Learn how to collaborate using Abstract in six easy steps.
Projects
Projects represent an area of work. If you are on a product team, you may want a Project for iOS, Android, or web. You may want separate Projects for your UI library and style guides, and a separate Projects for marketing work or sales materials. If you are a creative agency, each client contract could be a Project. How you set up your team’s Projects depends on how their work is organized.You don’t always have to create a Project to begin. Someone on your team could start a Project and invite you to collaborate. Learn more…
Master
These files are your Master files - your single source of truth. Each Project has a Master and can consist of one or several Sketch files. This way, everyone can look at the Master and use it as reference for their work.Remember to always open your Sketch file from Abstract. This way, all changes made to your file will be tracked and recorded in Abstract. Learn more…
Branches
Branches allow you to make a copy of the Master file while still being connected to the Master. It’s a safe space to explore, create, and iterate, without worrying about losing your original file. You can create as many Branches as you like!You can Branch from two places: Master or another existing Branch. This is useful if you want to riff on someone else’s work that hasn’t yet been finalized. Learn more…
Commits
A Commit is like a “super save” with context. When you Commit, you write a short description of the edits you made. This way, your team can look at your Commit history and know what changes were made, when, and why.Pro Tip
Commit every time you make a change to your Branch like a new exploration, when you finish a chunk of work, or when you change direction. Learn more…
Comments/Annotations
Annotating and leaving comments on a design simplifies the feedback process for your team. Use annotations to highlight specific areas of the file and share your feedback so the team knows exactly what you’re referring to. All feedback is collated with the design file, making it easy for the designer to incorporate it.Make a Collection to share your work. All annotations and comments made on the designs will be reflected in the Collection. Learn more…
Merge
Merging is where the magic happens. It’s what brings all the separate edits together in one place. You can Merge two Branches and bring those Sketch files together in one place or, Merge to the Master. Completing a Merge will archive the Branch, where it can be reviewed or revived later.Always get approval from a designer before Merging into their Branch. Most teams follow a process of getting approval from their design lead or team lead before Merging into Master. Learn more…
Your Master file can be the single point of reference for the entire team. No duplicate files. No conflicted copy. No confusion.