✏ Issue #505: Mechanic, 21 Exceptional Google Fonts, How to Get Your First 1000 Subscribers, CSS Cascade Layers, and more…

Mechanic is an open-source framework for building web-based design tools that can export assets right from your browser. It’s an exceptional tool for automating workflow; write a function to generate your design inputs, preview in the canvas, then export as SVG, PNG, or WebM.

Building an email list is a challenging prospect, especially when there is so much competition. In this practical post, David Ramos looks at the tactics used to grow from 0 to 100 subscribers, then on to 250, then 500, and finally how to reach your first 1,000 subscribers.

Google Fonts has many obvious options to choose from, but if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find some stunning lesser-known fonts. From dramatic and expressive display faces to solid and reliable workhorse sans-serifs, we’ve gathered together a collection of the 21 best.

The Dot Browser is a free, open-source, privacy-conscious browser based on Mozilla Firefox for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It has a built-in ad blocker and ensures that no tracking or telemetry data is collected from you. The UI is customizable, and it’s great for browsing.

CSS provides a simple way of styling websites based on a cascade. But when you code without a plan, or revisions change the plan, it can quickly get out of hand. In this in-depth post, Bramus Van Damme looks at a new technology that will solve the issue: Cascade Layers.

Internxt Drive is a file storage service that provides exceptional levels of privacy and security. It employs a zero-knowledge encryption system, securing your data before it leaves your local machine. Your first 2GB are free forever, and paid plans start at €0.89/month.

kbar is an open-source script that adds a cmd+k user interface to any site. Similar to the cmd+space interface of macOS’ Spotlight, once added, users can type cmd+k to open a quick menu. It’s a brilliant way of simplifying complex menus and making navigation accessible.

Successful meetings often rely on presenting yourself in a way that matches client expectations. Clients expect you to be visually creative, so why not explain everything with a sketch. In this offbeat post, Vincent Baas demos seven visuals that will help explain almost anything.