Since the 80’s and 90’s, pixel art It had its greatest momentum and today, it is a trend that has recovered life in an amazing way. This classic design style allows create various elements pixel by pixelthat is, from small pictures.
Thus, Pixel Art has the ability to produce perfect shapes before the human eye. Therefore, many people are fans of retro art and today, They continue to look for alternatives to create representations of another levelprofessionally or for simple entertainment.
If you are a fan of this retro art and want to take advantage of the advantages of Pixel Art, there are numerous solutions that give you the necessary tools to create pixelated creations with ease and practicality. Therefore, in this post, we will let you know The best apps and programs to create Pixel Art.
What is Pixel Art?
Is about a pixel-by-pixel generated art, which is also known as “digital art”. Thus, Pixel Art refers to the union of several pixels to create a certain image or representation. To do this, use the same pointillism technique in drawings or paintings, to build a solid illustration. Which, runs it with raster image editing graphics programs.
In short, the creations in Pixel Art are constituted through colors and illustrated pixel by pixel. Generally, its main characteristics lie in the use of equal-dimensional perspective to represent three-dimensional images and highlight settings through restrictive color palettes. Indeed, this type of creations have been the basis of games for video consoles and computers.
Therefore, the types of Pixel Art drawings have been very present in old games and also stand out in current video games, as many retain the passion for this digital art. Regarding the main types of Pixel Art, we have the following: Isometric and Non-Isometric. The first is the one that is drawn in an isometric dimetric projection and requires the creation of a three-dimensional environment. Whereas, Non-Isometric is pixel art that is drawn using front or side views, from above or in perspective.
Best programs to create free pixel art
If you want have the best programs or applications to create Pixel Art from your computer and/or mobile, we have several solutions that you can make the most of. The best of all, is that they are completely free.
Here are 15 great alternatives for creating pixel-by-pixel renderings for free:
graphx2
Available for Windows and Linuxthis is open source (GPL) software that is designed to provide the most special classic tools for create pixel art renderings. It is available through Google Code and is part of the group of old school editors.
Although it offers a set of classic pixel art tools, it has also been updated over time, so features layer embedding and transparency support. Through it, you will also find numerous effects, game graphics, and more.
gimp.org
An alternative to Photoshop and one of the most recognized graphic editors in the computer environment. Refers to a free design utility that allows create Pixel Art through its multiple tools and settingswith which designs can be represented pixel by pixel in an easy way.
It consists of free and multiplatform software, since it is compatible with Windows, MacOS, Linux and more operating systems. In this GNU image manipulation software, you will also find great illustration and photography tools, as well as many customization options.
MOAI
If you want to use an editing program in the style of the 90s, do not hesitate to resort to this solution. Basically, consists of a remake of the famous Autodesk Animatorwhere you can find the options and settings necessary to create your pixelated representations and save them in the most current formats (JPG or PNG).
Notably, MOAI only has a version compatible with Microsoft Windowsit is free and has a user interface that is quite practical to handle.
IDraw Chara Maker 3
Specifically, it consists of a program oriented towards the creation of sprites for RPG Maker. Let’s remember that, RPG Maker is a wide range of role-playing game development software created by ASCII. Therefore, if you want to debut with these, do not hesitate to make use of IDraw Chara Maker 3.
Despite the fact that it is a program that has many years of experience, it has been updated over time and guarantees the best security for its users. Thus, also compatible with current systemsso that you can install it on your PC with Windows 10. Due to its operation, it is ideal for users who are looking for something comfortable, practical and simple.
MTPaint
Due to its appearance and its hardware requirements, this program will make you experience a trip back in time. It is a program in the style of the applications of the 90s that only requires 16 MB of RAM on a PC. However, it provides many advanced features for create pixel-for-pixel images with ease.
In MTPaint, you can undo up to the last 1,000 actions, work with up to 8,000% zoom, use up to 100 layers at once, take advantage of a color palette with dozens of features, and create animated GIFs. In addition to this, it is capable of taking screenshots and save creations in many current formats.
