Vectoraster Changelog

What's new in Vectoraster 8.5.10

Mar 26, 2024
  • With this update Vectoraster is now also available to purchase on the macOS Apple App Store.

New in Vectoraster 8.5.9 (Mar 13, 2024)

  • Fixes some minor macOS 14 compatibility issues.
  • Fixes some sandbox access restriction issues.

New in Vectoraster 8.5.8 (Jan 23, 2024)

  • Fix generation of innermost spiral raster points when generating line rasters.
  • New setting to automatically convert background color colorspace to match point color (for CMYK exports for example).
  • Add clipping rect to exported SVGs.
  • Changes to export file writing and saving APIs.
  • Changes to file reading handling when importing source files APIs.

New in Vectoraster 8.5.7 (Dec 5, 2023)

  • Fixes an issue with the multiscale-panel not displaying correctly when opened in a loaded file in recent 8.5.5+ versions.

New in Vectoraster 8.5.6 (Nov 16, 2023)

  • Fix issue with collapsed bottom UI panels still showing on macOS 14.
  • Improved load times for files with large source images.
  • Removed deprecated EPS export format on macOS 14 and later (still available on earlier macOS versions).

New in Vectoraster 8.5.5 (Oct 6, 2023)

  • Changes and improvements:
  • Added support for CMYK and other non-rgb color models in static colors (varying dynamic point colors will still convert to RGB in rendering and exports). CMYK colors are only supported in PDF exports.
  • Improved interface performance.
  • Improved support and handling of pasting graphics as source image layers.
  • Bugfixes:
  • Fixed bug where exporting to CSV or SVG would result in the preview going blank.
  • Fix issue with new source images pasted in getting the wrong initial size.
  • Fix issue with importing vector graphics with very large sizes causing memory issues.

New in Vectoraster 8.5.4 (Aug 22, 2023)

  • Changes and improvements:
  • Added new point Row, Column or Row+Column index source options, letting you base parameters on the row or column of the point.
  • Added support for complex multi-byte unicode characters like SF symbols and ligatures in text rasters.
  • Added Lost Minds Mastodon link to Help menu.
  • Added some more helpful information to error messages when failing to load files.
  • Bugfixes:
  • Fix issue with importing vector graphics with very large sizes causing memory issues.

New in Vectoraster 8.5.3 (Jul 13, 2023)

  • Fixes issue with incorrect physical sizes when importing image source layers.
  • Better error messages on file access permission issues when importing files.

New in Vectoraster 8.5.2 (Jun 2, 2023)

  • Point size is now renamed Line length for simple line points.
  • Properly deactivate color well and close the color picker when hiding an active color parameter.
  • Fixes the preview sometimes not reverting correctly back to the current time after exporting an animation.
  • Fixes an issue where the source layers list would not display correctly after reordering sources.
  • Fixes some precision issues in applied Multiscale when using the slider instead of the scale field.
  • Sparkle version checking framework updated.

New in Vectoraster 8.5.1 (May 22, 2023)

  • Updates components for future compatibility, raising minimum required macOS version to 10.15.
  • Fixes a bug where animation exports would not correctly apply a scaled export size.
  • Fixes using the animation export panel size slider while the height or width field is active.

New in Vectoraster 8.5.0 (May 12, 2023)

  • Changes and improvements:
  • Multiple custom shape support use different imported point shapes based on sources, index or at random.
  • Improved generation/rendering with better performance, responsiveness and stability.
  • Source opacity point removal with a new alpha threshold parameter. Makes it easy to remove points regardless of size where the source image is transparent.
  • Animated GIF import support for Video source layers.
  • Point fill opacity can now be applied to bitmap custom shapes as well.
  • Bug fixes:
  • Fixed a bug with Multi-scale where clicking Apply button while typing in a value would not apply the scale.
  • Fixed an issue with quicktime video exports dropping frames if the encoder was busy.
  • Fixed a bug where animation export panel size fields would show the wrong values.
  • Fixed a bug where some settings would reset when re-opening the settings panel.

New in Vectoraster 8.4.11 (Apr 21, 2023)

  • Bug fixes:
  • Fixes a bug with jpg export pixel aspect.
  • Fixes an export dialogue bug whith bitmap format height/width would not be displayed correctly.
  • Clicking in the animation timeline now deselects any selected value field, so you can use spacebar to play/pause.

New in Vectoraster 8.4.10 (Mar 17, 2023)

  • Bug fixes:
  • Fixes a bundle validation bug that caused issues on some systems in v8.4.9.
  • Fixes some blocking network calls during license activation.

New in Vectoraster 8.4.9 (Feb 22, 2023)

  • Changes and improvements:
  • Improved SVG image mode imports/rendering (Upgrade to IJSVG 3.0 framework).
  • Added an option to re-center centered source layers on document size change, making it easier to resize a document to a new source image.
  • Added link to user Discord channel in Help menu.
  • Bug fixes:
  • Fixed being able to select the source measurement channel parent item in the parameter sources menu and not just the items.
  • Removed a tooltip in the sources menu that was interfering with selecting items in submenus.

New in Vectoraster 8.4.8 (Jan 4, 2023)

  • Changes and improvements:
  • Optimized Randomization distortion.
  • Improved generation and rendering progress updates for long processes.
  • Updated manual and bundled sample files.
  • Improved conversion of legacy source measurement exponent parameters when importing Vectoraster 7 files.
  • Bug fixes:
  • Fixes a bug with dynamic distortion strength parameters in rasters with raster offset.
  • Fixes initial loading preview image incorrect aspect for zoomed in rasters.
  • Fixes source color/light filterers not being applied when the document legacy blur setting was enabled.
  • Fixes an issue with converting some dynamic distrortion strength settings from legacy Vectoraster 7 files.
  • Fixes an issue with importing legacy Vectoraster 7 files with invalid incremental step parameters.
  • Fixes an issue with importing use source color mix parameters from legacy Vectoraster 7 files.
  • Fixes an issue with converting separate Y spacing in alternating grid legacy Vectoraster 7 files.

