Pencil Project logo

Pencil Project

by Evolus
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ActiveAvailable globallyCloud
Quick facts
VendorEvolus
Year launchedN/A
StatusActive
Location2nd Floor, Building PHL house, 109 Cong Hoa, Ward 12, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Countries servedGlobal
Languages2
Integrations1+
Free tierN/A
Free trialN/A
Contact salesN/A

About Pencil Project

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Pencil Project by Evolus is a free, open-source tool designed primarily for sketching user interface (UI) mockups and creating structured diagrams. Since its launch in 2008, the application has gained a loyal following, especially among developers, designers, analysts, and open-source enthusiasts. Recognized early on for its contribution to the Mozilla ecosystem, Pencil Project has maintained its position as a valuable design and documentation tool, particularly for users seeking an accessible alternative to paid wireframing and diagramming software. Its core objective is to enable users to visualize application interfaces and user flows quickly—making it ideal for requirement gathering, early-stage prototyping, and design documentation in software development lifecycles. The software is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), ensuring that anyone can use, modify, and contribute to its development freely. The user interface of Pencil Project is intuitive and familiar, resembling that of a simple HTML editor or presentation application.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Fast and Lightweight: Runs smoothly even on older hardware; better than most Electron-based apps.
  • Easy to Use: Great for beginners and experts; quick prototyping in minutes.
  • Rich Template & Shape Library: Includes Android/iOS kits, Sketchy UI, Bootstrap, GTK, and flowchart elements.
  • Multiple Export Formats: Supports PNG, PDF, SVG, ODT, and single web page exports.
  • Offline Desktop App: Doesn’t require internet; ideal for various operating systems.
  • Open Source: Free to use with no major restrictions.
  • Design Versatility: Good for web, mobile, GUI, and app mockups.
  • Optional Shape Customization: Supports personal shapes and clip-art libraries.
Cons
  • Limited Support & Documentation: Instructions can be unclear; geared more toward developers than everyday users.
  • Template & Element Limitations: Some users wished for a wider variety and more advanced components.
  • Poor Font and Canvas Management: Font handling and canvas resizing were common frustrations.
  • UI Needs Polish: Outdated interface in need of redesign.
  • Basic Export Features: Although formats are supported, functionality is limited (e.g., no canvas resize for print).
  • Steep Initial Learning Curve: Takes time to understand full capabilities.

Features

Key features

Open-Source Graphics Tool

It is an open-source tool for sketching and designing user interfaces, offering transparency and community-driven development.

Multi-Platform Based on Mozilla

Functions across various operating systems, leveraging Mozilla technologies, ensuring wide accessibility.

UI Design for Analysts & Developers

Specifically helps analysts and developers quickly draw application interfaces for documentation and deployment planning.

Stand-alone or Firefox Add-on

Can be deployed either as an independent application or integrated as an add-on within Mozilla Firefox 3.

Award-Winning Add-on

Recognized as the "Best Add-on" for Firefox 3 in 2008, highlighting its quality and utility.

GPL License

Released under the GPL license, allowing users to freely use, access, modify, and upgrade its source code.

Additional features

Assignment Sketching Tool

Serves as a utility for sketching assignments.

Open-Source Graphics

The software is open-source, allowing for free use and modification.

Multi-Platform

It can operate on various operating systems.

Mozilla Firefox-Based

Developed and operates based on Mozilla Firefox technologies.

Award-Winning Add-on

Received the "Best Add-on Award for Mozilla Firefox 3" in 2008.

User Interface Building

Helps in designing and building application interfaces.

Quick Application Interface Drawing

Enables users to rapidly draw out application interfaces.

Delivery Document Creation

Used to create documents for customers during the request collection process.

Deployment Resource Generation

Creates resources that form the basis for application deployment teams.

Community Contribution

An effort by Evolus to contribute back to the open-source community.

Public Open-Source Instrument

Released as an open-source tool, accessible to the public.

GPL License

Licensed under the GNU General Public License, ensuring free access and use.

Source Code Access

Users have the opportunity to access and adjust its source code.

Source Code Upgrade

Users can upgrade the software's source code.

Firefox Add-on Deployment

Can be deployed as an add-on specifically for Mozilla Firefox 3.

Independent Application Deployment

Can also function and be deployed as a standalone application.

Operates on Mozilla Firefox 3 Supported Systems

Works well on any operating system supported by Mozilla Firefox 3.

Pricing

Free trial
Free version
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Countries & Languages

Global
Countries served
2
Interface languages
11
Billing currencies

Interface languages

EnglishVietnamese

Billing currencies

🇺🇸USD🇪🇺EUR🇬🇧GBP🇦🇺AUD🇨🇦CAD🇯🇵JPY🇨🇭CHF🇸🇬SGD🇮🇳INR🇨🇳CNY🇭🇰HKD

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