Overview
What is Abstract?
Abstract, from the company of the same name headquartered in San Francisco, offers a collaboration tool for developers and others, featuring a version controlled master file set and approval workflow.
Don't use Abstract
A source of truth for design operations
Keep your design department happy.
Abstract will eliminate the headache of design file management and collaborative design
A Necessary Addition to any Sketch-Based Product Team
- Our product team uses Abstract in conjunction with Sketch for collaboration, file management, and versioning. It's imperative for us. Our …
Popular Features
- Versioning (5)8.080%
- Notifications (5)7.070%
- Discussions (5)7.070%
- Access control (5)6.060%
Reviewer Pros & Cons
Pricing
What is Abstract?
Abstract, from the company of the same name headquartered in San Francisco, offers a collaboration tool for developers and others, featuring a version controlled master file set and approval workflow.
Entry-level set up fee?
- No setup fee
Offerings
- Free Trial
- Free/Freemium Version
- Premium Consulting/Integration Services
Would you like us to let the vendor know that you want pricing?
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Alternatives Pricing
What is Zeplin?
Zeplin, from the company of the same name, is a platform supporting collaboration in application development by engineers and designers by providing an API with popular collaboration, development and prototyping tools and creating a space where productions can be shared and reviewed.
What is monday.com?
monday.com Work OS is an open platform designed so that anyone can create the tools they need to run all aspects of their work. It includes ready-made templates or the ability to customize any work solution ranging from sales pipelines to marketing campaigns, CRMs, and project tracking.
Features
Project Management
Project management software provides capabilities to streamline management of complex projects through task management, team collaboration and workflow automation
- 3Task Management(1) Ratings
This includes the ability to plan, track, collaborate and report on tasks.
- 3Gantt Charts(1) Ratings
Gantt charts are charts that show tasks or events along the y-axis displayed against time along the x-axis.
- 3Scheduling(1) Ratings
Scheduling capabilities allow users to set schedules on tasks, and create timelines and milestones.
- 6Workflow Automation(3) Ratings
Workflow automation is the ability to route work requests along an approval process automatically.
- 5Mobile Access(4) Ratings
Mobile access is the ability to access the software from a smartphone or tablet.
- 1Search(4) Ratings
Users can search for related materials across files, discussions threads, schedules, etc. using project keywords or tags.
- 3Visual planning tools(1) Ratings
Includes visual tools such as pinboards, mind-maps, or charts for collaborative brainstorming and/or workflow planning.
Communication
Features that allow team members to communicate about collaborative projects and keep each other informed of their opinions and progress.
- 10Chat(2) Ratings
Instant messaging tool allows users to communicate with select other users in real-time threads.
- 7Notifications(5) Ratings
Users can follow other users and/or join specific projects, electing to receive notifications when there are changes and updates.
- 7Discussions(5) Ratings
Users can join groups or message boards for forum-style collaboration.
- 4Surveys(1) Ratings
Users can create and participate in surveys to get input from other collaborators.
- 7.6Internal knowledgebase(2) Ratings
Users can author or access “How-to” help and reference tips about internal processes.
File Sharing & Management
Features that allow collaborators to view, work on, and organize files.
- 8Versioning(5) Ratings
Users can access the most up-to-date version of a document, track changes, and revert to older versions if needed.
- 6Document collaboration(4) Ratings
Users can edit files and attach comments to files.
- 6Access control(5) Ratings
Users can control access to (shared) files, including different levels of access such as view-only or permission to edit.
- 6.9Advanced security features(2) Ratings
Includes advanced security features such as file encryption or remote data wipe.
- 9.1Device sync(3) Ratings
Device syncing that updates files connected to the cloud, keeping all files up to date regardless of where they are edited or viewed.
Product Details
- About
- Tech Details
- FAQs
What is Abstract?