New in Vectoraster 8.4.7 (Oct 17, 2022)

  • Fixed missing Print permission in sandbox entitlements.
  • Fixed drag highlight outline being shown on file areas even if the dragged file was not in a supported format.
  • Fixed incorrect disk write protection warning in the technical log.

New in Vectoraster 8.4.6 (Sep 26, 2022)

  • Improved SVG custom point shape path mode imports.
  • Application Sandbox for improved security and future macOS compatibility.
  • Updated Sparkle version checking and updates library.

New in Vectoraster 8.4.5 (Aug 11, 2022)

  • Added three new dithering raster patterns: Burkes, Atkinson and Bayer 4x4.
  • Added support for exporting animations as animated GIFs.
  • Added new preferences setting for default in/out easing type of new added keyframes.
  • Fixed using trackpad pinch gestures to zoom in the preview.
  • Fixed some issues with the export progress bar during repeated animation exports.
  • Character point shape baseline pivot option is no longer turned on by default.

New in Vectoraster 8.4.2 (May 18, 2022)

  • Fixes an issue where exporting large rasters to SVG or CSV format failed.

New in Vectoraster 8.4.1 (Mar 28, 2022)

  • Changed preferences interface so changes are applied immediately.
  • Fixed an issue with exporting animations to numbered PNG or JPEG files.
  • Interface performance improvements.
  • Changed the default video export codec to H264.
  • Added some improved error messages for export issues.

New in Vectoraster 8.4.0 (Feb 28, 2022)

  • Video source layers allowing you to apply raster effect to video and export the animated result.
  • Greatly improved video export rendering performance.
  • The YouTube videos links now correctly lead to the Vectoraster 8 videos playlist.
  • Fixes the display raster / source slider opacity not updating the preview.
  • Fixes an issue with the export progress panel hiding when the application was inactive.
  • Smoother handling of remotely deployed license unlocking, not showing the trial mode notice while the license is verified.

New in Vectoraster 8.3.3 (Feb 11, 2022)

  • New macOS 11-style application icon.
  • Improvements to SVG custom point shape parsing.
  • Fixes some issues with UI panel animations.
  • Fixes to some dark mode UI issues.
  • Fixes holes still appearing in exports if exporting immediately after unlocking the full version.
  • Updated to Sparkle 2.0 version checking and updating library.

New in Vectoraster 8.3.2 (Dec 17, 2021)

  • New Unsharp mask sharpening filter available for all source layers.
  • Fixes an issue where the Export dialogue could become unresponsive on macOS 12.1 when opening it a second time.
  • Handle loading or setting invalid animation duration or framerate better.

New in Vectoraster 8.3.1 (Nov 3, 2021)

  • Added support for drag and drop importing new source image layers.
  • Fixed preview drag editing of position for distortions in rotated and offset rasters.
  • Fixed the animation keyframe value field not updating the raster after changes.
  • Fixed undo/redo of editing animation duration, framerate and loop settings.
  • Fixed animation framerate setting not loading correctly from saved files.
  • Fixed bug where raster would stop drawing after turning both point fill and storke off, even if they were turned on again.
  • Updated sample files.

New in Vectoraster 8.3.0 (Sep 30, 2021)

  • New source-based text modes. Pick point text characters dynamically based on source layers. Paint by numbers or ASCII-art!
  • New word text modes. Use a set of words instead of just characters as point shapes. Make word clouds or generate data-driven labels!
  • See some examples at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxtN4h6cY4s
  • Some changes for more consistent handling of fonts for text raster points and text source layers.
  • Fix a bug where changing the document random seed wouldn't update the seed for all random properties.
  • Fix a bug where the document random seed wouldn't be properly loaded from saved files.
  • Performance improvements.

New in Vectoraster 8.2.5 (Sep 13, 2021)

  • You can now edit animation keyframes while the animation is running.
  • You can now quickly revert values being edited by pressing Esc.
  • Disabling a parameter that has an active animation track now also disables the animation track and adds a warning icon to it.
  • Removing a source layer or pattern distortion that has animated parameters now also properly removes these animation tracks.
  • Fixed a bug where removing the last source layer could leave an orphaned source settings panel.
  • Fixed couple of issues in v8.2.3 and 8.2.4 with using source layer color for point stroke or fill.
  • Changes to visibility toggle buttons for source layers and animation tracks to reduce interface clutter.

New in Vectoraster 8.2.4 (Jul 20, 2021)

  • Fixes an issue with opening files with raster distortions in v 8.2.3.
  • Fixes some interface button alignments on macOS 11.

New in Vectoraster 8.2.3 (Jul 15, 2021)

  • Adding a new source image layer now opens a browse dialogue right away.
  • Added a new Import source image menu item to quickly create a new source image layer.
  • Improvemed handling of imported source image sizes when replacing a layer image.
  • Added a new separate scale source layers option when changing the document artboard size.
  • Improvements to tabbing between value fields and opening/closing interface panels.
  • Document window size and position is now saved in VRaster files.
  • Improved labels and tooltips to help make isometric raster patterns using the same spacing toggle.
  • Improved interface panel animation performace.

New in Vectoraster 8.2.2 (Apr 20, 2021)

  • Improved performance and stability during animation exports.
  • Better previews of the animation during the animation export process.
  • Better raster pattern panel previews when using large artboard sizes.
  • Source layer actions button now show on hover as well as selection of the layer.
  • Fix missing VRaster document icons on older versions of macOS (again).

