This is a question we get frequently here at Pencil’em so we wanted to give you some information on which browser works the best with the Pencil’em web application.  Pencil’em is a web based application, so you access the software through your computers web browser.  You are probably familiar with Internet Explorer if you use a Windows based computer, or Safari if your a Mac user.  Many people do not know there are many other options when it comes to which browser you use to access Pencil’em.  There are four main browsers I want to address today, and I will list them relative to their performance on the Pencil’em application.

The following browsers are all compatible with Pencil’em:

1. Google Chrome (http://www.google.com/chrome)
2. Mozilla Firefox (http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/)
3. Safari (Mac – http://www.apple.com/safari/download/)
4. Internet Explorer 6, 7, 8 (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/default.aspx)

Google Chrome is listed at number 1 for a reason.  It is by far the fastest browser we have tested the software on, and it gives the best user experience.  It’s fast, free, and Google….three of my favorite things!  Coming in at number 2 is Firefox, also an incredible browser, known for it’s ability to be extended and modified based on user preferences.  It’s not quite as zippy as Google Chrome, but the difference is minimal.  Safari, the Mac browser, also does a good job.  The experience here is similar to that of Firefox and Chrome.  Coming in last on the list is Internet Explorer, versions 6, 7, and 8.  While Internet Explorer remains one of the most popular web browsers, it is by no means the fastest when it comes to our standards at Pencil’em.  Version 6 was released on August 27, 2001 making it almost 8 years old.  Web browser technology has come a long way in the last eight years, and we highly recommend using one of the other browsers listed above.

If you have any questions about which browser your currently using, you can typically find your browser version by clicking “Help” from the main menu, and then selecting “About”.  We welcome any questions you might have about browsers in the comments!