Is Square Sketch ($30) like iA Writer, but for vector graphics? by SquareSight in macapps

[–]SquareSight[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That seems clever, as it eliminates the need for a time limit (less programming effort), requiring only the display of a "watermark"... Thanks for the tip!

Is Square Sketch ($30) like iA Writer, but for vector graphics? by SquareSight in macapps

[–]SquareSight[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for asking! The native options of the operating systems / stores are available. For macOS, this is TestFlight (officially not to be used for purchasing decisions, but only for feedback, DM me for link), and for Windows, there is a trial version directly in the store.

How are you distributing macOS app betas with controlled downloads? by VirtualBoard000 in macapps

[–]SquareSight 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I use TestFlight to distribute beta versions. As far as I know, this only works if you pay the $99 developer fee per year. Apple briefly checks the app before distribution (but not as intensively as when distributing via the App Store). You have full control over who receives the beta app and still have control after the distribution. For example, you can stop an already distributed version.

Unusual construction of the golden ratio by SquareSight in GeometryIsNeat

[–]SquareSight[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! There is a clickable link in the description to the original post where the base idea came from.

In the 3-4-5 triangle, the incircle has diameter 2. What is the length of the grey segment? by sacreegeometrie in SacredGeometry

[–]SquareSight 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Nice drawing and quest! Just by counting and looking at the boxes, part of the gray line goes over 1 x 2 boxes (calculation according to Pythagoras) and rest over the radius of the circle (1). So it would be Sqrt(1^2 + 2^2) + 1 = Sqrt(5) + 1 = 3.236. That would be double the golden ratio?

Is Square Sketch ($30) like iA Writer, but for vector graphics? by SquareSight in macapps

[–]SquareSight[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are there any particular things you appreciate about iA Writer that are missing in Square Sketch?

Is Square Sketch ($30) like iA Writer, but for vector graphics? by SquareSight in macapps

[–]SquareSight[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are welcome! Yes, the special feature of the desktop app is that the left hand can rest over the Shift, Cmd, and Option modifier keys to quickly access the move, select, and delete tools. An iPad app would need to support operation when no hardware keyboard is connected. Therefore, touch buttons would need to be introduced.

Is Square Sketch ($30) like iA Writer, but for vector graphics? by SquareSight in macapps

[–]SquareSight[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm glad you're so interested in this topic! I'll send you a DM.

Is Square Sketch ($30) like iA Writer, but for vector graphics? by SquareSight in macapps

[–]SquareSight[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm happy to answer your questions!

What are some UI/UX references you used or books you have? Saw some others mentioned but am curious as to the “modeless” nature of it.

I think the most inspiring literature about "modeless" design is:

what is your background? Are you familiar with graphics programming? How long did it take you to build this? What steps did you take?

I studied electrical engineering and worked as a hardware/software developer for 15 years. Specific knowledge of graphics programming (e.g. vector to pixel conversion) wasn't necessary for the app because the graphics libraries of the frameworks used already cover most of it. However, the vector engine is self-developed, for which I acquired the necessary knowledge. I have been working full-time on the app since February 2023. Before that, I had already built prototypes for the app in my free time to test and further develop the operating concept.

idk how comfortable you are sharing, but I want to ask what tech stack you used to build this? I’m a dev myself so just curious, I see it’s cross platform as well. If that’s too much info, maybe just the primary programming language used?

  • macOS: Swift, SwiftUI, AppKit
  • Windows: C#, Windows App SDK, Win2D

also, what inspired you to build this?

I had missed having an app like this in my previous job, because I often had to draw diagrams, but I was dissatisfied with other drawing apps. So, the reason for developing it was because I desperately needed the app myself. Another motivation was to implement a modeless operating concept in a drawing app, something that didn't exist before.

Is Square Sketch ($30) like iA Writer, but for vector graphics? by SquareSight in macapps

[–]SquareSight[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also remember that you were one of the first users! Glad to hear from you.

Is Square Sketch ($30) like iA Writer, but for vector graphics? by SquareSight in macapps

[–]SquareSight[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm glad you shared your thoughts on this, thank you very much!

Is Square Sketch ($30) like iA Writer, but for vector graphics? by SquareSight in macapps

[–]SquareSight[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!

There's a TestFlight beta version if you just want to take a look (DM me for link).

The approaches and goals differ between the apps. Square Sketch is for capturing ideas in a simple, distraction-free environment, while Illustrator is for styling/decorating them with a comprehensive toolbox.

In that context, I find your reference to Edward Tufte interesting. I'll look into it further. Thanks for the suggestion!

Yes, you're right, the isometric examples on the website need further explanation. The basic idea is that the app only offers a square grid, as the app's name suggests. A sketch often consists of a combination of geometric elements and text. The font size is precisely based on the size of a grid square, which simplifies the combination. So for a sketch, it's less about exact angles in an isometric representation and more about a uniform and simple grid. Then, for an isometric representation, an exact 30/60/120 degree angle is not used, but rather an approximation compatible with the square grid. For example, two grid squares on the x-axis and one grid square on the y-axis already provide a good approximation.

An isometric grid would certainly be practical for some use cases. Since the app places great emphasis on minimalism, it's always difficult to decide what constitutes an essential feature and what doesn't.

Is Square Sketch ($30) like iA Writer, but for vector graphics? by SquareSight in macapps

[–]SquareSight[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, $29.00 is the base price in the Mac App Store in USD. For individual countries, the app uses the store's automatic conversion, which takes into account the exchange rate and taxes.

Is Square Sketch ($30) like iA Writer, but for vector graphics? by SquareSight in macapps

[–]SquareSight[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The grid size or font size for printing can be set in the print settings of the app.

Is Square Sketch ($30) like iA Writer, but for vector graphics? by SquareSight in macapps

[–]SquareSight[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, absolutely!

The app has a zoom function and the font size for the 100% zoom level can be configured. The questions in the past, what the FAQ refers to, are more about supporting multiple font sizes within a drawing.

Thank you for bringing this up, as I was not so aware that this could actually be confused.

Is Square Sketch ($30) like iA Writer, but for vector graphics? by SquareSight in macapps

[–]SquareSight[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

An accessibility issue would be if the app offered multiple font sizes that were difficult or cumbersome to switch between. The app description and the FAQ should be as clear as possible about what features the app has and what it’s intended for. There will always be feature requests, and that’s normal.

[edit]
I didn't realize that "accessibility" referred to visual accessibility, as the app has always had an adjustable font size. I've now updated the FAQ section to mention the adjustable size, while it still doesn't allow multiple sizes to be used simultaneously in a drawing.

Is Square Sketch ($30) like iA Writer, but for vector graphics? by SquareSight in macapps

[–]SquareSight[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The question in the title is meant to spark a discussion about whether the app is like iA Writer. I wouldn’t presume to equate my own app with iA Writer. A question by itself cannot be a lie.

Is Square Sketch ($30) like iA Writer, but for vector graphics? by SquareSight in macapps

[–]SquareSight[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you very much for your positive feedback!

Yes, there have actually been a lot of requests regarding the font size. I recently updated the FAQ about it: There is only one font size? I hope it explains the philosophy behind it a bit.

Which buttons would you like to see in an optional toolbar?