storytold/vectorcraft

What it solves

VectorCraft is an open-source, clean-room reimplementation of Adobe Illustrator, providing a professional-grade vector illustration tool that is fast, robust, and accessible across platforms. It aims to replace the need for proprietary software by offering a familiar workflow for artists who need precise control over vector graphics.

How it works

Built in pure Rust, the project uses multithreaded SIMD rendering to ensure high performance (rendering 20,000 shapes in ~27ms) while maintaining a responsive interface. It features a documented JSON-based native format and supports a wide range of imports and exports, including SVG, PDF, and AI files.

Crucially, it is "agent-native," meaning every tool, menu item, and gesture can be driven via a JSON control channel and an MCP server, allowing AI agents like Claude to draw and edit graphics as a human would.

Who it’s for

Digital artists, graphic designers, and developers who want a high-performance, open-source alternative to Adobe Illustrator that can be integrated with AI agents.

Highlights

• Agent-native architecture: Includes an MCP server that allows AI agents to control the software's full suite of tools.
• High Performance: Pure Rust implementation with SIMD rendering for high frame rates and and smooth handling of complex scenes.
• Familiar Workflow: Implements Illustrator-style Pen tools, Pathfinder, Smart Guides, and Appearance panels.
• Cross-platform: Runs natively on macOS, Windows, Linux, and in the browser via WebAssembly.
• Robustness: Features exact curve booleans and unlimited undo via structural sharing.