Abstract Technical Details
Operating Systems | Unspecified |
---|---|
Mobile Application | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Comparisons
Compare with
Reviews and Ratings
(21)Community Insights
- Business Problems Solved
- Pros
- Cons
- Recommendations
Abstract is a powerful tool that has effectively implemented version control, making it a key functionality for collaborative design projects. Users appreciate the ease of learning and using Abstract, although the higher price point may not be affordable for everyone.
The software facilitates collaboration within the team, allowing for easy sharing and modification of master/template files. With Abstract, multiple designers can work on the same project in real-time, improving productivity and iteration. It serves as a collective repository for design software source files like XD and Sketch, providing essential features for a design team's workflow, including sketch file versioning and remote collaboration.
Abstract helps in keeping design files organized and streamlining workflows between design teams. By enabling real-time collaboration and allowing designers to see each other's work, it brings accountability and transparency within the design team. The software also simplifies the process of sharing and versioning Sketch files among larger teams.
Compared to Github for designers, Abstract provides a reliable solution for finding and managing the latest versions of design files. Its ability to checkout and merge files with the work of other designers makes it a powerful tool. Abstract also enables easy feedback through features like the marque tool for selecting and commenting on specific parts of the design.
Additionally, Abstract is particularly useful for teams working in different time zones as it allows them to work together and roll back to old versions. It facilitates design collaboration, design/engineering handoff, and management of sketch pattern libraries. The software helps maintain version management of design files and allows teams to work on the same files in parallel.
Overall, Abstract solves the challenges of version control and collaboration in design teams by providing an intuitive platform that replaces other tools while saving costs.
Intuitive Interface: Users appreciate the intuitiveness of Abstract's interface, which simplifies tasks and makes them easy to accomplish. Multiple reviewers have highlighted this feature, making it a common sentiment among users.
Enhanced Collaboration: The ability to work on the same set of files in parallel with other designers is highly valued by users. This functionality enhances collaboration and allows for exploring different concepts without interfering with the master files. Several users have expressed their appreciation for this feature.
GitHub-Like Interface: Users who are familiar with GitHub or version control find Abstract's interface intuitive and easy to navigate. They appreciate the software's ability to maintain multiple versions of a project and request reviews before merging changes. Several reviewers have made comparisons between Abstract and GitHub in terms of its version control features, further highlighting their positive experience with Abstract's interface.
Complicated Branch Creation: Many users have expressed frustration with the branch creation feature in Abstract, stating that it is overly complex and makes it difficult to create branches for new projects. Some reviewers found the process confusing and time-consuming.
Issues with Manual Branch Merging: Several reviewers have encountered problems when manually merging branches in Abstract, resulting in various issues such as code conflicts and data loss. These issues have caused inconvenience and delays for users.
Technical Discoverability of Features: Some users, particularly those with less experience in branching, have found it challenging to navigate and discover certain features in Abstract due to their technical nature. They mentioned that the interface could be more intuitive and user-friendly for better usability.
Users recommend implementing processes for team members to follow when using Abstract to avoid chaos. They also suggest keeping an eye out for new releases from Abstract as it is still considered relatively new in the field. Additionally, users recommend Abstract for teams with multiple designers and for working with remote designers. They suggest watching YouTube videos to learn how to use Abstract effectively. Users believe that Abstract simplifies the way you work with your design team and keeps files well organized. Lastly, if you know GitHub, you will love Abstract.
Attribute Ratings
Reviews
(1-5 of 5)Don't use Abstract
- branching
- nothing else
- collection management
- collection sectioning and tags
- software update
- Task Management
- 30%3.0
- Gantt Charts
- 30%3.0
- Scheduling
- 30%3.0
- Workflow Automation
- 60%6.0
- Mobile Access
- 50%5.0
- Search
- 10%1.0
- Visual planning tools
- 30%3.0
- Notifications
- 70%7.0
- Discussions
- 70%7.0
- Surveys
- 40%4.0
- Versioning
- 80%8.0
- Document collaboration
- 60%6.0
- Access control
- 60%6.0
- negative impact
- handoff
- designer to developers collaboration
- stakeholder presentation
- none
- sort and tag collections
- flows and processes
A source of truth for design operations
- Feature branch workflow
- Design/engineering handoff
- Design reviews
- Pattern library management
- Source of truth for UI design artifacts
- People and permission management.
