Check out unusual open-source vector design tool Graphite
Need an alternative to your current vector design software? Check out Graphite.
The unusual free, open-source app combines the approachability of layer-based workflows with the power and flexibility of an underlying node graph.
It is currently available in alpha as a browser-based tool, although the developers plan to release a desktop edition this year, along with adding bitmap image editing tools.
Graphite represents vector designs both as a layer stack and as an underlying node graph.
A vector design tool that combines layer- and node-based workflows
Graphite provides an interesting alternative to commercial vector design tools like Illustrator or Affinity Designer, or to open-source applications like Inkscape.
Like them, it makes it possible to design vector shapes, either for graphic design or illustration, or to import into DCC software as sources for 3D modeling or texturing.
Also like them, it provides an intuitive layer-based workflow, with artists able to organize shapes into layers and layer groups to keep complex designs organized.
But unlike them, the layer stack is based on an underlying node graph, along the lines of those in tools like Substance 3D Designer or Fusion, making it possible to edit designs procedurally.
According to the developers, users can “ignore the node graph, use it exclusively, or switch back and forth with the press of a button while creating content”.
Exports in a range of standard file formats
Graphite’s layer-based environment provides familiar set of tools for creating vector paths and geometric shapes, styling them, and filling them with solid colors or color gradients.
Graphene, its node graph engine, provides nodes for generating and editing vector shapes, manipulating text, and instancing or animating objects, plus a range of math and utility nodes.
Once created, artwork can be exported for use in other CG software in SVG, PNG or JPG format.
The online documentation is currently fairly minimal, but you can open all of the demo artwork from the product website inside Graphite to see how it was constructed.
Bitmap image editing and compositing functionality planned
Graphite is currently purely a browser-based tool, although the developers plan to release it as a desktop application for Windows, Linux and macOS later this year.
Future updates should also expand its scope beyond vector design: while the current build has a basic brush tool, a more fully featured bitmap image-editing toolset is planned.
Other upcoming functionality listed in the online roadmap includes RAW video editing, SDF rendering and even live video compositing: the developers aim to make Graphite a “first-class content creation suite” for graphic design, motion graphics, page layout, and VFX compositing.
While that is clearly a long-term goal – Graphite is currently getting one major alpha build a year, so it’s a way off beta, let alone a 1.0 release – it may be a tool worth keeping an eye on.
License and system requirements
Graphite is browser-based: the developers recommend Chrome, Edge or Opera. It will also run in Firefox, Safari and Brave, although you may encounter technical issues. It is currently in alpha.
The online version is free to use, and the source code is available under an Apache 2.0 license, but you can donate to help support development.
Read more about Graphite on the project website
(Includes the link to launch Graphite in a web browser)
Read more about Graphite in the online documentation
Have your say on this story by following CG Channel on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). As well as being able to comment on stories, followers of our social media accounts can see videos we don’t post on the site itself, including making-ofs for the latest VFX movies, animations, games cinematics and motion graphics projects.
Hat tip to Games from Scratch for bringing Graphite to our attention.