laofu canvas Support
Applies to version
0.3.0.
laofu canvas is a local drawing layer over your current screen content. It requires macOS 14 or later, with Apple Silicon Macs as the primary supported hardware. This version supports one Mac connected to one physical display. Independent canvases on multiple displays are not available.
Getting started
- Open laofu canvas and find its menu bar item and floating toolbar. There is no regular window or Dock icon, and only one instance runs at a time.
- The app starts in Pass Through so you can interact with the app underneath.
- Click “Enter Ink” or press Control-Option-Command-C to draw. Selecting a tool also enters Ink.
- Click “Exit Ink” or use the shortcut again to restore mouse interaction with the app underneath.
Leaving Ink hides all marks without deleting them. When you enter Ink with existing marks, choose “Keep & Continue”, “Clear & Start”, or “Cancel”. After restarting, the saved canvas stays hidden until you choose to continue.
Marks stay on the screen canvas. They do not edit the original file or automatically follow a page when you scroll. The interface supports English and Simplified Chinese.
Tools and shortcuts
| Tool / action | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Pen / Highlighter | Freehand writing / translucent emphasis |
| Stroke Eraser | Remove a whole stroke or shape |
| Line / Arrow / Rectangle / Ellipse | Draw shapes; hold Shift with Ellipse to draw a circle |
| Pointer | Temporary cursor highlight without saved ink |
| Color / Width | Change available colors and widths for the selected tool |
| Undo / Redo / Clear | Edit the current canvas; Clear can be undone in the same app session |
| Control-Option-Command-C | Default Pass Through / Ink shortcut |
| Control-Option-Command-Q | Fixed emergency quit, without confirmation |
Drag the handle on the left of the toolbar to move it; its position is remembered. Open Settings with the gear button and choose “Change shortcut”. Press a new combination containing a modifier. It is saved only if macOS accepts it; a conflict leaves the previous shortcut active. “Restore default” restores the default shortcut. Emergency quit cannot be changed.
Saving and removing data
The app automatically saves the canvas on this Mac and restores its saved final state after a restart. Undo and Redo history does not survive a restart. This version does not promise to restore the last selected tool or style. Toolbar position and your custom shortcut are retained.
Clear empties the visible canvas but retains the underlying local event history. To remove all app data, quit the app and remove its local sandbox container at ~/Library/Containers/com.fuyera.LaofuCanvas/. This removes the canvas and preferences. Removing only the app may leave the container behind. Manage copies in system backups separately using your backup tools. Confirm that you no longer need the data before removing it; contact support if you need help.
Common questions
Why can’t I click the app underneath? You may be in Ink mode. Use the mode shortcut or click “Exit Ink”. To quit immediately, press Control-Option-Command-Q.
Why is there no Dock icon? laofu canvas runs through the menu bar and floating toolbar.
Why can’t I enter Ink, or why is there a storage error? The app stays in Pass Through if local storage is unavailable. It does not accept new canvas changes solely in memory when it cannot save them. Check available disk space and whether the app container is writable, then restart. If the problem continues, contact support with the error message.
Why can’t I undo old marks after restarting? A restart restores the final canvas, with a new Undo / Redo history. Use Stroke Eraser to remove marks or Clear to empty the visible canvas.
Are multiple displays, screenshots or exports supported? Version 0.3.0 supports one physical display; with multiple displays, it may operate only on the main display. This version has no screenshot or file export entry point. Core drawing does not require Screen Recording permission.
Can I use a drawing tablet? The app reads standard macOS tablet events. Pressure availability depends on the device and driver; compatibility with every model is not guaranteed. A mouse or trackpad works for basic interaction.
Contact
Fuyera Intelligence Limited · hello@fuyera.com
Please include your macOS version, app version, display count, selected tool, steps to reproduce, and expected and actual results. Send images or logs only if you choose to, and remove private content first. See the Privacy Policy for data handling information.