Pixelformer

Pixelformer

Pixelformer is a graphic design and photo editing software that specializes in pixel art creation and manipulation. It has a wide range of tools tailored for easily creating and editing pixel art with indexed color palettes.
Pixelformer image
pixel-art drawing painting graphics image-editing

Pixelformer: Graphic Design & Photo Editing Software

Pixelformer is a graphic design and photo editing software that specializes in pixel art creation and manipulation. It has a wide range of tools tailored for easily creating and editing pixel art with indexed color palettes.

What is Pixelformer?

Pixelformer is graphic design and photo editing software developed specifically for creating and manipulating pixel art. It sets itself apart from generic graphic design programs with its focus on features and tools to make all aspects of working with pixel art quicker and easier.

At its core, Pixelformer works with an indexed color palette, essential for properly viewing and exporting pixel art. It has a suite of drawing and painting tools such as pencils, brushes, shape tools, and fill bucket designed to work efficiently with a limited color palette and canvas resolution.

Some standout features include automated dithering algorithms, palette color sorting and reduction capabilities, and onion skinning for animation. It also has extensive support for working with sprite sheets and tilesets. An integrated animation timeline helps build animations and view frames.

For pixel art games, Pixelformer has game mockup tools for visually planning scenes, layouts, and perspectives. It also has functions for applying common game effects like lighting and shadows.

Pixelformer aims to cover the complete pixel art design workflow. Its focus on pixel-specific features provides dedicated tools for streamlining creation compared to more generic graphics software. For pixel artists, its customization and automation for tasks like palette management and dithering can help improve workflow.

Pixelformer Features

Features

  1. Pixel art drawing and editing tools
  2. Layer support
  3. Animation timeline
  4. Onion skinning
  5. Pixel perfect camera tool
  6. Customizable brushes
  7. Color palette management
  8. Export animations as sprite sheets or GIFs

Pricing

  • Free
  • One-time Purchase

Pros

Specialized for pixel art creation

Intuitive interface

Powerful animation tools

Affordable pricing

Cross-platform support

Cons

Limited selection of filters

No non-destructive editing

No CMYK or print support

Less features than full creative suites


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