Pixel art has made a powerful comeback in gaming, animation, and digital design. Whether you’re creating retro-style game assets, detailed sprite animations, or minimalist illustrations, having the right pixel art software is essential. In this guide, we explore the best pixel art software available today—covering their features, pricing, and who they’re best suited for.

What Is Pixel Art Software?

Pixel art software is a digital tool designed to help artists create raster-based images where each pixel is placed intentionally. Unlike general graphic design tools, pixel art programs typically offer grid snapping, palette management, and animation tools specific to sprites and tilemaps.

Best Pixel Art Software

1. Aseprite

Aseprite is a top-tier pixel art editor favored by indie developers and professionals alike.

  • Key Features:
    • Onion skinning for smooth animation
    • Pixel-perfect tools
    • Tilemap support
    • Frame-by-frame animation timeline
  • Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Price: One-time purchase (~$19.99)

Why it’s great: Aseprite is considered the best pixel art software for animation-heavy projects due to its intuitive interface and powerful features.

2. Pyxel Edit

Pyxel Edit is popular for its excellent tilemap editing and simplicity.

  • Key Features:
    • Real-time tile editing
    • Tileset creation and export
    • Animation support
  • Platforms: Windows
  • Price: Free (beta) / ~$9 for full version

Why it’s great: Ideal for developers working on tile-based games, especially in RPG or strategy genres.

3. Piskel

Piskel is a free, browser-based pixel art editor that’s easy to use.

  • Key Features:
    • Onion skinning
    • Sprite preview
    • Export as GIF or sprite sheet
  • Platforms: Browser / Windows / macOS
  • Price: Free

Why it’s great: One of the best pixel art software tools for beginners and students—no installation required.

4. GraphicsGale

A classic Windows-based software loved for its animation support.

  • Key Features:
    • Onion skinning
    • Frame management
    • Color palette control
  • Platforms: Windows
  • Price: Free

Why it’s great: GraphicsGale has been a go-to for retro game developers for years due to its robust features and nostalgic interface.

5. Pro Motion NG

Used by professional game studios, Pro Motion NG is packed with advanced tools.

  • Key Features:
    • Layers and animation
    • Tilemap and sprite management
    • Custom brushes and dithering tools
  • Platforms: Windows
  • Price: ~$39+ (trial available)

Why it’s great: Best pixel art software for advanced users and professional-grade projects.

6. Krita

While primarily a digital painting tool, Krita offers pixel art support through its pixel brushes and grid systems.

  • Key Features:
    • Pixel and brush customization
    • Layer and animation support
    • HDR painting support
  • Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Price: Free (open-source)

Why it’s great: If you’re an illustrator looking to blend pixel and digital painting, Krita is a versatile choice.

7. Pixilart

Pixilart is a creative and community-driven online pixel art platform.

  • Key Features:
    • Online editor
    • Social sharing and collaboration
    • Layer and animation tools
  • Platforms: Browser / Android / iOS
  • Price: Free

Why it’s great: Great for social creators and hobbyists who want to share their art with a like-minded community.

How to Choose the Best Pixel Art Software

When selecting the best pixel art software for your needs, consider the following:

  • Skill Level: Beginners may prefer tools like Piskel or Pixilart, while professionals might opt for Aseprite or Pro Motion NG.
  • Platform Compatibility: Ensure the software supports your operating system.
  • Animation Needs: Choose software with robust animation features if you’re working on sprites or short clips.
  • Budget: While many tools are free, paid options offer more depth and control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best pixel art software for beginners?

For beginners, Piskel and Pixilart are excellent choices. They are free, user-friendly, and offer just the right features to get started with pixel art.

Which pixel art software is best for animation?

Aseprite is widely regarded as the best pixel art software for animation due to its intuitive timeline, onion skinning, and export options.

Is there free pixel art software for professionals?

Yes. Krita and GraphicsGale are free yet offer advanced features suitable for professional use. Krita, in particular, supports a wide range of digital art styles alongside pixel art.

Can I make game sprites using these tools?

Absolutely. Most of the tools mentioned—especially Aseprite, Pyxel Edit, and Pro Motion NG—are designed with game development in mind and offer sprite sheet export and tilemap features.

Is Aseprite worth buying?

Yes. Aseprite offers a comprehensive suite of tools for pixel art and animation. Its one-time purchase makes it a cost-effective option for long-term use.

Are there any pixel art apps for mobile devices?

Pixilart offers a mobile version, and some general drawing apps like ibisPaint and Dotpict include pixel art features.

Conclusion

Choosing the best pixel art software depends on your experience, goals, and workflow preferences. Whether you’re a hobbyist, student, or professional game developer, there’s a perfect tool out there to suit your needs. Explore these options, try the free versions, and pick the software that feels right for your creative journey.

This page was last edited on 18 May 2025, at 12:32 pm