A program for creating pixel art. The Best Pixel Art Creation Tools

Drawing at the pixel level has its own niche in the visual arts. With the help of simple pixels, real masterpieces are created. Of course, you can create such drawings on a sheet of paper, but it is much easier and more correct to create pictures using graphic editors. In this article we will analyze in detail each representative of such software.

The world's most popular graphics editor that can work at the pixel level. To create similar pictures in this editor, you just need to take a few steps preset. Here is everything an artist needs to create art.

But on the other hand, such an abundance of functionality is not needed for drawing pixel art, so there is no point in overpaying for the program if you are going to use it only for a specific function. If you are one of such users, then we advise you to pay attention to other representatives who are focused specifically on pixel graphics.

PyxelEdit

This program has everything you need to create such paintings and is not oversaturated with functions that the artist will never need. Setting up is quite simple; the color palette allows you to change any color to the desired tone, and free movement of windows will help you customize the program for yourself.

PyxelEdit has a feature for setting tiles on the canvas, which can be useful when creating objects with similar content. The trial version is available for download on the official website and has no restrictions on use, so you can try the product before making a purchase.

Pixelformer

In appearance and functionality, this is the most ordinary graphic editor, only it has several additional features to create pixel images. This is one of the few programs that are distributed absolutely free.

The developers do not position their product as suitable for creating pixel art, they call it in a great way drawing logos and icons.

GraphicsGale

In almost all such software they try to implement a picture animation system, which most often turns out to be simply unusable due to limited functions and incorrect implementation. GraphicsGale is not so good with this either, but according to at least, this function can work normally.

As for drawing, everything here is exactly the same as in the bulk of editors: basic functions, large color palette, the ability to create multiple layers and nothing extra that could interfere with your work.

Charamaker

Character Maker 1999 – one of the oldest similar programs. It was created to create individual characters or elements, which would then be used in other animation programs or implemented into computer games. Therefore, it is not very suitable for creating paintings.

The interface is not very good. Almost none of the windows can be moved or resized, and the default layout isn't very good. However, you can get used to it.

Pro Motion NG

This program is ideal in almost everything, starting with a well-thought-out interface, where it is possible to move windows independently of the main one to any point and change their size, and ending with automatic switch from a pipette to a pencil, which is just an incredibly convenient feature.

Otherwise, Pro Motion NG is simple good software to create pixel graphics of any level. Trial version You can download it from the official website and test it to decide whether to further purchase the full version.

Aseprite

Can rightfully be considered the most convenient and beautiful program to create pixel art. The interface design alone is worth it, but that’s not all the advantages of Aseprite. There is the ability to animate a picture, but unlike previous representatives, it is implemented competently and convenient to use. There is everything you need to create beautiful GIF animations.

The application interface is based on English, but it is so minimalistic that every user can understand the software. There is nothing superfluous here, just a palette, brushes and a working canvas consisting of pixels that need to be filled with paints. The user will need a few minutes to master the principles of operation. Program Pixel art has a minimum of settings: grid, palette and brush. You can create new images, save projects, and open previously created materials to make edits.

By using Pixel editor Art, anyone can try their hand at the popular pixel art direction. It will also be very useful for illustrators when preparing material for printing in a printing house or creating a unique logo.

Features of Pixel Art

• Selecting the resolution of the created illustration.
• Export images to popular formats: png, gif, bmp, and jpg.
• Lightweight and user-friendly interface applications.
• The ability to draw pixel art on the grid cells of the working canvas.
• Customizable work area size.
• English interface.
• An assortment of brushes, erasers and a wide color palette.
• Possibility of cancellation latest changes in the drawing (step back).

Summarizing Pixel program Art, it can be noted that this graphic editor has a very narrow specification. It is designed exclusively for creating pixel art images. In his arsenal there are only the tools necessary for this. The interface is very convenient and simple, designed for users of any level.

