kleki.com

What is Kleki

Kleki is a free web-based drawing and painting tool. You can use it right in your browser (via kleki.com) without needing to install heavy software or sign up. (Kleki)
It supports layers, brushes, importing/saving images — basically the basics for digital art. (Kleki)
The project is based on the open-source engine called Klecks, which powers Kleki. (GitHub)

Key features

Here are its main attributes:

  • No plug-ins required; works in browser. (WebCatalog)

  • Brushes with pressure support (if your device supports it) and stabilizer for smoother lines. (GitHub)

  • Layers: you can draw on separate layers, move, hide, delete them. (GitHub)

  • Basic editing tools: cropping/expanding canvas, flipping horizontally, resizing, transform. (GitHub)

  • Drag in or upload an image and draw on top of it; save your result. (Kleki)

What works well

  • Accessibility: Since it’s browser-based and free, it’s easy to start drawing right away. Good for quick sketches or doodles.

  • Lightweight: Doesn’t demand a big install or heavy system.

  • Cross-device: Because it runs in browser, you can use it on tablets, laptops, desktops. At least that is claimed. (GitHub)

  • Straightforward UI: For beginners who just want to draw without being overwhelmed by tons of menus.

Limitations / what to watch out for

  • Feature-set: It lacks many advanced functions found in full-blown art software (e.g., very refined brushes, advanced selections, powerful effects). Many users note missing tools. (Trustpilot)

  • Stability / saving concerns: Some users report issues with loss of work, especially if browser/tab closes or crash. From reviews: > “when my Chromebook dies it resets and I lose all my art” (Trustpilot)

  • Tools like fill (paint bucket) may behave less reliably (leave gaps) according to users. (Trustpilot)

  • Brush quality: On some canvases, users say the brush/line may appear pixelated or less smooth. (Especially in large canvas sizes) (Trustpilot)

  • No built-in auto-save (at least at time of many reviews) so you must remember to manually save your work. (Trustpilot)

Best use cases

  • Education / students: If you want a free tool for simple digital drawing, for class or fun, Kleki fits.

  • Quick sketches / concepting: When you just want to draw something quickly without setup.

  • Beginners: Someone new to digital drawing can explore basic layers, brushes, etc, without committing to big software.

  • If you don’t need very advanced, production-level features (e.g., complex vector tools, advanced effects, high-resolution painting with many features).

When you might want something else

  • If you’re working professionally (illustration, concept art, comic art) and need advanced brushes, selection tools, blending, clipping masks, high-resolution performance — then you’ll quickly run into limitations in Kleki.

  • If you require robust auto-save, version history, cloud syncing, collaborative tools — Kleki likely won’t meet those needs.

  • If your work involves very large canvases (print scale) or very precise tools (vector, curves, advanced adjustments) — then look for specialized software.

How to get started (quick steps)

  1. Open your browser and go to kleki.com.

  2. Choose “New image” (or import an image) and set your canvas size.

  3. Use the brush tool to draw; explore layers (add, delete, reorder).

  4. Use color picker, change brush size, opacity.

  5. When done, save your work (e.g., export as PNG or other supported format).

  6. Make sure to save manually if you’ve worked for a while (to avoid losing work).

Pricing / licensing

It’s free to use in browser. The underlying engine (Klecks) is licensed under MIT. (GitHub) There may be limitations tied to browser performance.
Because it’s free and online, expect that some advanced support/features may be missing.

Final thoughts

If you’re after a simple, no-cost way to draw digitally without installing heavy apps, Kleki is a good fit. It’s not going to replace heavy-duty art programs for professionals, but for many hobbyists or beginners it’s just right. Do keep in mind its limitations and save your work frequently.

Key Takeaways

  • Kleki is a free browser-based drawing tool with layers, brushes, edit tools.

  • Very accessible for beginners or quick use.

  • Missing some advanced features, users report some issues (saving, brushes, fill tool).

  • Best suited for casual drawing, rough sketches, beginner digital art.

  • If you need high professional capability, you’ll probably need something more advanced.

FAQ

Q: Do I need to sign up to use Kleki?
A: No. You can start drawing without creating an account. It’s ready to use in your browser. (WebCatalog)

Q: Can I use Kleki offline or install it as an app?
A: It primarily runs in browser. Some services mention a desktop wrapper (via WebCatalog) but the core is browser-based. (WebCatalog)

Q: Does Kleki support pressure sensitivity and drawing tablets?
A: Yes — at least the engine supports tablets, pen pressure, stabilizer for drawing lines. (GitHub) But how well it works will depend on your browser/device.

Q: How many layers can I have?
A: It supports multiple layers; however, some users report limits (e.g., 8 layers) in certain contexts. (Trustpilot)

Q: Is my work saved automatically?
A: Not reliably. Many users warn that you should manually save/export your work because unsaved work may be lost if something goes wrong. (Trustpilot)

Q: Will Kleki work for professional illustration or comic creation?
A: It could for simple projects, but if you need advanced tools (e.g., vector, fine control, many clip masks, effects, high resolution) you’ll likely find it limiting and may want to choose a more full-featured app.

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