New in Vectoraster 8.2.1 (Apr 12, 2021)

  • Fixed source invert filter not working after the 8.2.0 update.
  • Fix preview not updating correctly when a source layer is removed.
  • Better raster pattern preview for varied density rasters.
  • Fix text source layers not updating on the first click when changing font in the font panel.
  • Fix missing VRaster document icons on older versions of macOS.
  • Adjustment of some dark mode text label colors.

New in Vectoraster 8.2.0 (Mar 31, 2021)

  • New dithering raster patterns. Dynamic source based Floyd-Steinberg, Stucki and Sierra error diffusion dithering patterns and new Bayer 8x8 ordered dithering pattern.
  • Improved support for imported SVG and EPS of custom point shapes exported from Affinity software.
  • Added support for even-odd fill mode in imported of custom point shapes.
  • Fixes an issue with document icons for some macOS 11 users.
  • Fixed live raster updates while dragging sliders for some source parameters.
  • Better handling of problems when importing custom vector point shapes from EPS/PDF/SVG files.
  • Removed some redundant screen printing export settings.
  • Some interface optimization.

New in Vectoraster 8.1.3 (Mar 10, 2021)

  • Added button to re-center offset source layers.
  • The artboard size dialogue now has added presets for current image source sizes as well as original sizes.
  • Performance improvements for raster distortions and gradient source layers.
  • Clarified and corrected a number of tooltips and help messages.
  • Updates to the manual.
  • Some small macOS 11 interface adjustments.
  • Updated Sparkle version checking library.

New in Vectoraster 8.1.2 (Dec 28, 2020)

  • Improved calculation progress updates for long regeneration processes.
  • Improved handling of warnings when incompatible raster settings are selected so no raster can be rendered.
  • Fixed some number formatting issues with export size fields when using comma as a thousands separator.
  • Value fields should now correctly show comma as the decimal separator based on your system settings.
  • Fixes a double regeneration bug after changing the artboard size.
  • Removed a redundant search field from the Help menu

New in Vectoraster 8.1.1 (Dec 23, 2020)

  • Optimized file loading.
  • Fixes a bug with changing sizes in the export dialogue when using points or inches as the length units.
  • Fixes a bug with auto-resampling of large source images causing them to be used at the wrong size in v8.1.0.
  • Fixed a bug where images sources wouldn't properly update when toggling auto-resampling on/off.

New in Vectoraster 8.1.0 (Dec 14, 2020)

  • SVG vector graphics export
  • New Simple line point shape, simple short line with just stroke and no fill useful for stippling, plotting and etching applications
  • Improved CSV-export that now includes point fill color RGBA components in the exported data.
  • New export option to use preview raster opacity when exporting, to let you export the raster semi-transparent on top of the sources.
  • Improved appearance of composited source layer previews while live editing source parameters.
  • Fix preview rendering when raster preview opacity was lower than source preview opacity.
  • Interface adjustments for macOS 11 (Big Sur).
  • Update to Finder preview quick look component for VRaster files.

New in Vectoraster 8.0.5 (Nov 22, 2020)

  • Apple Silicon native support.
  • Improved performance when updating and compositing source layers.
  • Improved SVG path importing, with support for matrix() group transforms often used by Affinity Designer.
  • New presets menu in the artboard size change dialogue to quickly change to a preset or source image size.
  • Fixes some interface panel animation glitches when enabling/disabling the Use source color fill/stroke settings.
  • Exporting without changing any document export settings no longer marks the document as needing to be saved.
  • Update to Sparkle updating library.

New in Vectoraster 8.0.4 (Nov 11, 2020)

  • Fixes a bug where trying to add a new Bulge pattern distortion would instead add a Randomize distortion.
  • Some layout changes to the raster spacing controls when using separate X/Y spacing.
  • Added item in Help menu for the new system for feedback and voting on future development.
  • More helpful error messages when entering incorrect license information.
  • New method for logging technical warnings without relying on system log.

New in Vectoraster 8.0.3 (Oct 25, 2020)

  • Added new 'Paste replace source image' Edit menu item to quickly replace the selected source layer image.
  • Added keyboard shortcuts for the paste source image menu items.
  • Fixed an issue with JPEG exports sometimes failing and causing problems with other exports after this.
  • Made the raster-sources display slider more responsive to quick changes.

New in Vectoraster 8.0.2 (Oct 2, 2020)

  • Improved editing animation keyframe values when using drag editing in the preview.
  • Fixes an issue where enabling disabled animation tracks would not refresh the preview in some cases.
  • Optimized rendering of composited source layer preview.
  • Tweaks to preview zoom adjustments when opening/closing the animation panel.
  • Fixes a 1px preview edge alignment issue at some zoom levels.

New in Vectoraster 8.0.1 (Sep 22, 2020)

  • Setting a Gradient or Image source layer size height or width to a negative value now mirrors it.
  • The progress bar for longer generation processes is now more prominent with a point counter along with rendering percent.
  • Better handling when entering invalid math expressions in value fields.
  • Adjustments to rendering of some interface elements.
  • Correctly (don't) render Text source layers with zero size.