It seemed that pixel graphics had long since become obsolete. Many new formats (much better quality) have appeared. But it turned out that pixel graphics are still alive. It is still used in games, memes, various programs. Pixel graphics are slowly becoming a new art form that has the right to live only on the Internet. But this does not make it at all specific. To realize your artistic ambitions, you will first have to choose the right one software. Eat great option. "Pixel Art Studio" - free program for drawing pixel art. She will help bring the most daring projects to life. We will look at all its main options, but first we will figure out what the phrase “pixel art” means.

What is pixel art?

Creating pixel art involves drawing complex graphic objects from simple figures. A full-fledged picture is created from small squares (pixels), which are hand-painted and give the image desired color, volume and shape. Previously, this is how icons for launching applications (shortcuts) were created. Some of them are still created to this day. Currently, Pixel Art is used in the most different areas. It is used in 2D games, simple cartoons, memes on the Internet and in some programs. Which is quite strange. However, we have to admit that the pixel art looks pretty funny.

Any graphics editor will do to work in this style. Even the notorious "Photoshop". But it’s much easier to use a specialized application that was created specifically to work with just such graphics. Such a program is demon paid product called Pixel Art Studio. There are versions for Windows and Mac OS. The corresponding versions can be found in the Windows Store and in the AppStore. Now let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of the application.

Benefits of the software product

So, "Pixel Art Studio" is a program for drawing pixel art for PC. It has an impressive list of advantages.

• The utility is completely free. Anyone can download and install it.
• The program is as simple and intuitive as possible clear interface(albeit without the Russian language). Even a beginner can figure it out.
• The product does not have a huge amount tools like more advanced editors. This allows you to avoid getting lost in tools and settings.
• The program supports working with layers. Like any high-quality graphics editor.
• The utility works very quickly even on old and weak machines (although it is optimized for Windows 10). This rarely happens.
• Understanding how the basic tools work is not difficult. For the most part, these are simple geometric shapes and lines.
• The program for drawing pixel art has a very rich reference material with a lot of lessons. But all the text is in English. But there's nothing wrong with that. The Google translator will quickly and efficiently explain what is written there.

Disadvantages of the program

As befits an ordinary application, Pixel Art Studio also has a set of disadvantages. Of course, they are fewer than the advantages, but they are there.

• The program has a rather meager set of functions and tools: a couple of lines, several shapes, a paint palette, a canvas with pixels and several editing tools. That's it.
• This pixel art editor does not allow you to create high-quality content. Maximum quality images are artificially limited.
• This program does not have the ability to create animated pixel art. And this is very important for games, cartoons and memes. The strong point of the application is static pixel images. For more software product not capable. But it is completely free.

Why not use Photoshop?

The fact is that the graphics editor from Adobe is a very sophisticated product. In order to work successfully in it you need to study for a long time. But in the case of pixel art, everything is completely complicated. You'll have to dig through a mountain of literature on the topic "How to draw pixel art in Photoshop." This editor is good for those who are already used to it. And beginners will simply get lost in the abundance of tools and functions. Although we must give it its due: the product does its job perfectly and can do almost anything with the image. Photoshop also has animation options, which is suitable for creating cartoons in the pixel art style. In general, you can use Photoshop to draw stylish pictures in pixels. But only if you are willing to spend a lot of time learning. Don't forget that Photoshop is a paid product. And the subscription is very expensive.

Positive reviews about the application

Let's return to our program for drawing pixel art. What do users say about Pixel Art Studio? It is worth noting that opinions were divided. Some users claim that it is powerful and handy tool to create masterpieces. They praise the ease of use and the presence of all the basic tools. Users also like the intuitive interface and minimalist design of the program. The utility fits perfectly into standard interface"Windows 10". In addition, users note very high speed operation of the software product. Pixel Art Studio really works faster than more sophisticated graphics editors. And owners of relatively old PCs claim that this application behaves perfectly even on their ancient machines. In general, everything is fine with optimization of the program.

Negative reviews about Pixel Art Studio

All positive reviews left by those who have just begun to immerse themselves in the fascinating world computer graphics. Negative comments belong to those for whom nothing is easier than drawing pixel art in Photoshop. These comrades declare that "Pixel Art Sutdio" - useless app for those who want to draw by cells. Professionals claim that there is absolutely nothing in this program that is worth praising: a meager set of tools, there are no additional functions, there is no way to animate objects. Also, many note a fundamentally incorrect mechanism for working with layers. Be that as it may, this software product is not intended for professionals, but for beginners. So you can ignore the reviews of “experts”.

