Getting Started

Installation

Get the latest release from the download page, which lists packages, checksums, and system requirements for each platform. This is an early beta: expect rough edges, and keep backups of anything you care about. The instructions below describe each platform's installer.

Linux

• AppImage (Recommended): Download the AppImage, make it executable, and run it:

• deb: Install the downloaded file so dependencies resolve: sudo apt install ./Varve-*.deb (do not use dpkg -i alone).
• rpm: Install the downloaded file: sudo dnf install ./Varve-*.rpm.

ChromeOS (Chromebook): start with the browser route — open varve.studio/try/ in Chrome, which needs no setup, or install it as a web app. The optional Linux `.deb` route (only when the Linux development environment is enabled) is covered in Varve on ChromeOS, and the trade-offs between all three routes are in Varve on Chromebook.

macOS

Download the dmg and drag Varve to your Applications folder. Requires macOS 13 Ventura or later and an Apple Silicon Mac — there is no Intel build yet.

Windows

Download the NSIS installer (.exe) and run it. Requires Windows 10 or Windows 11.

First Launch

When you first launch Varve, you'll see the home screen with options to:

• Create a new document
• Open an existing document
• View recent documents

Creating Your First Document

1. Click "New Document" on the home screen
2. Choose a preset or enter custom dimensions
3. Name your document
4. Click "Create"

Basic Workflow

• Toolbar: Select tools from the floating palette at the bottom centre of the canvas (View > Toolbar at Top moves it to the top and remembers the choice)
• Canvas: Scroll to pan (two axes on a trackpad), Ctrl/Cmd + scroll to zoom at the cursor, or drag with the middle button held to pan with any tool
• Layers: View and manage layers in the layers panel (right side)
• Properties: Edit properties in the inspector panel (F6)
• Export: Export via File > Export or the export panel

Keyboard Shortcuts

Common shortcuts:

• V - Select tool
• R - Rectangle tool
• O - Ellipse tool
• T - Text tool
• F6 - Toggle inspector
• Ctrl+Z - Undo
• Ctrl+Shift+Z - Redo

See the full keyboard shortcuts reference.

Next Steps

• Interface Overview - Learn about the Varve interface
• Your First Project - Tutorial for your first design
• Features - Deep dives into Varve's capabilities
• Support - Get help if you're stuck