UPDATE: Read about Sketchpad 3.0

Where Sketchpad 2.0 introduced non-destructive vector + bitmap editing on the web, Sketchpad 2 webpage.1 (SP2.1) takes that bland package of vector tools and borrows features from Sketch Mobile, an app that exhibited my furthest exploration in creating colorful enviroments. SP2.1 is great at creating background wallpapers quickly now that most of the tools work with gradients, and are all editable in place—this can be especially fun on tools like Mr. Doob’s generative brushes, and the improved stamp tool.

New features include:

  • Multiuser drawing (NodeJS + Socket.io)
  • Editable generative brushes: Chrome, Fur, Shader, Sketchy, Web (via Mr Doob‘s Harmony)
  • Spacebar+drag while your in a brush (recommended by Chris Smith)
  • Change the tool type in the options drop-down menu after you’ve created a layer (Chris Smith)
  • Preview (ghost) the stamp tool before you apply it (Chris Smith)
  • Crayon tool reintroduced from Sketch Mobile.
  • Shapes: Rectangle, Ellipse, Polygon, Gear, Star, Burst, Radial Burst, Spiral (Sketch Mobile)
  • Gradients in the style window, useable with most tools.
  • Stamp tool now has “Translate” feature, combined with a low “Flow”, and a nice looking gradient, can create beautiful tapestries in a few clicks.

You can access SP2.1beta in two ways:

Have feature requests, or thoughts of how the interface is horrible? I would love to hear!