New in Vectoraster 8.0.0 (Sep 1, 2020)

  • Main changes and new features:
  • Animation support. Animate raster and source parameters and export the result to video or a sequence of frame files.
  • New source layers model. Sources are now more like layers in other graphics software and can be moved, scaled and rotated individually and blended together.
  • Apply file raster settings. You can now quickly apply all raster settings from a different VRaster file, while retaining the sources in the current file.
  • Improved preview drag editing. Edit source layers, gradients, distortions or raster pattern parameters by dragging graphical handles in the preview.
  • Advanced noise sources. New dynamic noise layers generating perlin or billowing noise you can then apply to any parameter across the raster.
  • Secondary point transformations. You can now apply two separate dynamic scaling or rotations to raster points, for example adding randomization to a source-based value.
  • Dark Mode interface support. Interface now adapts to system interface mode, and lets you switch between dark mode and light mode.
  • Additional changes and improvements:
  • Many improvements and changes to the interface to make it more compact and responsive.
  • Measure mode (Darkness, Alpha or RGB/CMYK channels) is now set per parameter instead of per source, so different parameters can measure different channels from the same source.
  • New shortcut in the parameter function menu to quickly swap min/max values, inverting any dynamic parameter.
  • New simplified way of quickly setting point fill or stroke color based on sources.
  • Sources - Raster display slider. Easily change preview display to show your sources, raster or both depending on what you're working with.
  • New settings for default new document size and source layer.
  • Improved source layer filtering, with blur, brightness, contrast and saturation adjustment for each source.
  • New helpful warning messages explaining why certain combinations of parameter settings result in nothing being drawn.
  • Moved and clarified settings for removing raster points based on size and/or variable chance.
  • You can now use middle mouse button to drag and pan when zoomed in, including when drag editing other parameters.
  • Export settings are now saved per file, so you can quickly reuse the settings you used last in a file.
  • Separate vertical spacing is now more consistently used in different raster patterns.
  • Offset and rotation of the random raster pattern is now consistent with offset and rotation of the other raster patterns.
  • Variable raster pattern distortions can now be point index based as well as source based.
  • Smoother new document handling, and a new setting not to open a new document at startup.
  • CSV export now includes point rotation data and uses the user set length units.
  • Improved memory management.

New in Vectoraster 7.4.10 (Aug 24, 2020)

  • Support for the upcoming macOS 11.
  • Fixed a misleading error message when entering incorrect license details to unlock the full version.

New in Vectoraster 7.4.9 (Jul 17, 2020)

  • Improved support for dragging/dropping image content from other applications.
  • You can no longer go into negative scaling, inverting the preview, by zooming out too far with touch pad zoom gestures.
  • Fixed long delay when saving .VRaster files with millions of points.
  • Fixed aborted rendering when first opening .VRaster files with millions of points.
  • Fixed Little Snitch internet acccess policy so it now properly describes the purpose of update and license check connections.
  • Better handling and error mesages in case of network errors when checking the license.
  • Improved technical info and error logs for support and bug reports.

New in Vectoraster 7.4.8 (May 8, 2020)

  • Negative Point aspect values are now allowed.
  • Fixed a problem with loading files that use unavailable fonts.
  • Fixed a small precision problem in the diagonal spacing of alternating raster points with the same spacing option enabled.
  • Improved technical diagnostic information in the support/feedback dialogue.
  • Improved connection security and handling of network problems during license syncing.

New in Vectoraster 7.4.7 (Jan 14, 2020)

  • Added/fixed support for many more image formats for source images, including photoshop psd, tga, raw and more.
  • Additional license information is now available from the About window.

New in Vectoraster 7.4.6 (Nov 13, 2019)

  • You can now import images from your Photos albums via the Browse dialoge (Under Media in the sidebar).
  • Fixes some issues with the font selection panel for Text sources.

New in Vectoraster 7.4.5 (Oct 23, 2019)

  • Fixes some precision problems when exporting thin strokes on small filled points.

New in Vectoraster 7.4.4 (Jul 3, 2019)

  • Fixes a bug with the full screen preview.
  • Some under the hood improvements.

New in Vectoraster 7.4.3 (Jun 10, 2019)

  • Fixes a crash with changing the blur filter of a source image while the raster was generating.
  • Fixes a bug where importing some high resolution source images would sometimes convert them to a lower resolution.

New in Vectoraster 7.4.2 (May 29, 2019)

  • Index-based values You can now vary parameter based on point order, for changing the color or transformation of every other point in the raster. (Take a look at the new Alternating star raster sample file)
  • Some interface fixes and adjustments.
  • Improvements to mouse wheel zooming and scrolling.
  • Added link to the lost code form in license code entry interface.

New in Vectoraster 7.4.1 (May 17, 2019)

  • Fixes a bug where Point fill and stroke color wells would be disabled.
  • Updates to sample files (Available from the Help menu).

New in Vectoraster 7.4.0 (May 8, 2019)

  • Adds new combined sources mode for all variable parameters, letting you control them with a combination of multiple sources.
  • Adds a new toggle button to quickly enable/disable Raster pattern distortions without removing them.
  • You can now zoom with mouse option-scroll wheel or trackpad pinch gestures.
  • Improvements to interface and preview rendering.
  • Apple application notarization (New Apple security requirements).
  • Fixes a bug with undo/redo of some raster pattern distortion properties.
  • Fixes a bug with linear gradient sources with small sizes.
  • Fixes a bug in the Align raster to edges utility.

New in Vectoraster 7.3.8 (Mar 13, 2019)

  • Preferences panel reorganized.
  • Fixes some bugs related to changing document artboard size.
  • Fixes a bug with raster distortion strengths in imported Vectoraster 6 files.
  • Parameter interface layout tweaks.
  • Updates to frameworks for updates, license handling and general macOS support.

New in Vectoraster 7.3.7 (Dec 20, 2018)

  • The Smoothing parameter for polygon point shapes (and more) now accepts negative values, letting you make new pointy shapes.
  • Improved adaptive value ranges for parameter sliders.
  • New setting to toggle GPU accelerated interface rendering on/off. Default is on for retina macs.
  • Fixes a bug with launching Vectoraster by double-clicking some .VRaster files.

