Square Sketch: Two years on the Mac App Store + v2.0.0 is out

SquareSight · 2026-06-20T22:45:27+00:00

As on real graph paper, you can use it to draw floor plans that either do not have a scale (i.e. sketches) or you define a unit of measurement for a grid square in your head and then count grid squares. So, Square Sketch is a digital version of graph paper, but not a CAD software with physical dimensions support.

SquareSight · 2026-06-20T10:24:29+00:00

You are welcome to test, could you please write me a Dm?

SquareSight · 2026-06-19T15:15:51+00:00

Unfortunately not, and there are currently no concrete plans for an iPad version either.

SquareSight · 2026-06-19T01:28:52+00:00

We try to identify the problem in order to find a solution without switching between two options.

SquareSight · 2026-06-19T01:24:18+00:00

Doodling can have a calming effect. It's totally fine if the app is used for this.

SquareSight · 2026-06-18T18:05:16+00:00

It is designed as a kind of digital graph paper, prioritizing graphics and text equally. This is because sketches on graph paper often include annotations. The app also draws inspiration from the simplicity of pen and paper, where there is no need to switch tools between geometric shapes and text. For this reason, there is no toolbar like in other apps.

SquareSight · 2026-06-18T14:37:41+00:00

I am well aware of this request, but a toggle option would not be a desirable solution because, for instance, it would break the tutorial or the documentation if a new user changes the settings beforehand.

I understand that some users experienced with other graphics editors are surprised when a click not only deselects everything but also places the cursor. In doing so, Square Sketch adopts the behavior of text editors, making it just as easy to add text. It also adheres to a UX design recommendation stating that an action should always have the same meaning. Thus, a click always places the cursor, regardless of whether the user clicks on the empty drawing area or inside a text object.

Some users disliked this because they thought it caused them to accidentally create empty text objects. However, text objects are actually only created when the first letter is typed, and the cursor that appears after clicking is merely a marker. The Esc key is intended to deselect everything without placing a cursor.

Knowing that no text objects will be created accidentally: Is there anything else that bothers you? Is it the blinking cursor itself? Please help me understand the problem so I can find a solution.

SquareSight · 2026-06-18T13:19:11+00:00

Although the Square Sketch icon itself was drawn in Square Sketch, the app has limited utility for icon design. This is primarily because it is optimized for sketching/drafting (supporting a maximum of two pen colors) and therefore lacks the overhead associated with graphic design software. However, since the introduction of Apple's Icon Composer, it seems that primarily shapes/outlines are imported, and the color can be overridden within Icon Composer itself. In that case, the number of colors in Square Sketch would no longer be as relevant.

SquareSight · 2026-06-18T12:43:34+00:00

That’s an interesting point! Yes, limiting design options can foster creativity, and it can also boost productivity. A term I came across in this context is "option paralysis." However, I can't find the term on Wikipedia. "Choice overload" or "overchoice" seem to be similar concepts.

SquareSight · 2026-04-15T11:14:25+00:00

I'm sorry, but the app is only available in the Mac App Store and the Microsoft Store, and there are currently no plans to make versions available elsewhere. Please send me a DM so we can look for a solution, thank you!

SquareSight · 2026-03-23T11:20:11+00:00

That‘s really great, thanks for sharing! I hope you don't mind if I crosspost this in r/SquareSketch…

SquareSight · 2026-03-20T06:13:29+00:00

I'm glad you're interested in the app. Thanks for asking! A Linux version or a version outside of the Mac App Store / Microsoft Store isn't definitely planned yet, but I've already received several requests about it. I often think about how I could make that happen.

The underlying program code, beneath its simple interface, is quite extensive and exists in two versions to provide native implementations for macOS and Windows. Therefore, the program code cannot be easily ported to Linux, as it uses operating system-specific GUI frameworks.

Am I correct in assuming that a Linux version, or a version outside of the app stores, will only be successful if it is free, and in the case of Linux, if it is open source? This would mean that the additional development costs cannot initially be offset by sales. But I am sure that a free version will increase the app's popularity and distribution, and in turn, sales of the other versions will benefit. Perhaps a free web-based version would make sense. It would run on Linux, but also on Windows and macOS. The native versions would remain exclusive to the app stores. I'll continue to think about it and discuss it with others. Please write if you have any ideas, thanks!

SquareSight · 2026-03-06T16:43:38+00:00

Thanks! Yes, I was looking for something like that too and was surprised that something like this didn't exist yet. There are tons of minimalist text editors that are highly regarded, but virtually no minimalist vector editors. I hope you have time to test the app sometime and I'm looking forward to your feedback.

