Sketch vs Polycam

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings

Analysis reviewed Live tool data as of 2026-09-01
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At a glance

DimensionSketchPolycam
PricingFree tier; Standard $13/mo; Workspaces $22/mo (per editor)Free tier; Pro $23.99/mo; Business $59.99/user/mo
Target IndustryUI/UX design on macOSAEC, forensics, product design, media
Key CapabilityVector design, Smart Animate, developer handoffAI-assisted photogrammetry, LiDAR scanning, floor plan generation
Latest News Highlight2026.2 adds multi-paste, Oklab/Oklch gradients, faster symbols2026 tutorials for Blender, Unreal Engine, georeferencing
PlatformmacOS native, iOS vieweriOS, Android, Web, Drone
IntegrationsFigma import, Slack, Jira, Zeplin, MCP serverSketchUp, Blender, AutoCAD, Revit, Unity, Unreal Engine, Maya, Cinema 4D

Choose Polycam if you need reality capture—3D scanning objects, interiors, or floor plans for AEC, forensics, or game dev. Choose Sketch if you’re a macOS UI/UX designer who values native performance, offline work, and robust developer handoff. They serve entirely different workflows.

Try SketchTry Polycam
Sketch
Sketch

Sketch: macOS-native UI design, prototyping, and developer handoff

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Polycam
Polycam

AI-powered 3D scanning, floor plans, and reality capture for mobile, drones, and teams.

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Pricing
Freemium
Freemium
Plans
$0 for 30 days
$12/editor/mo billed yearly
$24/editor/mo billed yearly
$44/editor/mo billed yearly
Contact for pricing
$120 one-time per seat
$0/mo
$12.50/mo billed yearly, $30/mo billed monthly
$33/mo per user billed yearly, $400/yr per user
$1200/yr per seat, 3 seats minimum
Popularity
13 views
7.5k views
Skill Level
Intermediate
Beginner-friendly
API Available
Platforms
WebDesktop
WebMobile
Categories
🎭 Design & UI
🧊 3D Generation & Scanning🏠 Interior Design & Architecture👷 Construction & Field Service
Features
Vector editor with boolean operations
Stack layouts: min/max size, relative size, negative spacing, z-index
Color Variables and tints
Perceptual gradients (Oklab/Oklch)
Multi-paste
15x faster Library symbol replacement
Smart Animate with easing and timing controls
Overlays for modals, alerts, panels, menus
Gesture support: hover, press, drag, swipe
Real-time co-editing
Shared Workspaces with component Libraries
Free developer handoff: inspect, export tokens
MCP server for AI workflow integration
Offline mode (Mac app)
Command Bar (⌘K) in web app
LiDAR spatial scanning for rooms and buildings
Object capture with AI-assisted processing
Photogrammetry from photos/video (up to 2000 images on Business)
Drone photogrammetry processing for aerial models
Instant 2D and 3D floor plan generation with editable walls
AI 3D model generator (beta)
AI texture generator (beta)
Gaussian splatting tool
HDRI lighting with 5 presets (iOS and Web)
Virtual Walkthrough (full on Business, preview on Free/Basic)
Apple Vision Pro viewing
Point cloud exports (PLY, LAS, Geo-LAS, PTS, XYZ, DXF)
Mesh exports (GLTF, OBJ, FBX, DAE, STL, USDZ, ESX)
360 photosphere capture
API access (Enterprise)
Integrations
Figma
Slack
Jira
Zeplin
Avocode
Abstract
Plant
Sympli
MCP server
Xactimate
SketchUp
Apple Vision Pro

Who should pick which

  • Architect needing as-built floor plans
    Pick: Polycam

    Polycam’s automatic floor plan generation with measurements and LiDAR scanning on iPhone is tailored for on-site AEC documentation.

  • UI/UX designer on macOS
    Pick: Sketch

    Sketch’s native macOS performance, offline capability, and stack layouts are ideal for interface design.

  • Forensic investigator
    Pick: Polycam

    Polycam’s fast, accurate LiDAR scanning and AI photogrammetry enable detailed scene capture for forensic documentation.

  • Freelance designer sharing prototypes
    Pick: Sketch

    Sketch’s developer handoff and free previews allow cost-effective client collaboration without per-edit fees.

  • Game developer scanning props
    Pick: Polycam

    Polycam’s Gaussian splatting and exports to Unreal Engine 5 and Blender streamline real-world asset creation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sketch vs Polycam: which should you choose?

Choose Polycam if you need reality capture—3D scanning objects, interiors, or floor plans for AEC, forensics, or game dev. Choose Sketch if you’re a macOS UI/UX designer who values native performance, offline work, and robust developer handoff. They serve entirely different workflows.

Can Polycam replace a traditional CAD workflow for floor plans?

Polycam generates automatic floor plans with measurements, but it’s best for as-built documentation, not design. It can export to CAD, but editing is limited.

Is Sketch available on Windows or Linux?

No. Sketch is macOS-native. There is no Windows or Linux version; you can use web viewing and iOS Mirror app.

Does Polycam require a LiDAR device?

No. Polycam works with standard photos and video using AI photogrammetry. LiDAR improves accuracy and speed for interiors and objects.

Can Sketch open Figma files?

Yes. Sketch supports direct Figma import via integration, allowing migration of designs.

Which tool has better AI features?

Polycam uses AI for 3D reconstruction and has an AI 3D model generator (beta). Sketch uses an MCP server for AI clients; both are valid in their domains.

Is Polycam suitable for product design prototyping?

Yes, for scanning physical prototypes. It exports to Blender, Maya, and game engines for digital review.

Does Sketch support real-time collaboration?

Yes, via Workspaces with real-time co-editing, shared Libraries, and version history.

Can I use Polycam offline?

Captures are local initially but require cloud processing for some features. Sketch works fully offline with local file storage.

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Explore each tool further

Sketch
View Sketch reviewSketch alternatives
Polycam
View Polycam reviewPolycam alternatives

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Last reviewed: June 1, 2026