1. Abstract
  2. Using Abstract
  3. Using the Abstract Desktop App

The Abstract plugin

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Installing the Abstract plugin

The Abstract plugin is automatically installed when you download the Abstract application for macOS. The plugin is used to commit changes from your Sketch files to Abstract.

The Abstract plugin for Sketch

When you open Sketch files through Abstract, the Abstract plugin overlay automatically appears at the bottom of your Sketch window displaying the project and branch you are working on. 

Abstract_and_Testing_Overlay__Testing_overlay___sketch.jpg

 

You can toggle the position of the plugin overlay by clicking the Abstract logo on the overlay. Clicking it will toggle the position between the top and bottom of the screen. 

You can also toggle the visibility of the overlay by going to Plugins > Abstract Branches > Toggle Overlay or by pressing the keyboard shortcut (⌃⌘A).

While hidden, you can commit saved changes by pressing the keyboard shortcut (⌃⌘C).

Sketch error: Could not connect to Abstract plugin

This error can happen when you attempt to open a Sketch file through Abstract. If Sketch crashes, it relaunches in Safe Mode. When this happens, Sketch disables all plugins until you manually relaunch the program.

You can resolve the "Could not connect to Abstract plugin" by restarting both Abstract and Sketch to re-enable your plugins. If this error continues, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the Abstract plugin. 

To uninstall and reinstall the plugin:

  1. Quit Abstract
  2. Launch Sketch.
  3. Select Plugins > Manage Plugins
  4. Right click Abstract
  5. Select Uninstall Abstract > Move to Trash

Relaunch Abstract and attempt to open your file

If these steps do not resolve this, please contact Support with a copy of your debug logs.

What to do when Sketch crashes

When Sketch crashes, it could be Abstract, Sketch, or another Sketch plugin.

Please send debug logs to our Support team for help.

The Abstract plugin for Adobe XD 

The Abstract desktop app for Adobe XD is no longer available as of November 23, 2020.

You are no longer able to import XD files to projects or launch existing XD files from Abstract, but you can export existing Adobe XD files for your records.