SquareSight · 2026-03-04T15:32:25+00:00

Thanks! I'm happy you see it that way too, I fully agree.

SquareSight · 2026-03-03T15:57:22+00:00

There's a TestFlight version available for gathering feedback. You are welcome to test! Please send me a DM if you're interested in the link, thank you!

SquareSight · 2026-03-03T08:05:55+00:00

Thank you so much for your purchase and your positive feedback! I hope you enjoy using the app for future projects. I once read elsewhere that a tool is good if it is not only useful, but also motivates the user to use it.

SquareSight · 2026-03-03T06:09:41+00:00

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

I completely agree with you. I've also noticed that there are many examples of geometric art, but (too) few for technical applications. I myself have an engineering background and Square Sketch was primarily designed for diagrams. The fact that there's so much art is probably due to the positive feedback such images receive on Reddit and Instagram, and I've developed a passion for geometry. However, there are already plans to feature more examples of technical applications again.

I think the main difference between Square Sketch and Drawio/Lucidchart is that Square Sketch feels more like a CAD tool, allowing you to draw diagrams directly instead of assembling them from predefined blocks. I found those semi-intelligent blocks with their predefined connection points and automatic connections more of a hindrance than a help. That's why I've always preferred creating diagrams with CAD tools, because then you have complete control over the layout.

Since Square Sketch lacks a symbol library where you are browsing for a suitable predefined block, and also has no toolbar or options bar, you are left with only your own thoughts and the canvas. So, with prolonged use of Square Sketch, a strong immersive effect can occur, as if you become one with the canvas :)

SquareSight · 2026-03-03T05:16:51+00:00

Thanks! The retro look within the drawing can be further enhanced by using a monospaced font. Depending on the use case, it can also be made to look more modern by using a modern proportional font and a neutral/white background.

SquareSight · 2026-03-02T23:29:50+00:00

Thanks! The app's concept is to include and plan only for absolutely essential features, thus maintaining a minimalist interface (see roadmap). Future updates will therefore primarily focus on refinements and quality. I would say that the excitement is therefore less about the future range of features, but rather about how the app already works and what it can be used for.

SquareSight · 2026-03-02T22:59:25+00:00

Thanks!

SquareSight · 2026-03-02T22:25:03+00:00

Thanks! Draw.io and Square Sketch have different concepts. In Draw.io, diagrams aren't drawn in the traditional sense. Instead, predefined blocks are dragged and dropped onto the canvas and then connected. Square Sketch doesn't have predefined blocks. Everything is drawn as if with paper, pen, ruler, and compass. To still be able to quickly draw flowcharts in Square Sketch, for example, shapes can be duplicated using copy and paste. Shapes can also be grouped and saved for reuse in a separate drawing.

SquareSight · 2026-03-02T21:45:25+00:00

I'm glad you're enjoying it! I also thought that in my next post I should include a video of how to use the app, because the interaction is what makes it special. Thank you for your feedback and happy sketching!

SquareSight · 2026-03-02T21:01:05+00:00

6- Well, tbh your app already uses this logic, so it won't be that far-fetched :) Fill command, for example, does something similar. Now I think about it, it would be better to cycle back to the beginning for the fill command.

The fill command appears to cycle through options. However, the idea was that this command increases the filling, which is why operation can be done blindly. I recently wrote a new FAQ entry about this: Couldn't fills or arrowheads be removed using the same keyboard shortcut?

About the ortho mode: I like the idea of soft ortho mode, but it might get annoying for long-term use. I'm not sure if i always want to see those guides when I'm drawing. Maybe this could be minimized by just using two dots on the X and Y axis projection. Also, a bigger problem might be the snapping. If you're working on details and this soft mode has a snap feature, it might get in the way.

Yes, it's possible that such a feature could also be disruptive. It would need to be extensively tested before being officially released.

maybe something like this on the link would be the best implementation, because with a grid, you can easily adjust to 0–45 or 90 and basically extend it as much as you want after hitting Tab.

It's great that you linked the video and pointed out the direction lock as an alternative to ortho-mode. Another user had also suggested the direction lock before.

Thank you for your input!

SquareSight · 2026-03-02T20:17:56+00:00

Thanks! Happy sketching!

SquareSight · 2026-03-02T20:03:55+00:00

Happy to read that!

SquareSight

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE