

Choose Sketch if

  • You need vector editing.
  • You work on macOS, Web, iOS, iPad.
  • You also want symbols & components.
Sketch review

Questions people ask

Is Lucidchart or Sketch better?
Neither clearly leads. Lucidchart starts at Free and Sketch at $12/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Lucidchart or Sketch?
Lucidchart has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Lucidchart and $12/month for Sketch.
Does Lucidchart or Sketch run on more platforms?
Lucidchart runs on Web, Desktop, macOS, Windows. Sketch runs on macOS, Web, iOS, iPad.
Can I use Lucidchart for free?
Yes. Lucidchart has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Sketch starts at $12/month.
What is Lucidchart best used for?
Lucidchart is most often used for process documentation, system architecture, workflow design, brainstorming. Of those, process documentation and system architecture are not what Sketch is typically brought in for.
What can Lucidchart do that Sketch cannot?
Lucidchart covers Flowcharts & diagrams, Process mapping, Mind maps, Wireframes & mockups. Sketch covers Vector editing, Symbols & components, Prototyping, Developer handoff. Both handle Real-time collaboration, Jira.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Lucidchart: What pricing plans does Lucidchart offer?

Lucidchart has a free plan (3 documents, 60 shapes), Individual plan ($7.95/month), Team plan ($9/editor/month), and Enterprise with custom pricing.

Source
Sketch: Is Sketch available for Windows or Linux?

No. Sketch is macOS-only for the design and prototyping features. Web and mobile apps provide viewing and collaboration, but editing requires macOS 14.0 or later.

Source
Lucidchart: Can I use Lucidchart offline?

Lucidchart is a cloud-based platform, but offers an offline desktop option for users who need to work without internet access.

Source
Sketch: Does Sketch offer a free trial?

Yes. Sketch provides a 30-day free trial with no credit card required. You can also purchase a one-time Mac-only license for $120 per seat instead of subscribing.

Source
Lucidchart: What compliance certifications does Lucidchart have?

Lucidchart provides SOC 2 Type II, FedRAMP, HIPAA BAA, and GDPR compliance, making it suitable for regulated industries.

Source
Sketch: What collaboration features does Sketch include?

Sketch supports real-time collaboration, unlimited document sharing, unlimited viewers, and version history on all paid subscription plans (Standard $12/month, Professional $24/month, Enterprise $44/month).

Source
Lucidchart: Does Lucidchart have AI diagram generation?

Yes, Lucidchart uses AI to auto-generate flowcharts, UML diagrams, ER diagrams, and org charts from text prompts, Excel data, CSV files, code snippets, or database schemas.

Source
Sketch: Can I use Sketch offline?

Yes. The one-time Mac-only license ($120) allows you to use Sketch offline and save files locally, but it excludes cloud collaboration and iOS previewing features.

Source
Lucidchart: What integrations does Lucidchart support?

Lucidchart integrates with Microsoft Teams, Slack, Jira, Confluence, Google Workspace, and Salesforce for seamless workflow integration.

Source
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Lucidchart

More on Sketch

Keep looking

Other head to heads