New in Vectoraster 7.3.6 (Dec 12, 2018)

  • Performance improvements, especially on macOS 10.14 and retina macs.
  • Multi-scale can now also scale point stroke along with pattern and point size.
  • Fixes a bug with Multiscale not scaling radial raster patterns from the center.
  • The disable interface animations setting now works as intended.

New in Vectoraster 7.3.5 (Dec 5, 2018)

  • New variable point fill and stroke opacity parameters.
  • Improvements to display zooming.
  • Improvements to Finder quicklook previews and file thumbnails.
  • Fixes some interface bugs on macOS 10.14.
  • Fixes a rare network full version unlocking bug.

New in Vectoraster 7.3.4 (Oct 10, 2018)

  • New varied parameter functions: Sinus, Square wave and Sawtooth, with variable periods and offset.
  • New varied parameter sources: Position X and Y, letting you easily vary any property based on position without needing to make a new Gradient Source.
  • Improved Gradient source precision and performance.
  • File loading performance improvements.
  • Raster calculation stability improvements.
  • Updates to license entry and trial-mode interfaces.
  • Bug fixes to precision angle parameter inputs.
  • Apple Hardened runtime security features.

New in Vectoraster 7.3.3 (Sep 12, 2018)

  • New Custom shape point Image mode and Path mode for more options with imported point graphics.
  • Improved SVG rendering support for both source images and custom shapes in image mode.
  • Some bug fixes.

New in Vectoraster 7.3.2 (Aug 9, 2018)

  • Improved custom shape SVG path parsing.
  • Interface improvements for point color picking and source mixing.
  • Support for upcoming macOS 10.14 mojave.
  • Improved diagnostics for some installation and network problems.

New in Vectoraster 7.3.1 (Jul 4, 2018)

  • Fixes compatibility with macOS 10.11.

New in Vectoraster 7.2.6 (May 15, 2018)

  • Adds a new Pill point shape with variable length.
  • Fixes a bug where source advanced value measurement changes wouldn't update the raster in some cases.

New in Vectoraster 7.2.5 (Apr 20, 2018)

  • Improved configuration or structured and random varied density raster patterns.
  • Improvements to bitmap format export (TIFF, JPG, PNG), with better print size and resolution settings that are now properly stored in the exported image files.

New in Vectoraster 7.2.4 (Mar 28, 2018)

  • Stability bug fixes.

New in Vectoraster 7.2.3 (Mar 19, 2018)

  • Improved SVG and EPS custom point shape importing.
  • Updates to software update and version checking.

New in Vectoraster 7.2.2 (Jan 25, 2018)

  • Fixes a bug where TIFF, JPEG and PNG file exports would be double resolution on retina devices.
  • Improved compatibility with vector point shapes exported/copied from Sketch.

New in Vectoraster 7.2.1 (Jan 16, 2018)

  • New quick full screen preview, toggle with Command-F or using the new full screen button.
  • Sources visible behind the raster in Vectoraster are now also shown in the Finder file previews.
  • Some bug fixes and system required updates under the hood.
  • Improved support features with network diagnostics for update/unlocking problems.

New in Vectoraster 7.2.0 (Dec 4, 2017)

  • New Text source type, letting you generate type source images with your choice of text, font etc to base your raster on.
  • New interface icons and improved help and support tools in the Help menu.
  • VRaster files now get thumbnail icons for use in Finder when saved (can be turned off in the settings).
  • New setting to change the interface background color.

New in Vectoraster 7.1.7 (Oct 12, 2017)

  • Improved randomization algorithm to avoid artifacts and patterning in randomized rasters with a large number of of points. There’s an option to use the old random generator below the random seed setting in the document information panel.
  • Changed to an SVG-based default custom shape file as EPS import has caused problems on some systems.
  • Fixed a problem with compression artifacts appearing near edges when blurred sources where used for varied density raster patterns.
  • Multi-threading stability improvements.

New in Vectoraster 7.1.6 (Jul 31, 2017)

  • Fixes a bug where applying a blur effect to a non-square image source could skew the source.
  • You can now use shift and option keys while using the scroll wheel to step 0.1 or 10 in the value fields, just like when using the arrow keys to step values up/down.
  • Updated Quick Tips help/introduction.
  • This was initially released as 7.1.5, but that build had some stability problems and after they were fixed the next day version was re-released as 7.1.6.

New in Vectoraster 7.1.5 (Jul 28, 2017)

  • Fixes a bug where applying a blur effect to a non-square image source could skew the source.
  • You can now use shift and option keys while using the scroll wheel to step 0.1 or 10 in the value fields, just like when using the arrow keys to step values up/down.

New in Vectoraster 7.1.4 (Jul 13, 2017)

  • You can now quickly use the mouse scroll wheel to edit values in value fields.
  • Fixes some problems with pasting in vector custom point shapes from Illustrator.
  • Added new option to gradient sources to maintain the aspect of the rendered gradient when used in non-square raster artboards, instead of scaling it to fit.
  • Fixes to make sure the source image size and document size dialogues show sizes in the correct length units.

New in Vectoraster 7.1.3 (Jun 16, 2017)

  • Stability improvements and fixes to some issues for new users.
  • Improved feedback dialogue for users who don’t use apple Mail.

New in Vectoraster 7.1.2 (Jun 7, 2017)

  • Improved handling of source images with transparency.
  • Fixes a bug where using pdf or eps files as your source image could cause a crash.
  • Some convenience improvements when dragging or pasting source images or custom point shapes into Vectoraster.
  • A new user setting that when enabled removes the source image blur filter when a new source image is imported, to avoid confusion.

