Document Types
VGP supports multiple document types, suitable for different purposes:
- Local sketches (browser)
- Online sketches
- VGZ files (desktop only)
- Shared sketches
The next sections provide more details per document type, with their respective pros and cons.
Local Sketch
This is the default mode when opening VGP (web version). A local sketch is saved in your browser's storage.
When you open VGP again with the same browser, you should find the last local sketch you worked on.
Pros
- Fast and simple
- No login required
Cons
- You can only have one local sketch at a time
- Cannot be accessed from other devices
- No backups
- Size limit (about 5MB), enforced by the browser
Online Sketch
This is the recommended way to work, especially for bigger projects. Online sketches are stored on the VGP servers and are tied to your account.
Pros
- Can be accessed from multiple devices
- Backed up regularly
- Size limit is much more generous (see Plans)
Cons
- Requires an internet connection
- Might be slower for some users
VGZ File
VGZ is the standard file format for the desktop version of Virtual Graph Paper.
Like any other file format, they can be saved wherever you like: on your computer, external storage, cloud providers etc. This option gives users the most flexibility and control over your work.
Pros
- Saved on your prefered storage
- Available offline
Cons
- Only supported in the desktop app
Shared Sketch
A shared sketch is a read-only copy of a sketch that was created in any of the above methods.
When clicking the Share button in VGP, the user is presented with a publicly accessible link to the current state of the document.
Pros
- Very easy to share work with anyone
Cons
- Shared link has limited lifetime by default
- Shared sketches cannot be edited in-place (a copy must be made)