Positioning itself as the “home for visual collaboration,” SyncSketch offers tools for visual effects artists, animators, and gaming designers to annotate and track edit progress. 

The web-based platform, acquired by the video game engine Unity, provides a central hub for leaving feedback across desktop browsers or mobile devices. Users can track file versions, present assets, add comments, and sketch feedback on specific frames in a piece of media. SyncSketch integrates directly with popular platforms like Unity, ShotGrid, and Autodesk’s Maya to merge with your workflow. 

However, SyncSketch has some notable limitations, making it less suitable for professional production studios. One challenge can be using SyncSketch for true real-time collaboration since the internet-based platform is highly dependent on the Wi-Fi connection of its users. Understandably, many VFX, animation, and video game development professionals may have to opt for tools that provide guaranteed video and audio resolution levels.

Fortunately, SyncSketch isn’t the only collaborative platform for video and gaming professionals. If you’re searching for tools with expanded capabilities to replace SyncSketch or add to your workflow, this article covers some of your best options. 

‍

Shortcomings of SyncSketch

Like any platform, SyncSketch has its own set of shortcomings. These drawbacks might not affect every creative professional, but they are nevertheless noteworthy to keep tabs on while seeking out worthy alternatives: 

• Web-based platform: As a web-based platform, SyncSketch is relatively convenient, but it can also lead to significant lag. All participants need a similar stable internet connection to have a chance at real-time interactive collaboration on the platform. 

• No built-in video conferencing: Synchsketch doesn’t have a native video conferencing tool. Instead, you can add a video/audio chat to your session through a third-party integration with Jitsi. While free, Jitsi itself has limitations. For instance, you can’t simultaneously present a screenshare and a live video feed with Jitsi.  

• Limited annotation tools: While you can annotate media directly with the drawing tool or leave comments, multiple SyncSketch users desire more efficient tools. Other platforms include tools to add simple shapes like a circle or arrow and text-based annotations to a particular spot on a frame.  

• Technical limitations: Due to restrictions by the browsers that host it, SyncSketch’s video resolution is limited to 2K. Its design can’t host full spectrum or surround sound audio.  

‍

SyncSketch alternatives

If SyncSketch isn’t meeting your requirements as a creative professional, consider these alternatives. 

Evercast

You could Frankenstein several SyncSketch alternatives together or opt for an all-in-one solution in Evercast. 

With live video conferencing, chat, and annotations with frame-to-frame accuracy, Evercast provides the closest thing to an in-studio experience. The suite notably offers ultra-low latency and color-accurate 4K video streaming, allowing your team to provide precise and accurate feedback in real time. 

Participants simply click a button to join a session. Evercast’s flexible workflow makes it easy for creative professionals to move from initial sketches to final renderings across a wide range of projects. With security approved by all major Hollywood studios worldwide, the platform lets you work freely and securely through any project. 

Top features

• All-in-one collaboration tool with video conferencing, screen sharing, recording, drawing, and timestamped comments
• Service backed by 24/7 white-glove support 
• 4K video streaming with 10-bit color precision and 5.1/7.1 audio streaming
• Ultra-low latency (under 150ms globally)
• Stream from any creative software or media file to create an in-studio experience from anywhere in the world 

Pricing: Evercast’s pricing starts at $549/month, with flexible pricing on request. Learn more about plans and pricing here.

‍Final word: For an all-in-one solution, Evercast delivers the closest thing to an in-studio experience with secure, seamless 4K video conferencing, ultra-low latency, and multichannel audio backed by white-glove support.