Pixels is a layered image editor for pixel art, illustrations, image adjustments, and frame animation. Start with a small sprite, combine artwork with text and shapes, or build a sequence of poses in one document.

Choose A Starting Point

Create a Pixels document in the space and folder where you want to keep it. The new-document dialog offers presets and custom dimensions from 1 to 5000 pixels on each side. A small canvas such as 64 × 64 is a useful starting point for pixel art; larger dimensions suit illustration and image editing.

You can also open a local image or Pixels project. An imported file starts a local editing session. Download a layered project to keep that work; opening it does not automatically create a shared space document.

Creating and editing Pixels work currently requires a Coordinator Abo, as well as access to the document's space and area. Other accessible documents can open read-only. A link does not bypass private-area access.

Find Your Way Around

The artwork occupies the center. Tools provide painting, selections, movement, text, shapes, and image retouching. Their options change with the selected tool, so choose the tool before adjusting its settings.

On a smaller screen, panels open as compact overlays. Close a panel when you need more room to paint; the document remains open.

Build Artwork You Can Change

Use a separate layer for each element that needs independent editing. A character, its shadow, and a background are easier to refine when they are separate. Groups keep a larger composition manageable.

Masks hide parts of a layer without erasing its content. Adjustment layers change the appearance of the artwork beneath them while keeping the source available. Text and supported shapes remain editable until you rasterize them.

For animation, each frame has its own layer stack. Duplicate a finished pose to create the next pose, then preview the sequence. Keep the full animation in the shared document or a .vspixels project; ordinary image exports capture the active artwork.

Keep And Share Your Work

Shared documents save automatically and support live editing with other people who have access. Use Save and check the save feedback before leaving after an important edit. Saving artwork, downloading an image, and publishing its accompanying article are different actions.

For a first project, follow Create Layered Artwork. For a moving character, follow Animate A Sprite.

Common Questions

Is Pixels only for tiny images?

No. Pixel art is one use. Brushes, layers, text, editable adjustments, and supported imports also serve larger images within the document-size limit.

Why can I see a tool but not use it?

It may require a particular layer or selection, or the document may be read-only. Some listed commands are unavailable. A disabled command is not an instruction to change the artwork until it becomes available.

Can I reopen all my layers later?

Yes, from a saved shared document or a layered Pixels project. A flattened image download does not retain the same editing structure. See Import And Export.