storytold/vectorcraft
VectorCraft Advances: Major Updates Expand Features, Performance, and Internationalization
VectorCraft, an open-source vector illustration editor written in Rust, has introduced three substantial releases (v0.8.0, v0.9.0, v0.10.0). The updates bring improved stability, new creative tools, enhanced file compatibility, performance upgrades for large documents, and expanded language support, reinforcing VectorCraft’s position as a robust alternative for designers seeking a free, cross-platform vector graphics solution.
What is VectorCraft?
VectorCraft is an open-source vector art tool developed from scratch in pure Rust (source). It is designed for designers and illustrators working with paths, text, layers, and multiple artboards, and aims to offer a robust alternative to commercial vector editors. The application runs natively on macOS, Windows, and Linux, and is distributed through the ArtCraft Launcher, which manages updates and installations for the suite of Crafting Apps (source).
Recent Developments: v0.8.0, v0.9.0, v0.10.0
v0.8.0 Highlights
- Stability Improvements: The release addresses crashes related to image tracing large photos and ensures SVG exports only contain selected artboards (source).
- File Handling: SVG round-trips now preserve hidden objects and data attributes. Affinity file import is supported, including artboards, vectors, text, and images.
- Text and Typography: Enhancements include area type vertical alignment, auto-sizing, shrink-to-fit, and improved RTL shaping. Inline symbols in text and ideographic character face alignment are also added.
- UI and Usability: Features such as pixel preview, improved font menu scrolling, and panel docking are introduced. The app now supports multiple interface languages, including Russian and French.
v0.9.0 Highlights
- File Compatibility: Improved support for Adobe Illustrator (.ai) and EPS files, including better handling of non-native art, ASCII85 encoding, and layer preservation (source).
- Font Management: Missing fonts are now listed on document open, with a Find Fonts feature and folder search. Suitcase fonts and fonts from services like Adobe Fonts are recognized.
- Creative Tools: New raster effects (e.g., Glowing Edges), live Revolve effect, and expanded brush and pixelate options are available. Variables for data merge and enhanced graph capabilities are introduced.
- UI Enhancements: Floating panel sets, multi-column docks, and improved artboard and guide management streamline the workflow. The German interface language is added.
v0.10.0 Highlights
- Performance: Significant optimizations for large documents, including faster selection, live effects, and memory usage reductions.
- Text and Language Support: Expanded support for Southeast Asian scripts (Thai, Lao, Khmer, Myanmar), proportional metrics with kerning, and new fallback fonts. The caret and word selection logic now respect complex scripts. Interface translations for Czech, Hungarian, Korean, and expanded Spanish are included.
- Graph and Data Tools: Graphs now support design and marker customization, advanced data handling, and improved label formatting.
- File and Import/Export: Enhanced compatibility with PDF, .ai, and EPS files, including better handling of artboards, masks, and gradient fills. Libraries, presets, and plug-ins can be opened via drag-and-drop.
- UI and Usability: The toolbar and tool icons are refined, preferences are more accessible, and artboard and layer management is improved. New features include Alt-click layer isolation, star shape manipulation during drag, and improved marquee selection.
- Internationalization: New contributors have added or completed translations for multiple languages, broadening accessibility.
- Other Improvements: Numerous bug fixes, validation checks, and undo/redo logic refinements enhance reliability and user experience.
Who Uses VectorCraft and Why?
VectorCraft is aimed at designers and illustrators seeking a free, open-source alternative to proprietary vector editors. Its focus on stability, cross-platform support, and a growing feature set makes it suitable for professional and hobbyist use alike. The project’s rapid development and active contributor base are reflected in the diverse and frequent updates.
Community and Ecosystem
The project is part of a broader ecosystem of creative tools written in Rust, including PhotoCraft and DesignCraft (source, source). The open development model encourages contributions, with many new contributors recognized in each release.
Conclusion
With these recent releases, VectorCraft continues to mature as a capable, open-source vector illustration editor, offering improved stability, performance, and internationalization. The ongoing enhancements to file compatibility, creative features, and user interface make it an increasingly viable choice for designers across platforms.