Sketch finally introduces Smart Animate, improved hover transitions, and more

Sketch has released a major update, bringing in Smart Animate, one of the platform’s most requested features. This addition enables smooth animation transitions between Artboards with matching layer names, complete with customizable easing options and durations. Similar to what has been available in other UI design apps like Figma for years, this feature is set to significantly enhance the fluidity and visual polish of prototypes.

Another key addition is Transition on Hover, which extends hover interactions to regular Artboards, thereby increasing the interactivity of prototypes. Navigation improvements include Pan with Middle Mouse Button, enabling users to click and drag to pan across the Canvas. For Spanish-speaking users, Spanish Language Support is now available, which can be activated by adjusting the Mac’s primary language settings.

The update also includes Scroll Position Memory, ensuring that scrollable areas retain their position when switching between Artboards with identical layer names and hierarchy positions. Other enhancements include Improved Scrolling Behavior to prevent vertical jumps in nested horizontal scroll areas, a new HEIC Export Option for high-resolution image exports, and Hidden Layer Interactions allowing hidden layers to act as interaction targets once made visible. The Component Library Replacement feature simplifies design updates, while PDF Export Enhancements offer more precise outputs with additional options.