PikoPixel is a compact application for drawing and editing pixel art, particularly icons and other small bitmap images. Its user interface is designed to make individual-pixel editing straightforward rather than imitate a large general-purpose graphics package.
The editor runs on Linux through the GNUstep framework and is also available on other supported Unix-like systems and macOS. GNUstep gives it a distinctive desktop appearance and makes the application accessible beyond its original platform.
PikoPixel combines a simple drawing workflow with layers, configurable canvas backgrounds and colour blending. The ability to export enlarged images is particularly helpful when showing low-resolution artwork without changing its pixel structure.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Draw and edit images at pixel level.
- Organise a picture using multiple layers.
- Undo an unrestricted sequence of editing operations.
- Choose a custom background appearance for the canvas.
- Use keyboard-activated popup panels to access editing controls.
- Export enlarged versions of pixel art for presentation.
- Blend colours in linear, gamma-correct colour space.
- Work with a compact interface suited to small sprites and icons.
- Cross-platform support – runs on Linux, BSD, and macOS.
Website: twilightedge.com/mac/pikopixel
Support:
Developer: Twilight Edge Software
License: GNU Affero General Public License v3.0
PikoPixel is written in Objective-C. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
| Pixel Art Editors | |
|---|---|
| Pixelorama | 2D sprite editor, made with the Godot Engine |
| PixiEditor | Create beautiful sprites for your games, animations, edit images, create logos |
| Piskel | Simple web-based tool for spriting and pixel art |
| LibreSprite | Create 2D animations for videogames |
| rx | Modern and extensible pixel editor implemented in Rust |
| GrafX2 | Billed as the ultimate 256-color bitmap paint program |
| mtPaint | Painting program to create pixel art and manipulate digital photos |
| PyDPainter | Usable pixel art program. |
| Slate | Qt-based pixel art editor |
| PikoPixel | Draw and edit pixel art images |
| Fizzy | Pixel art editor and animation editor |
| voidsprite | Pixel art editor in an early stage of development |
| csprite | Tiny pixel art tool |
| Tilf | Simple yet powerful pixel art editor |
| PixelPen | Pixel art editor with layers, animation and Godot integration |
| Pixcil | Pixel art editor with an almost infinite canvas and animation |
| PixlPunkt | Modern, cross-platform pixel art editor |
| Pixed | Pixel art editor |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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