GraphicsGale.com
If you are Windows users, you can choose to download this standard graphic editor that contains a useful tool to create your Pixel Art quickly, easily and conveniently. Unlike other solutions, GraphicsGale gives you the option to create both pixelated drawings and animations (ie sprites).
Among its main tools, we found the following: Multiple frames for one animation, multiple layers, numerous painting tools, drawing text, color adjustments, gradients, etc. It is completely free and supports many formats (GIF, ICO, CUR, ANI, AVI, GAL, BMP, DIB, JPEG, PNG, TGA, TIFF).
Adobe Photoshop
The iconic photo editing program is also listed as one of the best options to be able to create your own Pixel Art, freely and professionally at the same time. The results it provides They are characterized by their high quality.
To build your own graphical representations, you have to create a document with a low resolution (for example, for an image that is 128px wide by 128px high, you can use a 72px resolution). You also have to change the image interpolation for the option of “By approximation (keep sharp edges)”, then set up the tools (pencil, paint bucket, and eraser) and adjust the grid to get started. Too easy.
sproxel
Specifically, it consists of a voxel model editor which focuses on creating sprite-like elements. So, if you are a fan of isometric perspective design, you can install this free program on your Windows, Linux or MacOS computer.
In it, you will find a 3D interface designed for quickly create and edit 3D models based on voxels. Thus, the creation process and the resulting geometry is considered as an extension of 2D pixel art. The software can also generate sprites for custom game engines.
Krita
It is a cross-platform program that you can download on Windows, MacOS, and Linux to make your own pixel art for free. which is identified as an open source software which can be distributed under the GNU license.
Regarding its operation, Krita has numerous tools to design drawings with this type of virtual art. Also works with numerous available filters to build other types of illustrations (comics, lettering, cartoons, etc.). It has a free version and a paid version.
ClipStudio.net
It consists of a program available for Windows, MacOS and Linuxwhich also offers an app for Android, Chromebook and iOS. Although it offers many tools under subscription, the software provides up to three months free trial to create your Pixel Art without any limitations.
Regarding its greatest advantage, we highlight that it has a very practical operation. All you have to do is create a template with 1×1 boxes in the program, choose a special brush and create your graphic representation. Also, It is a good solution to make comics from scratch.
iDraw
An ideal alternative for MacOS users. Basically, iDraw distinguishes itself as a Pixel Art editor that is used by the RPG Maker communitythanks to its optimal tools for creating pixel-by-pixel images.
Thus, it has all the basic features, such as drawing tools, selection tools, and customizable palettes. Additionally, it allows you to make tile-based pixel art, provides a flexible bitmap editor with special effects, allows you to create and export frames as a sprite sheet, etc.
piskelapp.com
One of the best options to be able to create animated sprites (or moving Pixel Art), is Piskel. This is software with a professional-looking interface that offers you numerous utilities to perform the best professional quality renderings.
Apart from drawing these types of images, the program is also ideal for generating rectangles and circles, selecting colors and customize different elements to insert in the final result. To save your creations, you can do it as PNG or animated GIF. This program is available for Windows, Linux and MacOSfree of charge.
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe’s famous graphic design program can also help you create the best custom Pixel Art. Thanks to its multiple toolsIllustrator allows you to obtain these types of images in an easy and practical way.
In short, with this program, you have two alternatives to obtain your own Pixel Art: One of them consists of use this effect on any existing image to play with the details and save the pixelated graphic representation. The other option is create digital art from zero.
pixilart.com
Although it has its own web version, it also offers a downloadable version that is compatible with Windows, Linux and MacOS. One of its main features is that it displays an interface very similar to Photoshop and is easy to use.
That is why, PixelArt allows you to work through layers, which is ideal for organizing each segment of your digital art. It also offers two color boxes within the tools and a canvas with grid divisions that will help you make your creations more easily. It’s free.
Excel
Believe it or not, this Microsoft product is also very practical for making a Pixel Art drawing. It is recommended to all those users who…
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