✨ Introduction
Ever wished you could build your own desktop apps? This breakdown unpacks how to create a basic Canva-like photo editor that runs locally on your Mac, using Electron JS and the power of Cursor AI. 🤯
🖼️ Building the Photo Editor Foundation
We’ll start by leveraging Electron JS’s quick start template, which provides a basic framework for building cross-platform desktop apps using web technologies.
- Installation is Key: Ensure you have Node.js installed. Then, use your terminal to navigate to your desired directory and run the Electron quick start command. This sets up the initial files and installs necessary libraries.
- Cursor AI Enters the Scene: Open your project in Cursor AI. This AI-powered code editor will be our co-pilot throughout the development process.
- Defining the Vision: In Cursor, provide a clear description of what you want to build: a photo editor named “Mana” with functionalities like brightness, contrast, saturation, filters like vineyard, and basic upload/save options. Specify that the UI should adhere to MacOS design principles.
🪄 Coding with Cursor AI
This is where the magic happens! ✨ Cursor AI takes your instructions and starts generating the code, creating and modifying files as needed.
- Command-Shift-Enter: This keyboard shortcut is your best friend in Cursor. Use it to instruct Cursor to start building based on your provided description.
- Iterative Refinement: Don’t be afraid to provide feedback and ask for specific changes. For example, you can request Cursor to add more photo editing features like crop, filters, and even improve the UI.
🧰 Troubleshooting and Enhancements
As with any coding project, expect some debugging. Cursor can help here too!
- Describe the Issue: Clearly articulate any errors or desired improvements to Cursor.
- Leverage Cursor’s Knowledge: Cursor can suggest solutions, fix bugs, and even integrate external libraries like Google Material Icons to enhance your app’s look and feel.
🚀 Launching Your Canva Clone
Once you’re satisfied with the development, it’s time to run your app!
- Terminal Time: Head back to your terminal and run the start command provided by Electron JS.
- Behold Your Creation: You should now have a functioning photo editor, complete with features like brightness, contrast, saturation, filters, and more!
🧰 Resource Toolbox
- Electron JS Quick Start: https://www.electronjs.org/docs/latest/tutorial/quick-start – Get started with Electron JS.
- Cursor AI: https://www.cursor.so/ – The AI-powered code editor that makes development a breeze.
- Node.js: https://nodejs.org/ – The JavaScript runtime environment that powers Electron JS.
- Google Material Icons: https://fonts.google.com/icons – A vast library of icons to enhance your app’s UI.
🎉 Conclusion
Congratulations! 🎉 You’ve just built a basic Canva-like photo editor using Electron JS and the power of Cursor AI. This is just the beginning; with a little creativity and the assistance of these tools, you can build amazing desktop applications.
