Graphite is a free, open source 2D content creation application with an ambitious mission: to be the best comprehensive art and design tool accessible to everyone. Unlike traditional graphics editors that lock you into either a layer-based or node-based paradigm, Graphite pioneers a hybrid workflow — a fully nondestructive, procedural editing pipeline that feels as approachable as a conventional layer panel while carrying the boundless creative power of a node graph underneath. Having started as a vector editor, it is growing into a generalized, all-in-one graphics toolbox built more like a game engine than a conventional creative app.Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/GraphiteEditor/Graphite/llms.txt
Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
Graphite is currently alpha software, meaning it is actively changing and improving. Expect rough edges, missing features, and occasional instability. The core vector toolset is the most mature part of the editor today.
Layers and nodes: two views of one document
The central idea in Graphite is that the Layers panel and the node graph are two equivalent, interchangeable views of the exact same document structure. You can work entirely in the familiar layers interface, use the node graph exclusively, or switch freely between the two at any time. Every action you perform with a canvas tool — drawing a shape, applying a fill, compositing layers — is recorded as a node in the underlying graph. Nothing is ever “baked in” or permanently destructive. This hybrid approach is influenced by three traditions in digital content creation:- Layer-based raster and vector tools — the familiar, intuitive editing experience artists already know
- VFX compositing programs — nondestructive pipelines used by film studios where every step can be revisited
- Procedural production tools — the boundless creative possibilities daily-driven by the 3D industry
A fully nondestructive, procedural pipeline
Every operation in Graphite is stored as a node in a directed graph. Because the document is a description of how artwork is constructed rather than a static pixel buffer, you can revisit any decision at any point — change the radius of a repeated shape, swap a color, adjust a filter — and the entire composition re-evaluates instantly. Parameters can be driven by hand or wired to the outputs of other nodes for fully parametric, generative results.What you can create today
Graphite’s current alpha release targets three primary workflows: Vector illustration and graphic design — Draw primitive geometry (rectangles, ellipses) and refine them into complex shapes with the Path tool. Create fully organic shapes from scratch with the Pen tool. Apply solid colors and gradients, perform boolean operations, and add text to produce finished vector artwork and designs. Procedural design — Use the node graph to describe how a creative decision produces a visual result. For example, the Circular Repeat node can distribute copies of a shape around a circle with controllable parameters for angle, radius, and instance count. Parameters can be exposed so they are driven by the calculated outputs of other nodes, letting you build complex generative compositions that remain fully editable. Raster compositing — Import images, manipulate them through the node-based compositor, and apply nondestructive global effects such as color adjustment filters. A prototype Brush tool is available for basic sketching, though it is limited and will be fully rewritten in a future release.Where to run Graphite
Graphite runs in the browser as a WebAssembly application at editor.graphite.art — no installation required. A native desktop app (Windows, macOS, Linux) is currently in active development and approaching release candidates as part of the ongoing Alpha 4 milestone.Explore the documentation
Quickstart
Create your first vector illustration in five steps — no install needed.
Features & Limitations
A clear picture of what works today, what’s experimental, and what’s coming.
Interface Overview
Learn the layout of the editor: panels, toolbar, node graph, and status bar.
Node Graph
Understand how nodes encode every operation and power Graphite’s procedural engine.