Tilf, short for Tiny Elf, is a compact pixel art editor created using Python and PySide6. It is designed for producing sprites, icons and other small two-dimensional graphics without the overhead of a large image-editing application.
The editor concentrates on a straightforward drawing workflow. Its selection of familiar tools provides the essentials for creating pixel artwork, while adjustable zoom and grid controls help with accurate placement.
Tilf includes a real-time preview panel that displays the artwork separately from the main editing canvas. This is particularly useful when working at high zoom levels, allowing artists to inspect how an image appears at its intended size.
The application supports common image formats and works locally without requiring an online service. Its intentionally limited feature set makes it suitable for simple pixel drawing rather than complex animation or layered composition.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Draw using pencil and eraser tools.
- Fill enclosed areas using the bucket tool.
- Sample existing colours with the eyedropper.
- Create rectangles and ellipses.
- Start new images with custom dimensions.
- Adjust the editing zoom from 1x to 50x.
- Display an optional grid with a configurable colour.
- Change the canvas background colour, including transparency.
- Undo and redo edits using a history of up to 50 states.
- Open images using drag and drop.
- Inspect artwork using a real-time preview panel.
- Reposition the preview within a movable dock.
- Open PNG, JPEG and BMP images.
- Export artwork to PNG, JPEG and BMP.
- Work locally without an internet connection.
- Cross-platform support – runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Website: github.com/danterolle/tilf
Support:
Developer: Dario Camonita
License: GNU General Public License v3.0
Tilf is written in Python. Learn Python with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
| Pixel Art Editors | |
|---|---|
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| 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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