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Software · head to head

NocoDB vs Sketch

NocoDB logo

NocoDB

Software

Open-source no-code database platform with REST and GraphQL APIs

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Sketch logo

Sketch

Software

The digital design toolkit

From
$12/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only NocoDB has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: NocoDB the free cloud tier is capped at 3 editor seats, 1,000 records and 1 GB of storage; Sketch macOS-only for editing, blocking Windows and Linux users from accessing design features
  • They diverge on capability: NocoDB covers REST API, Sketch covers Vector editing.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which NocoDB and Sketch actually diverge.

Attributes where NocoDB and Sketch differ
AttributeNocoDBSketch
Starting priceFree$12/month
Pricing modelopen-sourceUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsCloud, Self-hosted, DockermacOS, Web, iOS, iPad
Founded20202010

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 NocoDB

  • REST API
  • GraphQL API
  • No-code database
  • Multiple SQL databases
  • Webhooks
  • Automation
  • Cloud support
  • Self-hosted support

Only in Sketch

  • Vector editing
  • Symbols & components
  • Prototyping
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Developer handoff
  • Plugins ecosystem
  • Cloud sync
  • Version history

What people use each for

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

NocoDB

  • Self-hosting an open source alternative to a spreadsheet databasenot Sketch
  • Putting a spreadsheet interface over an existing Postgres or MySQL databasenot Sketch
  • Building internal tools on structured data with an APInot Sketch
  • Team bases with per-field and per-table permissions on the paid tiersnot Sketch

Sketch

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

Where each one falls short

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

NocoDB

  • The free cloud tier is capped at 3 editor seats, 1,000 records and 1 GB of storage
  • Records are the metering unit on cloud, so Plus covers 50K and Business 300K rather than scaling by seat alone
  • Row-level security, audit log retention and team hierarchy require the Scale tier
  • SCIM provisioning and air-gapped deployment are Enterprise only
  • The self-hosted Community edition is unlimited on records and seats but does without workflows, scripts and dashboards, which start at the paid self-hosted tiers

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

NocoDB

Free
  • CommunityFree
    • Self-hosted NocoDB
    • Community support
  • Starter$5/monthly
    • Cloud hosting
    • Basic features

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 NocoDB if

  • You need rest api.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Cloud, Self-hosted, Docker.
  • You also want graphql api.
NocoDB 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 NocoDB or Sketch better?
Neither clearly leads. NocoDB 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, NocoDB or Sketch?
NocoDB has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for NocoDB and $12/month for Sketch.
Does NocoDB or Sketch run on more platforms?
NocoDB runs on Cloud, Self-hosted, Docker. Sketch runs on macOS, Web, iOS, iPad.
Can I use NocoDB for free?
Yes. NocoDB has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Sketch starts at $12/month.
What is NocoDB best used for?
NocoDB is most often used for self-hosting an open source alternative to a spreadsheet database, putting a spreadsheet interface over an existing postgres or mysql database, building internal tools on structured data with an api, team bases with per-field and per-table permissions on the paid tiers. Of those, self-hosting an open source alternative to a spreadsheet database and putting a spreadsheet interface over an existing postgres or mysql database are not what Sketch is typically brought in for.
What can NocoDB do that Sketch cannot?
NocoDB covers REST API, GraphQL API, No-code database, Multiple SQL databases. Sketch covers Vector editing, Symbols & components, Prototyping, Real-time collaboration.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
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
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
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
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