HOKUSAI browser-based design tool enters beta

NEXUS LLC, based in Osaka, has released the beta version of HOKUSAI, a domestically developed, browser-based design and image editing tool. The software is primarily free to use and aims to provide a unified environment for web design, image editing, and print production without requiring software installation.

The development of HOKUSAI was inspired by the discontinuation of Adobe Fireworks. The tool seeks to replicate the workflow of combining web design and image editing in a single interface, a feature the developers found lacking in many modern alternatives.

Key features of the beta version include layer management, SVG support, and the ability to import data from Figma and Adobe Illustrator. Users can export finished designs in PNG, SVG, and PDF formats for use in web assets or printed materials such as business cards and flyers.