New in Vectoraster 7.1.1 (May 10, 2017)

  • Stroke rendering on line rasters now properly uses the stroke color instead of fill color.
  • Fixed some bugs with basing raster point colors on a source image with an applied blur effect.
  • Some interface bug-fixes related to replacing the image of an existing raster source image.

New in Vectoraster 7.1.0 (May 3, 2017)

  • You can now dynamically blur source images you base your rasters on with a nondestructive blur parameter.
  • Improved multi-scale tool with new options to scale only points or pattern parameters, and to scale the raster pattern from the center to maintain symmetry.
  • New raster pattern align tool to quickly align the offset and spacing of the raster to line up the points exactly with the edges or center. Available in the Raster Utilities menu.
  • You can now show sources behind the raster in the preview or exports with an opacity parameter for blending.
  • Updated Sparkle update code (https://sparkle-project.org)

New in Vectoraster 7.0.9 (Mar 23, 2017)

  • New Text baseline pivot option in the Transformation panel, letting you make nicer text rasters with character point shapes aligned on the baseline.
  • Fixes some mac OS 10.12.x (Sierra) problems.

New in Vectoraster 7.0.8 (Mar 16, 2017)

  • The Randomize distortion now has a “single direction” mode, where you can randomize the points in a single direction specified by angle instead.
  • The Wave distortion now has an angle parameter, letting you set an angle for the waves separate to the raster rotation.
  • Fixes some problems with unlocking the full version for new users in 7.0.7.
  • Improved stability on mac OS 10.9.x.

New in Vectoraster 7.0.7 (Mar 7, 2017)

  • Improvements to custom vector shape parsing, including basic SVG support.
  • Manual and sample files are now embedded in the application bundle, accessible via the Help menu, instead of being placed in the application folder.
  • Some minor interface and stability improvements.

New in Vectoraster 7.0.6 (Jan 27, 2017)

  • Added new invert and mirror options to the export dialogue, useful in some situations when producing printing screens.
  • Fixed a bug where legacy files from Vectoraster 5 or earlier would not open with the correct raster size.
  • Some smaller tweaks to the interface and tooltips.

New in Vectoraster 7.0.5 (Jan 3, 2017)

  • The new “Intersecting lines” raster pattern replaces the previous “Random lines” one, letting you make line raster grids with crossing lines as well as adding controlled randomization of the lines. This also fixes some bugs with offsetting the old random lines pattern.
  • New “Spiral” raster pattern, similar to the radial raster, but with the points in a single spiraling line. Great for line rasters.
  • Further improvements to parsing custom vector point shapes.
  • Smaller .VRaster file sizes by compressing large embedded source images.

New in Vectoraster 7.0.2 (Nov 11, 2016)

  • Changes and fixes:
  • There’s now a new “Random seed” parameter for each document that can be found in the document info panel. Changing this changes all random values in the raster to new ones if you want to try a different randomization.
  • Changed random varied density raster pattern slightly to avoid pattern striping in rasters with a lot of points.
  • The point removal size limit parameter is now scaled along with the other size parameters when using the Multi-scale tool.
  • Notification center message when file export completes, click it to show the new file in Finder.
  • Hue adjustments parameters for fill and stroke color are now in degrees in a +/-360 range instead of +/-1.

New in Vectoraster 7.0.1 (Oct 31, 2016)

  • Changes and fixes:
  • Fixed some problems with printing directly from Vectoraster.
  • Fixed some interface panel layout issues.
  • Small change in compression used on embedded source images in VRaster files.

New in Vectoraster 7.0.0 (Oct 18, 2016)

  • Main changes and new features in Vectoraster 7:
  • Parametric gradient sources. In addition to using imported images as sources for your raster you can now define linear and radial gradients you can adjust in Vectoraster.
  • More dynamic properties. Greatly increased the possibilities to have different point aspects, like shape, size and color, vary across the raster.
  • New interface. Redesigned to be more consistent, efficient and responsive.
  • Improved stroke and fill properties. Improved separate settings for point fill and stroke parameters that can be used individually or together.
  • Flexible raster distortions. You can now combine multiple distortions to your raster pattern (like waves, twists or randomizations), each with improved individual control over position and scale.
  • More new features and changes:
  • Improved memory management. Using less memory for rasters with few points while also in practical terms removing the limit on allowed number of points in a raster.
  • Quick copy/paste/drop integration. Quickly paste or drag and drop in images or vector graphics to use as a source image or point shape.
  • Better performance. Faster multi-threaded preview rendering with less artifacts.
  • Improved updating and version checking. Updates are downloaded via HTTPS for increased security, keeps sample files up to date, and give you the option to automatically download new versions.
  • More help and information. Updated full manual as well as integrated tool-tips, sample files and an all new "Quick tips" panel in the application to help you get started.
  • New file format. New more flexible format for saved VRaster files, with support for opening legacy .VRaster files saved with previous versions.

New in Vectoraster 6.2.6 (Aug 15, 2016)

  • Fixed a line raster rendering bug that would sometimes incorrectly skip points.
  • Improved networking security with https for updates and product unlocking.

New in Vectoraster 6.2.5 (Jan 7, 2016)

  • Input fields now accept both comma and period as decimal separators.
  • Fixes some bugs with entering very small values or zero for size and spacing.
  • Fixes a color bug with small-spacing line rasters using source image color.

New in Vectoraster 6.2.4 (Dec 17, 2015)

  • Fixes a bug where the raster would sometime not update properly on zoom and raster offset Mac OS X 10.11.

New in Vectoraster 6.2.3 (Dec 8, 2015)

  • Improved stability on Mac OS X 10.11.
  • Some other smaller bug fixes.

New in Vectoraster 6.2.2 (Oct 31, 2015)

  • Document size is now set properly to be the same as the size (in mm) of the primary source image when a new source image is set.
  • Added a secondary registration unlock-server proxy to get around network blocking problems when unlocking the full version in some countries.

