Frequent Asked Questions

Technical questions

Sizes, resolutions, customizations...

  • Which drawing tablets are compatible?

    RobinPad works with any tablet that reports pressure sensitivity to the browser. This includes most Wacom, Huion, and XP-Pen devices connected via USB or Bluetooth. On an iPad, the Apple Pencil is supported if you use a compatible browser (Chrome or Helium Browser). If your tablet isn't recognized, try reloading the page after connecting it, the browser typically detects the device immediately upon connection.

  • Which browsers are optimized for RobinPad?

    RobinPad was developed for Chrome-based browsers. This is primarily because the Chrome engine offers native compatibility with stylus pressure control, superior storage management, and other unique features that other browsers have yet to implement. The good news is that there are several Chrome-based alternatives to suit all preferences, providing better privacy without Google services.

    Here the most popular ones:

    I highly recommend Helium, it is the most lightweight, private, and compatible option for all platforms, including iOS, macOS, Windows, and Android.

  • What happens if I clear my browser cache?

    Doing so will delete all your local work, including pages, custom brushes, color palettes, and theme settings, because your data is stored locally in your browser’s storage rather than on a server.

    To prevent any data loss, make sure to export a backup regularly via Settings → Backup as ZIP. This ZIP file contains your entire workspace (pages, assets, and brushes) and can be reimported at any time.

    I recommend backing up before clearing your cache, switching browsers, or at least once a week if your work is critical.

  • Why are canvas sizes and formats only shown in pixels?

    The main reason is performance.

    When you paint on a RobinPad Canvas, you are working on a virtual area that simulates the aspect ratio of your chosen standard size (A4, Letter, Poster, etc.). It’s a bit of a trick; you aren't working with the actual physical dimensions during the painting process, but you do get them once you export the image in high resolution. Upon export, the painting is processed and scaled to ensure high-quality resolution suitable for printing in standard formats.

    As mentioned before, this is all done to maintain high performance and a smooth painting experience.

  • Are the exported paintings of high enough quality for printing?

    Yes, they are.

    You can export any artwork created in RobinPad with professional print quality. In the export panel, you can choose between 150 DPI and 300 DPI, which are the standard resolutions for high-quality prints. I have integrated an advanced framework called 'Pica.js' that rescales images to high definition for printing without any loss of quality. The scaling engine runs directly in your browser using your own computer; none of your paintings are uploaded to any server or processed by AI. Everything works locally on your machine, respecting your privacy and the ownership of your creations. ☺️

  • Can I create my own brushes?

    Yes. RobinPad features a built-in brush creator accessible via the sidebar. You can adjust parameters such as size, opacity, spacing, scatter, pressure, and per-stroke opacity, while previewing the results in real time before saving. Every brush you create is stored in your browser alongside your work, so you won't lose your custom settings between sessions. These brushes coexist with the defaults, and you can rename, duplicate, or delete them at any time.

General

Questions about the project

  • What's RobinPad?

    RobinPad is a web-based painting tool built with a local tech stack, which means users don't need an internet connection to use the tool once it is loaded in the browser.

    What makes RobinPad unique is its open-source nature; it is completely free to use with no registration required. While RobinPad is not intended to compete directly with professional software like Procreate or Krita, it offers a lightweight and accessible web-based alternative that stands out in the current market.

  • Who is RobinPad for?

    At first glance, RobinPad might seem like a tool designed solely for casual experimentation, but it actually enables users to create professional-grade illustrations and export them in high resolution for both print and digital media.

    RobinPad is perfect for aspiring artists looking for an inviting space to practice their craft. Simultaneously, it serves professionals who want to step away from the cold, flat interfaces of traditional software to find a cozy, relaxed environment for pure painting.

    Whether for practice or professional work, users can easily export their creations as high-quality, layered files. Ultimately, RobinPad is a versatile tool for anyone with a passion for digital art.

  • Why a web based tool and not a native one?

    The primary reason for this choice is my professional background. I'm not a programmer by trade; I'm an art director and illustrator with over twenty years of experience in the tech world as a UI/UX designer. Working closely with developers allowed me to gain a functional knowledge of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. That is the current stack of RobinPad: it's a language I can personally manage and troubleshoot. While I'm aware of more powerful frameworks like React or Vue, I decided to build the MVP with tools I understand to ensure a functional product launch. In the future, I plan to migrate to a more advanced stack to offer even more intuitive tools and better accessibility for modern digital artists.

  • What is the medium- to long-term vision for RobinPad?

    For now, RobinPad's goal is to build a community of artists who use the tool. In the long term, I’d love to expand our reach by introducing cutting-edge features, migrating the platform to a more advanced framework, and establishing RobinPad as the go-to tool for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced artists who want to step away from professional, flat, and cold tools and use RobinPad as a relaxing place to paint.