Sketchfu news!

Dear Fu friends,

We're testing a new feature on Sketchfu: Apps. This will let anyone build little add-ons to Sketchfu that will be really fun. We've just started, so if you have feedback, let us know! In the meantime, we thought we'd start with a couple easy questions and answers.

-Andrew and Matt

About apps

What is an app?

An app is a new feature we're testing on Sketchfu, which lets you build and use add-ons to the site. Eventually you'll be able to make all sorts of stuff, like contests, forums, chatrooms, voting booths, and private spaces. (No promises on when though!)

Why did you add apps to Sketchfu?

We wanted to make it easy for anyone to add new features to Sketchfu, and to make their own areas to hang out with people.

Who makes apps?

Anyone can make an app!

Who can see drawings that are made in an app?

Right now, when you make a drawing in an app it goes into the app's gallery but also the public gallery and your own profile. Eventually we may make drawings that only go inside of an app, and don't show in the public, so that people can do whatever they want.

Can I make apps private or invite-only?

Not yet, but we're going to work on it.

Building apps

Just click on the "Create app" button on the main apps page.

How do I use the app builder?

The left side shows "app parts" which you use to build up an app. The right side shows a preview of the app itself. You can add new app parts just by clicking or dragging it to the preview area. Then you can click on any app part to customize it, if that's available.

What kind of apps can I create?

You can make whatever you want using the "app parts" - just click on the buttons on the left to add different parts to the app. Right now you can only drop a couple simple app parts to build an app, but eventually we'll make it easy to add pictures, video, hit counters, and all sorts of other stuff. Stay tuned!

I have a new idea for an app! How do I get the parts to create it?

Leave us some feedback and we'll try to build out the parts for you to create something.

How do I change the text for a new part I add?

If it's possible to change the text, you can just click it and it should let you edit things. Give us feedback: Suggestions, complaints, and other stuff

Why can't I do X?

Because we haven't built it yet! Or we don't know that you want it. Tell us what you're looking to do.

Where do I send other feedback?

Just leave it for us in the feedback form.