New in Vectoraster 6.2.1 (May 1, 2015)

  • Fixed a bug where some single line raster lines would sometimes not draw properly in the preview when using multi-threaded rendering.

New in Vectoraster 6.2.0 (Apr 22, 2015)

  • Improved vector custom point shape importing.
  • Fixed a bug with point color adjustment options not working with line rasters.
  • Fixed a bug with applying varying point colors to bitmap custom point shapes.
  • Changed appearance of some interface elements to make them easier to see in Mac OS X 10.10.
  • Improved version checking when loading files from older versions of Vectoraster.
  • Fixed a number of bugs with the display menu Auto-regenerate toggle and added an information label shown when auto-regenerate is disabled.
  • Fixed point shape preview display for line rasters when using constant size function.

New in Vectoraster 6.1.6 (Feb 25, 2015)

  • Fixed some problems for users with non-administrator user accounts, like in schools or big companies.
  • Fixed a bug with unlocking the full version using e-mail addresses with uppercase characters.
  • Improved error messages for some network connection problems during unlocking.

New in Vectoraster 6.1.5 (Jan 8, 2015)

  • Fixed a bug where loading a saved file with a document size manually set larger than the source image size would scale the source image incorrectly.
  • Text pasted into the Character point type field is now cleared of invisible control and line feed characters.
  • Fixed some incorrect error messages.

New in Vectoraster 6.1.2 (Nov 10, 2014)

  • Fixed a bug where source images included as backgrounds in exported rasters would be mirrored vertically.

New in Vectoraster 6.1.1 (Nov 10, 2014)

  • Improved stability for Mac OS X 10.7.5 and Mac OS X 10.8
  • Fixed some bugs with user preferences.

New in Vectoraster 6.1.0 (Oct 20, 2014)

  • The manual is now embedded in the application package, and not moved out if Vectoraster is placed directly in the Applications folder.
  • Under-the-hood changes to a lot of parts to update to more recent system libraries.
  • Fixed a bug with some interface animations.
  • Changes to full version unlocking.

New in Vectoraster 6.0.9 (Sep 23, 2014)

  • Apple required changes to code-signing to let Vectoraster run on Mac OS X 10.9.5
  • Updated Sparkle version checking library.

New in Vectoraster 6.0.8 (May 17, 2014)

  • Fixed bug where batch processing input source alternatives would be incorrectly disabled.
  • Fixed bug where disabling the text raster “all letters”option would not work as expected.
  • Fixed a bug that could cause a crash on mismatch between primary and secondary source image size.

New in Vectoraster 6.0.7 (May 1, 2014)

  • Added support for source images in non-RGB bitmap formats (Such as CMYK or grayscale color models).
  • Fixed a bug with quick look previews in Finder etc for .VRaster files.

New in Vectoraster 6.0.6 (Apr 22, 2014)

  • Added a new export mode to save raw point location and size data to a CSV-file.
  • Fixed a bug with CMYK color channel measuring.
  • A couple of typo fixes.

New in Vectoraster 6.0.5 (Apr 22, 2014)

  • Fixed a bug where pasting in vector graphics in the source image well would result in a blank raster.
  • Vector images used as source images are now instead rasterized automatically and work just like bitmap images.

New in Vectoraster 6.0.4 (Feb 4, 2014)

  • Fixed a bug that would sometime cause the background color box to be incorrectly scaled in exported rasters.
  • Replaced the align raster button in the pattern transformation panel.
  • Source image files dropped into the source image wells now get the correct file names and vector graphic files are properly rejected if dropped.
  • Fixed/improved the information in some error messages.

New in Vectoraster 6.0.3 (Dec 5, 2013)

  • Fixed a bug with selecting non-rgb defined spot colors in the color picker.
  • Improved character point font picking interface that also fixes some problems users with third-
  • party font managing utilities were having.
  • Fixed a bug that left some graphical glitches when the right control panel was collapsed.
  • Font and color picker panels are now automatically dismissed when you use another control.

New in Vectoraster 6.0.2 (Nov 26, 2013)

  • Fixed a few bugs with bitmap custom shape rendering.

New in Vectoraster 6.0.1 (Nov 19, 2013)

  • Bug-fixes and changes:
  • Fixed a bug that caused a progress-bar to appear in exported rasters for some users.
  • Fixed a problem with apple code-signing the prevented the application from being properly identified on some systems.

New in Vectoraster 6.0.0 (Nov 19, 2013)

  • Major changes and new features:
  • New and improved single-window interface with two control panels and full screen support.
  • New multi-threaded background rendering engine with much improved performance.
  • New color adjustment controls the let you shift point color hue, saturation and brightness as well as vary these changes across the raster.
  • Much improved control of varying secondary parameters such as point rotation, outline width, aspect and contraction across the raster.
  • New Constant point size function where all points are the same size. Useful for when you want to vary other parameters instead.
  • New Sparkle-based software updating and Apple code signing for quick secure version checking and future updates.
  • New consistent document size system, letting you set the size of the raster for export.
  • Other changes, fixes and new features:
  • Improved dynamic zooming and panning controls.
  • Tweaked arrow key value adjustment in fields to automatically take smaller steps for smaller
  • values and fixed some bugs with value entering.
  • Varying parameters (such as size, rotation etc) can now have a max value lower than min, resulting in a reversed value gradient.
  • New raster align tool to center the middle raster point in the raster.
  • New buttons in the interface to quickly access the raster align and multi scale-tools.
  • Improved line raster rendering with cleaner line ends and removal of redundant points.
  • Exported rasters are now grouped in a clipping rectangle to make them easier to handle.
  • Improved memory management with automatic reference counting.
  • Raised raster point limit to now allow up to 10 million points in a raster.
  • Fixed scaling of secondary source images.
  • Fixed a number of bugs with raster offset.

