About Varve

Why Varve exists

Linux users deserve a native design suite. Every creator deserves to own their files. Varve was built because the existing options force an unacceptable trade: Figma requires a browser and an account, Illustrator requires a subscription, and Inkscape doesn't do CMYK print or motion. Varve combines vector, layout, typography, motion, and print in one native desktop application — with local files, no account, and no recurring cost.

Built in the open

Varve is developed independently by one designer-developer, without VC pressure or corporate compromise. Development is transparent: architecture decisions, known limitations, and progress are documented publicly. Community input influences priorities. This independence means decisions are made for users rather than shareholders.

The vision

Design tools shouldn't require cloud subscriptions, data lock-in, or compromise on privacy. Varve is built on the belief that local-first architecture, native performance, and honest licensing can coexist with professional features and modern workflows.

Development philosophy

• Technical depth over marketing fluff: Features are built when they work, not when they sound good in marketing copy
• Honest limitations: What's not implemented is clearly labeled as "in development" or "types only"
• Transparent roadmap: Public planning documents, open development process, community input on priorities
• Quality gates: All changes must pass format, lint, typecheck, test, token audit, and emoji audit gates
• Documentation-first: Architecture decisions, audits, and plans are documented as they're made

FSL-1.1-MIT licensing

Varve is licensed under the Functional Source License, Version 1.1, MIT Future License (FSL-1.1-MIT). The source code is publicly available. FSL-1.1-MIT allows free use, modification, and redistribution for any Permitted Purpose — everything other than a Competing Use, such as offering a substitute product or service. Commercial redistribution as a competing product or hosted service requires a separate licence.

After two years from each release, that release's code automatically converts to the MIT licence. This ensures that if the project ever ceases development, the code becomes fully open-source.

Support the project

As an independently developed project, Varve relies on community support to continue development. Financial support enables platform support, stability work, and features that might otherwise be deferred. Non-financial contributions — testing, documentation, design, translations — are equally valuable.

Privacy policy

Varve does not track users across sites or require cloud accounts. Optional website analytics is consent-based, uses no cookies or fingerprinting, and is disabled unless a production deployment explicitly configures it. The application keeps design data local.

Security policy

Security vulnerabilities can be reported privately via GitHub Private Vulnerability Reporting orsecurity@varve.studio. The project follows coordinated disclosure practices.