Sketchatone

Sketchatone

Turn your drawing tablet into a MIDI strumming controller

Github Logo

Install and run Sketchatone for the first time

Getting Started

This guide will help you get Sketchatone running with your graphics tablet.

Prerequisites

  • A graphics tablet (Wacom, XP-Pen, Huion, etc.)
  • A MIDI-capable application (DAW, synthesizer, virtual instrument)

Installation

Choose the installer for your platform:

macOS

Download from GitHub Releases

Download Sketchatone-macOS.zip, unzip, drag to Applications, and run.

See macOS Installation Guide for details.

Raspberry Pi / Zynthian

Download from GitHub Releases

Download sketchatone-debian-installer.tar.gz for simple installation with automatic USB auto-start configuration.

Quick install:

# Download and extract
tar xzf sketchatone-debian-installer.tar.gz

# Run installer
sudo ./install-sketchatone.sh

See Raspberry Pi Installation Guide for details.

Windows

Coming soon - Windows installer in development

From Source

For developers or other platforms, see Building from Source.

Quick Start

1. Connect Your Tablet

Plug in your graphics tablet. Sketchatone will auto-detect supported tablets based on USB vendor/product IDs.

Supported tablets include:

  • Wacom (Intuos, Cintiq, etc.)
  • XP-Pen (Deco, Artist, etc.)
  • Huion (Inspiroy, Kamvas, etc.)
  • And many others

If your tablet isn't recognized, you may need to create a device configuration file. See Configuration.

2. Set Up MIDI Output

Make sure you have a MIDI destination ready:

  • macOS: Enable IAC Driver in Audio MIDI Setup (built-in virtual MIDI)
  • Windows: Install loopMIDI or use a DAW
  • Linux/Raspberry Pi: Connect a USB MIDI device or use ALSA virtual ports
  • Zynthian: JACK MIDI is configured automatically

3. Start Sketchatone

macOS: Launch the Sketchatone app - the dashboard opens automatically in your browser

Raspberry Pi/Zynthian: Plug in your tablet (auto-starts by default, no dashboard)

From source:

# With dashboard (recommended for configuration)
npm run server
# or
python -m sketchatone.cli.server

# Without dashboard (MIDI only)
npm run midi-strummer
# or
python -m sketchatone.cli.midi_strummer

4. Configure with the Dashboard

macOS/Development: The web dashboard opens automatically at http://localhost:8080

The dashboard lets you:

  • ✅ Configure settings visually - No JSON editing required
  • ✅ See live tablet input - Watch pressure, tilt, and position in real-time
  • ✅ Adjust parameters instantly - Changes apply immediately without restart
  • ✅ Load/save presets - Switch between configurations for different songs

See Web Dashboard for complete documentation.

Raspberry Pi/Zynthian: Dashboard is typically disabled for performance. Configure via JSON files (see Configuration).

5. Start Strumming!

Draw across your tablet surface to strum notes. By default, you'll hear a C major chord (C, E, G).

Try adjusting settings in the dashboard:

  • Change the chord
  • Adjust pressure sensitivity
  • Enable pitch bend with pen tilt
  • Map stylus buttons to transpose or note repeater

6. Optional: Configure MIDI Input

If you want to use an external MIDI keyboard to change the notes being strummed, see Post-Installation Configuration.

What's Next?

Learn the Basics

Customize Your Setup

Troubleshooting

Advanced