New in Vectoraster 5.2.1 (May 21, 2013)

  • Fixed a freezing bug with Random Lines rasters introduced in version 5.2.0.

New in Vectoraster 5.2.0 (May 17, 2013)

  • Changes and new features:
  • Added a raster information panel showing information like raster size, dpi and number of points, accessed by clicking the little info-button in the bottom right of the raster window.
  • Length unit consistency. All length values (like point size, point spacing etc) are now in millimeters, the option of using other length units when exporting has been removed.
  • Made the embedded message in exported rasters for unregistered users clearer. Bug
  • Fixes:
  • Hiding the application using the Hide menu item now works properly.
  • Fixed some problems with unlocking Vectoraster, and made the error messages for invalid
  • registration codes more helpful.
  • Fixed a bug that sometimes caused holes in exported rasters for registered users on Mac OS X 10.6.8.

New in Vectoraster 5.1.1 (Mar 22, 2013)

  • The raster rotation setting now accepts negative values, making it easier to make text rasters with lines pointing upwards.
  • Fixed a bug that would sometimes reset the text raster text string when the text raster mode was changed.
  • The preset images are now replaced in the preset image folder if they are removed for some reason.
  • Change of the default value of the display slider to only show the raster from the start for new rasters.

New in Vectoraster 5.1.0 (Jan 30, 2013)

  • New features:
  • New raster pattern: Random lines. (Try it in a line raster or text raster!)
  • Improved bitmap export panel with mm size and dpi calculation.
  • Max values of the point size sliders are now adjusted with raster spacing for better precision.
  • Tweaked Multi Scale tool interface.
  • Bug fixes:
  • Fixed a bug in line raster rendering that would incorrectly bridge some gaps in lines.
  • Fixed a bug where setting a point color without any source image color mixing would always result in the color black.

New in Vectoraster 5.0.2 (Oct 3, 2012)

  • Added a Vary point rotation-option that varies the rotation of each point with the point weight, allowing for some interesting pattern effects in gradients.
  • Fixed rendering problems with display setups where retina and normal displays were used together.

New in Vectoraster 5.0.1 (Sep 25, 2012)

  • Bug fixes:
  • Fixed bug that made it impossible to change the source image in documents created with the default source image setting set to none.
  • Fixed bug that made entering values in the bitmap export size fields result in strange values for some rasters.
  • Fixed bug with loading secondary source images.

New in Vectoraster 4.0.1 (Jun 23, 2011)

  • Arrow key stepping support in all value fields, up/down arrow keys change the value +/- 1 and with shift +/- 10 and option +/- 0.1 to let the user quickly tweak values without typing.
  • Fixed a batch processing memory leak.
  • Folder batch processing output is now automatically placed in a new sub folder called “batch output”.
  • Lots of little stability fixes and optimizations.

New in Vectoraster 4.0.0 (Jan 29, 2011)

  • New more flexible interface based on collapsing panels.
  • Support for different point size functions including the new curve size function.
  • File preview and QuickLook support in Finder (Mac OS X 10.5 required).
  • Raised max number of allowed raster points to 1 million.
  • Quickly create new rasters by dragging and dropping image files onto the Vectoraster application icon.
  • New and improved manual.
  • Raster pattern preview display.
  • Point size function preview display.
  • JPEG export.
  • 64bit/32bit universal application (Mac OS X 10.5 required).
  • Optimization of text raster rendering.
  • Measurement optimization.
  • New unified export dialogue.
  • New default gradient source images for new files.
  • Improved incremental point size functionality.
  • Several memory leaks fixed.
  • Bug with EPS export of custom shape points fixed.
  • Bug with pattern offset re-center fixed.
  • Bug with batch export to movie with no background fixed.
  • Lots of other little bugs fixed.

New in Vectoraster 3.5.2 (Aug 12, 2010)

  • Randomize raster distortion that allows for a more controlled level of randomness in the raster pattern.
  • Some small bug fixes.
  • Check for updates feature.

New in Vectoraster 3.5.1 (Dec 7, 2009)

  • Option to remove points smaller than a set size limit.
  • Fixed bug causing freeze when zooming in too much.
  • Fixed a rounding error bug for people using comma instead of period as decimal separator.
  • Fixed bug with export units setting that swapped millimeters and points.

New in Vectoraster 3.5.0 (Nov 30, 2009)

  • Added batch processing tool.
  • Added movie frame import.
  • Added Box point shape.
  • Added the random edge number option for the polygon point shapes.
  • Added lossless LZW-compression to exported TIFF-files.
  • Fixed some interface quirks in Mac OS X 10.6.

New in Vectoraster 3.0.1 (Jun 19, 2009)

  • Vectoraster now properly adds the right file extension in save dialogs.
  • Made the interface fields more responsive.
  • Added a help menu item to open the manual.
  • Fixed random value measurement.
  • Fixed problem with aspect ratio of custom point shapes.
  • Fixed problem selecting font family members for character point shape type under OS X 10.5.

New in Vectoraster 3.0.0 (Mar 24, 2009)

  • Line raster mode to generate proper line rasters.
  • New character point modes to select characters from a defined set, loop through a string or use an entire string as a point.
  • Separate horisontal and vertical raster spacing setting. Incremental point size option to use a set number of point sizes instead of the default linear distribution.
  • Improved point rotation control. Better control of "Random shape" points, previously know as "Random blob".
  • Remodeled user interface with separate source image, point and pattern panels.
  • Option to include source image in exported rasters.
  • Improved manual.
  • A lot of bugfixes.