Gesticulate
A freehand drawing tool
GESTICULATE IS a free-hand sketching tool that aims for simplicity over the complexity of tools used by graphics designers. Key features are vector graphics and text areas that may be used to sketch and add explanatory text to convey a concept or an idea.
A snapshot tool can send a stream of images to the desktop that could be used as the basis for a presentation. A bonus feature is an online map component where a map can be rendered and resized and then overlaying text and graphics can be used to illuminate it.
I should note that the original intention when the project started some years back was to leverage touch technology that did not at that time exist. It remains an unfulfilled aspiration, it is unlikely that the program can be modified for touch, but work continues apace on a reworking of the concept [1] [image] for touch-based devices using the JavaFX framework. My project Fondu is also a touch-enabled mockup of this concept.
The app is free to download and use. Because I cannot afford a cross-platform signing certificate the user will have to accept a number of vexatious security warnings. All necessary steps have been taken to ensure the integrity of developer machines and I supply SHA verification for those with the knowledge of this. Downloads are served over a secure connection.
[1] I am making GesticulateFX available open-source on GitHub
Features
Sketch
The app provides vector shapes and a curve-fitted sketching tool which allow grouping of shapes, arrow lines and other strokes including dotted, double and railway-tracks.
Type
Multi-line text editing with bold, italic and underlined styles. Insert from character palette and apply a date stamp. Text blocks may be oriented at any angle to easily add labels.
Images
The ability to import images including best-effort SVG rendering, scale them and rotate them. They can then be highlighted with the drawing tools, add arrows and comment with text.
Snapshot
There is a screenshot button at the top-right which captures a snapshot of the current drawing to the Desktop. Capture a series of screenshots as the starting point for a presentation.
Maps
Mapping viewports based on a resizable image to pan and zoom tiles from Open Street Map. Right clicking retrieves location and maps are easily annotated using the tools.
Export
Easily export a clean scalable vector (SVG) rendering of the current drawing for resolution independent output and export a bitmap version (PNG) for use in other applications.
Download
A summary of changes — Changelog.txt
Mac |
Gesticulate_2.1.2-aarch64.dmg |
45.2MB |
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— download and launch the bundle and then drag Note No separate java installation is required. |
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Windows |
Gesticulate_Setup_2.1.2.exe |
39.7MB |
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— download the setup application and double-click to launch,
following the setup wizard. Start Menu items will be created and the application
will be associated with documents created with the Note No separate java installation is required. |
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Ubuntu |
gesticulate_2.1.2_amd64.deb |
43.8MB |
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— download the bundle and then execute Note No separate java installation is required. |
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Archive |
gesticulate-2.1.2-min.zip |
13MB |
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— unpack the archive to a convenient folder and double-click to launch
Note This will require a Java 25+ runtime to be installed. |
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Legal Notice: This software is free to download and use, but is provided at the user’s own risk and without warranty, express or otherwise. This software is not for redistribution.