System Requirements
Piko runs in your browser and uses WebGL2 for rendering. Any modern device with an up-to-date browser should work, but performance varies with hardware. Here is what you need.
Browser compatibility
Section titled “Browser compatibility”| Browser | Support level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome | Full | Recommended. File System Access API for native save/open. |
| Edge | Full | Chromium-based — same capabilities as Chrome. |
| Firefox | Partial | Fully functional, but file operations use fallback download/upload. |
| Safari | Partial | Fully functional, but file operations use fallback download/upload. |
| Opera | Full | Chromium-based. Same capabilities as Chrome. |
| Brave | Full | Chromium-based. Same capabilities as Chrome. |
Required browser APIs
Section titled “Required browser APIs”Piko depends on these web platform features. They are available in all supported browsers listed above, but may be disabled by aggressive privacy extensions or enterprise policies.
| API | Purpose |
|---|---|
| WebGL2 | Hardware-accelerated canvas rendering. |
| IndexedDB | Autosave (every 60 seconds) and storing recent file handles. |
| localStorage | Persisting recent file names and editor preferences. |
| Clipboard API | Copy and paste images and objects within the editor. |
| File System Access API | Native save/open dialogs in Chrome and Edge. Firefox and Safari use a download/upload fallback automatically. |
Hardware
Section titled “Hardware”Any computer that can run a modern browser should handle Piko for typical projects. Here are rough guidelines.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Dual-core, 1.5 GHz+ | Quad-core, 2.0 GHz+ |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB+ |
| GPU | Any GPU with WebGL2 support (including integrated) | Dedicated GPU or recent integrated (Intel Iris, Apple M-series, AMD Radeon) |
| Display | 1280 x 720 | 1920 x 1080 or higher |
| Input | Mouse or trackpad | Mouse, stylus, or graphics tablet |
Operating systems
Section titled “Operating systems”Piko is a web application, so it runs on any operating system with a supported browser.
- Windows 10 or later with Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
- Older versions of Windows may work if you have a supported browser, but are not officially tested.
- macOS 13 (Ventura) or later with Safari, Chrome, or Firefox.
- macOS 12 (Monterey) works with Chrome or Firefox but Safari support may be limited.
- Any modern distribution with Chrome, Firefox, or a Chromium-based browser.
- Ensure your GPU drivers are up to date for reliable WebGL2 support. On some distributions, you may need to install or update Mesa drivers.
- Fully supported on Chromebooks with a current version of Chrome.
- ChromeOS works well for lighter projects. Performance depends on the device hardware.
- iPad with Safari 16.4+ or Chrome: functional, but the interface is optimized for desktop.
- Android tablets with Chrome: functional with the same caveat.
- Phones: Piko will load, but the screen size makes it impractical for serious work.
Network requirements
Section titled “Network requirements”Piko loads entirely in your browser on each visit.
- An internet connection is required to load the application.
- Initial load is approximately 5–10 MB of assets (application code, fonts, and resources).
- No server-side processing — all rendering and computation happens locally on your device. Piko does not send your project data to any server.
Troubleshooting
Section titled “Troubleshooting”If you run into problems, check these common issues:
| Problem | Likely cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Blank white screen on load | WebGL blocked by extension or policy | Disable content blockers or try incognito mode. |
| Canvas does not render | WebGL not available or disabled | Update GPU drivers. In Chrome, check chrome://gpu for WebGL2 status. |
| Sluggish performance | Insufficient RAM or CPU | Close other tabs and applications. Reduce canvas size. |
| Stylus has no pressure | Browser does not support Pointer Events, or driver issue | Use Chrome or Edge. Ensure tablet drivers are installed. |
| ”Storage quota exceeded” error | Browser storage limit reached | Export and delete unused projects. Clear other site data. |
| File save/open not working | Browser does not support File System Access API | Expected on Firefox and Safari — use the download/upload fallback instead. |