Conclusion

So, let's summarize. Pixel Art Studio is great app for creating pixel graphics, designed for beginners. It has a clear and not overloaded with various unnecessary elements interface and minimum set tools for creating simple images. At the same time this product is in no way suitable for professionals, since it cannot satisfy their needs with its functionality. In any case, drawing pixel art in this program is much easier than in the notorious Photoshop. If you need a product to get started, then there is nothing better than Pixel Art Studio.

Finally, with the arrival of the rains, I managed to find some time for drawing: the work was beyond the roof (although, when has it ever been otherwise in the village?) And the stable +32 did not at all contribute to good health in particular and a gush of energy in general. I still wanted to practice my knowledge of anatomy, and a simplified image of a person would be good for this. So I looked away.

Of course, I have Photoshop and Illustrator, and some people use them to create old-school images, but personally, they are inconvenient for me for these purposes. In addition, when it comes to creating sprites, these programs are inferior to specialized software. Well, Google to the rescue.

First most frequently mentioned on different resources It turned out to be Graphics Gale, but it didn’t make me happy. The program is terribly stupid, sometimes crashes or produces errors out of the blue. The software is clearly written crookedly, although it has good functionality free version, and was sent to the trash bin.

Next in line was Aseprite and, after getting acquainted with it, I definitely wouldn’t change it for something else. This is the damn BFG of sprite graphics!

The interface turned out to be convenient and very “tube”, reminiscent of the GUI of the well-known . As in any serious graphic editor, Aseprite now supports layers with blending and transparency modes; everyone is present necessary tools for drawing including Bezier curves.
The selection toolkit is consistent with Photoshop; Selected areas can be scaled, stretched, moved and rotated.

If you need a special brush, you can draw it yourself here. Saving/loading brushes available. There is a small set of effects, although without the possibility of settings that can be applied to the image. There is also a tool for creating seamless textures/tiles. There is also a color replacer that allows you to replace all pixels of one color with some other color.

The program provides ample opportunities on working with the palette. It's not just there color wheel, but there is also the opportunity to easily and quickly obtain shades that match the desired color by choosing one of seven harmonious options. This really makes it easier to create your own palette. By the way, the program also has predefined sets of palettes various devices such as Atari2600, GameBoy, Commodore64 and NES.

But most importantly, Aseprite, as it should be professional software, allows you to create sprite animation. There is a timeline, frames, tracing mode, and animation playback speed settings. In short, everything is the same Adobe Flash, but only without ActionScript.

Finished graphics can be saved in various formats, from the main ones I will note *.png, *.tga, *.gif, *jpg. In this case, the program will help you create a sprite sheet and generate JSON data for it.

During the entire time working with Aseprite there was not a single crash or freeze. The program itself, when installed, occupies 8 MB on the hard drive and uses a minimum RAM. As for the price, it is, for such powerful program, simply funny - 350 rub. (

Pixel Art is a color by number game for Android that will help you relax while doing a very enjoyable and meditative activity. Applications of this kind are excellent time killers. You can collect images from pixels for several hours without stopping. From other similar coloring pages this decision It features an extensive library of free templates, as well as a very nice minimalistic interface.

Concept

Additional tools

As stated earlier, Pixel app Art, first of all, was created to “kill” time. However, if you want to complete certain work as soon as possible, you can use additional tools. For example - with a magic wand, with which you can fill several adjacent pixels with one “tap”. There is also an eraser that allows you to quickly correct mistakes.

As for the scaling tools, in addition to the usual spreading and closing of fingers, the user also has access to a special magnifying glass, which can be called up by long pressing on an empty area of ​​the workpiece.

Key Features

• offers a good selection of free coloring by numbers;
• contains a tool for quickly filling adjacent cells;
• allows you to correct mistakes using an eraser;
• has a nice interface in Russian;
• Works on almost any Android devices.