- Sharing particular states (presentation, inspection, etc.).
- New projects from templates.
- Pattern library migration (new users).
- Large teams with dedicated design operations support
- UX managers that want a facilitated workflow for their teams
- Disciplined teams of individual contributors that want to adopt a process in their UI workflow
- Cross-discipline teams that want a central collaboration space for reviewing and critiquing UI artifacts
- If your files are named "FOR-REALS_FINAL_FINAL_FINAL_Super-Important-Project (copy).sketch"
- If you're managing multiple pattern libraries
- Mobile Access
- 70%7.0
- Search
- 90%9.0
- Notifications
- 90%9.0
- Discussions
- 80%8.0
- Versioning
- 100%10.0
- Access control
- 60%6.0
- Advanced security features
- 70%7.0
- Abstract allows the design team to focus on specific roadmap features
- Abstract allows individual contributors to explore without impeding production work.
- Abstract allows visibility into cross-departmental work.
Keep your design department happy.
- Versioning for desginers
- Collaboration between team members
- Integrations only work on Mac.
- You need to use a seat as admin, even though we're not daily users.
- Workflow Automation
- 80%8.0
- Mobile Access
- 70%7.0
- Search
- 80%8.0
- Chat
- 100%10.0
- Notifications
- 100%10.0
- Discussions
- 80%8.0
- Internal knowledgebase
- 80%8.0
- Versioning
- 100%10.0
- Document collaboration
- 100%10.0
- Access control
- 50%5.0
- Advanced security features
- 40%4.0
- Device sync
- 100%10.0
- Collaboration between offices has been made easier and saves time
- Easy to get back to a different version.
Abstract will eliminate the headache of design file management and collaborative design
- Branch management for design files.
- Good collaborative features like comments and sharing.
- Asset exports are not as great as Zeplin and others.
- Filtering within files.
- Mobile Access
- 70%7.0
- Search
- 80%8.0
- Chat
- 100%10.0
- Notifications
- 100%10.0
- Discussions
- 70%7.0
- Internal knowledgebase
- N/AN/A
- Versioning
- 100%10.0
- Document collaboration
- 100%10.0
- Access control
- 100%10.0
- Advanced security features
- N/AN/A
- Integrates with Google Drive
- N/AN/A
- Device sync
- 100%10.0
- Single source of truth for the team.
- Could quickly get expensive with corporate accounts.
A Necessary Addition to any Sketch-Based Product Team
- Our product team uses Abstract in conjunction with Sketch for collaboration, file management, and versioning. It's imperative for us. Our team has three user experience designers and six user interface designers. So while we have a long to-do list, we are always working in groups on a single feature set from wireframing all the way to final designs for IT handoff.
- Due to that, Abstract allows for robust versioning and file management without losing work. Before finding Abstract a few years ago, my team at the time had to carefully plan what features would be worked on and by who. Then make sure we don't have the same files open via Google Drive and clearly explain what artboards were changed and need to be addressed. It was a nightmare.
- Abstract scans each of the Sketch files and looks for differences combine work and allows all of us to be working in one file at once.
- Allows for collaboration within Sketch.
- Allows for approval of work by team leads.
- Frequent bugs between Abstract and Sketch.
- Takes a lot of processing power and battery.
- Workflow Automation
- 70%7.0
- Notifications
- 80%8.0
- Discussions
- 90%9.0
- Internal knowledgebase
- 70%7.0
- Versioning
- 100%10.0
- Document collaboration
- 50%5.0
- Access control
- 90%9.0
- Advanced security features
- N/AN/A
- Device sync
- 70%7.0
- Saves time on file management
- Keeps old, archived work
- Google Drive and Egnyte