What drawing tools and devices does malmal support?

Updated

malmal is a browser-based collaborative drawing app built around an infinite canvas. Based on the site's own description, it supports multiple brushes, stylus input, real-time collaboration, and in-app chat. That combination means you can draw with a mouse, trackpad, or stylus, and you don't need to install anything to start — though the site also offers an app download.

Drawing tools on malmal

The site lists the following as core features:

  • Multiple brushes — so you can switch between different stroke styles while drawing.
  • An infinite canvas — the drawing surface has no fixed edges, so you can keep expanding your work instead of running out of room.
  • Real-time collaboration — other people's strokes appear as they draw, which is what makes the "draw online with friends" experience work.
  • Chat — a text channel sits alongside the canvas so you can talk while drawing.
  • Gallery — finished or in-progress pieces can be added to a public gallery, and you can browse other people's work for inspiration.

The site does not publish a detailed brush list, canvas limits, or export options, so treat "multiple brushes" as the confirmed level of detail rather than assuming a specific set.

Devices and input methods

Input method Supported? Notes
Stylus / pen Yes Explicitly listed as a supported input
Mouse Yes Standard for any browser canvas app
Trackpad Yes Works as a pointer device in the browser
Touch Likely Not separately confirmed on the site

The key practical point: stylus support is confirmed, so a tablet with a pen (or a pen display connected to a computer) is a reasonable setup. If you only have a mouse or trackpad, you can still draw — precision will just be lower than with a stylus.

Do you need to download an app?

The site presents two paths:

  1. Draw in the browser — the main call to action is "Start Drawing," and the page describes drawing online directly.
  2. Download App — a separate download option is offered.

So the browser route exists, and the app is an additional option rather than a stated requirement. The site does not specify which platforms the app covers, so check the download link itself if that matters to you.

What this means in practice

If your goal is to sketch with friends in real time, the confirmed workflow is:

  1. Open malmal.app in a browser.
  2. Start a drawing session (or join a featured board — the site shows public boards like "just chill and draw" and "free draw").
  3. Pick a brush and draw on the infinite canvas.
  4. Use chat to coordinate with whoever is drawing with you.
  5. Optionally post the result to the gallery.

A stylus gives you the most natural line control; a mouse or trackpad works but is better suited to rough doodles than detailed linework. Since the canvas is infinite, you don't need to plan your composition around a fixed page size — you can spread out or zoom into a section as the drawing grows.