Sketch Copenhagen Beta: UI Redesign, Layer Management & New Features

Introduction

Sketch has unveiled its Copenhagen beta, marking one of the most significant updates to the popular design tool in recent years. This major release brings a complete interface overhaul aligned with macOS Tahoe's design language, along with substantial improvements to layer management and prototyping workflows that will benefit designers working across various UI design tools.

Redesigned Interface and Visual Updates

The Copenhagen beta introduces a comprehensive visual refresh featuring over 600 meticulously redrawn icons and a redesigned contextual toolbar. The new interface incorporates subtle Liquid Glass effects that create depth and dimension, closely following Apple's latest design principles. This visual overhaul extends throughout the application, providing a more cohesive and modern experience for users of vector graphics software.

Rebuilt Inspector and Enhanced Workflow

Sketch has completely rebuilt the Inspector panel with movable sections, refined sliders, and dedicated prototyping capabilities. The new layout allows designers to customize their workspace while maintaining access to essential tools. For professionals using prototyping tools, the dedicated prototyping panel streamlines the transition from static designs to interactive prototypes.

Advanced Layer Management Features

Layer organization receives significant upgrades with the introduction of Focus Mode, which intelligently highlights selected layers along with their siblings and parent containers. This feature dramatically simplifies navigation in complex design files. Stack layouts now support automatic wrapping when content exceeds container boundaries, providing more flexible layout options for screen design apps.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

• Complete visual refresh with 600+ redesigned icons
• Movable Inspector panels for customizable workspace
• Focus Mode simplifies complex layer management
• Built-in AI background removal using on-device ML
• Improved CSS export generates cleaner code
• Automatic wrapping for stack layouts
• Dedicated prototyping panel enhances workflow

Disadvantages

• Removed Touch Bar support for MacBook Pro users
• Learning curve for existing users adapting to new UI
• Beta status means potential stability issues

Conclusion

The Sketch Copenhagen beta represents a substantial evolution of the design tool, bringing it firmly in line with modern macOS design standards while adding powerful new features for professional workflows. The combination of visual refinements, enhanced layer management, and improved export capabilities makes this update particularly valuable for design teams seeking more efficient graphic design software solutions. While the removal of Touch Bar support may disappoint some users, the overall improvements position Sketch competitively in the rapidly evolving design tool landscape.