Kreskaart A Free Browser-Based Digital Drawing And Painting Application

The digital art landscape has evolved significantly, offering creators a multitude of tools ranging from professional-grade software to accessible web applications. Among these, KRESKA.art stands out as a free, browser-based drawing and painting app designed to run seamlessly without installation. Developed by a single individual passionate about art and programming, the platform emphasizes a human-centric approach to creativity, explicitly avoiding artificial intelligence features. This commitment ensures that the artistic process remains entirely in the hands of the user, relying on skill and vision rather than algorithms.

KRESKA.art operates directly within any web browser, eliminating the need for downloads or complex setup. Users can simply open the app and begin creating instantly. The application is supported by user contributions to cover server costs and fund future development, though it remains free to use for those unable to contribute financially. Sharing the app with others is also encouraged as a way to support its continued availability.

Core Features and Tools

KRESKA.art offers a robust set of features designed to replicate and enhance the traditional drawing experience. The app utilizes a proprietary painting engine built from scratch, aiming to provide a fluid, responsive, and unique drawing sensation.

Brushes and Painting Engine

The application includes a collection of over 100 handmade brushes. This diverse selection covers various artistic needs, including: - Basic round brushes - Soft airbrushes - Sketching brushes that resemble real pencils - Inking brushes - Watercolor brushes - Charcoal brushes - Pixel brushes

Each brush is versatile, capable of painting, erasing, blending, and utilizing the auto-color feature. Many brushes are designed to recognize the direction of digital pen strokes to maximize realism. The auto-color feature is particularly highlighted for its ability to magically transfer colors from a reference image to the drawing, streamlining the tracing process.

Canvas and Reference Management

A standout aspect of KRESKA.art is its approach to reference images. Unlike traditional setups where a reference might occupy a portion of the screen, KRESKA.art keeps the canvas entirely free. A dedicated "peek" button allows users to instantly preview their reference image with full opacity on top of their drawing; releasing the button returns the view to the artwork. Users can also adjust the reference image opacity using a slider. This "uncluttered" workflow is designed to keep the focus on the creation.

The app also supports adding images (JPG, GIF, PNG, SVG) directly to the canvas, allowing for complex compositions. These images remain fully editable.

Layers and Editing

The app supports layers with essential functions: - Adding, deleting, and merging layers - Duplicating layers - Fast clearing of layers - Controlling layer opacity - Alpha lock (painting only on opaque portions of a layer)

All elements on the canvas—including drawings, shapes, and text—are fully editable. The Selection tool allows users to move, resize, rotate, or modify any element by dragging handles or using rotation controls.

Specialized Tools

• Liquify Feature: This tool allows users to push pixels around the canvas, ideal for reshaping objects, adjusting proportions, or refining details smoothly. It helps correct lines without erasing and redrawing, preserving original colors and textures.
• Symmetry and Guides: Users can toggle various symmetry modes (vertical, horizontal, quadrant) to mirror strokes across planes. Perspective guides for one, two, or three-point perspectives are available, along with 2D and isometric grids for accurate positioning.
• AR Drawing: The Augmented Reality Drawing feature transforms the screen into an interactive projector. By using the device’s camera as a live background, users can trace digital images onto physical surfaces, such as paper, enhancing accuracy for sketching.
• Shape and Text Tools: Basic shapes (rectangles, circles, lines) and text can be added to the canvas.

File Handling and Export

KRESKA.art supports basic .PSD file opening. Users can export their work as image files (PNG, JPG) or PDFs. The "Save Project" function stores drawings in the browser's local storage. Additionally, for iOS users utilizing Safari who also own Procreate, there is a direct sharing option to transfer creations to the Procreate library.

User Interface and Accessibility

The interface is designed to be simple and clean. Key navigation elements include: - Menu Panel: Access to main settings and options. - Layers Panel: Management of canvas layers. - Colors Panel: Selection and picking of colors. - Toolkit Float Panel: A floating toolbar for quick access to tools like scaling, rotating, and panning the canvas.

Gesture Controls

The app supports specific touch gestures to streamline the workflow: - Two-finger tap: Undo the last action. - Three-finger tap: Redo an undone action. - Four-finger tap: Hide or show the interface. - One-finger press and hold: Open the color picker. - Pinch and rotate (two fingers): Zoom or rotate the canvas.

Toolkit Functionality

The toolkit panel includes specific interactions for canvas manipulation: - Center Reset: Double-tapping the center of the panel (the six dots icon) resets the canvas position, rotation, and scale to default values. - Scale Reset: Double-tapping the scale icon resets the zoom to 100%. - Rotate Reset: Double-tapping the rotate icon resets rotation to 0 degrees. - Pan/Center: Double-tapping the pan (hand) icon centers the canvas without altering size or rotation. - Rotation Gesture: While using the rotate icon, a circular gesture around the center of the panel adjusts the rotation degree.

Color Picking

There are multiple methods to pick colors: - Pressing and holding with one finger. - Clicking the eyedropper icon in the color window or floating toolkit. - Using the keyboard shortcut "i".

A "Long press picker" toggle is available in the main menu under "Drawing options" to manage this behavior.

Sliders and Settings

Sliders in the app have a velocity-based interaction: moving a finger away from the slider while using it slows down the movement, allowing for finer adjustments. Specific settings for the Paint Bucket and Magic Wand tools, such as "Threshold" and "Grow Size," can be adjusted in the menu.

API for Website Owners

KRESKA.art features a simple URL API that allows website owners to create links. These links can automatically load images hosted on their websites directly into the KRESKA.art app as references. This functionality is particularly useful for creators of drawing tutorials, enabling students to draw directly on or reference tutorial images within the app without manual uploading.

Themes and Modes

The application offers two visual themes: Dark and Light. Both are described as beautiful, offering users a choice based on preference or ambient lighting conditions.

Technical and Development Notes

KRESKA.art is developed by a solo developer. The app is a passion project, and the developer explicitly states that it will always remain 100% free of AI features, prioritizing human creativity. The financial model relies on voluntary contributions from users who wish to support server costs and ongoing development. For those who cannot contribute, sharing the app is the primary alternative support method.

Conclusion

KRESKA.art provides a comprehensive, free digital art solution accessible directly through a web browser. It bridges the gap between simplicity and functionality, offering over 100 brushes, layer support, and advanced features like AR tracing and liquify tools. Its unique "peek" reference system and uncluttered interface prioritize the creative flow. By rejecting AI integration and maintaining a zero-cost entry point, the app positions itself as a sanctuary for human-driven artistic expression. Whether for casual sketching, professional tracing, or educational tutorial work, KRESKA.art offers a versatile platform for digital creators.

Sources

1. KRESKA.art Official Website
2. KRESKA.art Help and Documentation