Pixilart → is a digital art platform and creative community based in Fargo, North Dakota.
Founded in the 2010s, Pixilart operates as Pixilart LLC and currently employs fewer than 25 people. The company focuses on providing accessible and easy-to-learn tools for creating pixel art and digital drawings.
Its platform also offers a social networking environment where users, mostly younger and creative, can learn, collaborate, and share their work.
In this Pixilart review, I’m going to highlight how the company engages users in technology-based creative activities. They encourage interest in programming, digital art, and computers, which really adds value for anyone looking to dive into these areas.
Pixilart’s estimated annual revenue is under $5 million. Although there aren’t recent announcements on funding or big corporate milestones, the platform stays active and popular.
It currently has over 2 million users.
This shows how Pixilart appeals to hobbyists, educators, and aspiring digital artists. Their community-driven approach plus ongoing updates keep users coming back and growing steadily.
| Pixilart – Quick Overview | |
|---|---|
| What It Does | A browser-based pixel art editor with a community platform for creating, sharing, and animating pixel art and GIFs. |
| Best For | • Creative hobbyists, students, and educators • Art teachers, parents, and schools • Artists seeking community and peer feedback • Indie game developers prototyping sprites |
| Key Products | Pixilart Editor (web-based) • Mobile Apps (iOS & Android) • Community Platform & Gallery • Classroom Tools • Shop for prints and merchandise |
| Pricing | Free core plan with most features • Optional $5–$7/month subscription removes ads, unlocks premium tools & features • Classroom plans via inquiry • No time-limited trial needed |
| Standout Features | • Browser-based editor with layer support and animation timeline • Social networking with challenges, forums, and collaborative projects • Mobile app for on-the-go creativity • Classroom management and privacy controls • Export as PNG/GIF for easy sharing |
| Integrations | Standard image import/export (PNG, GIF) • No direct third-party tool integrations or APIs |
| Get Started | Start Free Trial → |
Pixilart Solutions
Pixilart offers a great set of tools for creating and sharing pixel art.
Its main focus is on giving you everything you need to draw and animate pixels online or on the go.
1. Pixilart Editor (Flagship Product)
This is the core of Pixilart. It’s a web-based drawing editor that lets you create pixel art and animated GIFs.
You don’t need to download anything—just open it in your browser and start drawing right away.
The editor works for beginners and advanced users alike. It supports layers, animation timelines, and all the standard drawing tools like brushes, erasers, color pickers, and shape tools.
2. Mobile Apps
Pixilart also offers mobile apps for iOS and Android.
These apps bring the full pixel art experience to your phone or tablet, so you can draw, animate, and upload your work anywhere.
The mobile version copies most features from the web editor, keeping your tools handy on the move.
3. Community Platform & Gallery
Pixilart is more than just tools—it’s a lively art-sharing community.
You can set up a profile, upload your creations, comment on others’ work, and join art challenges.
The gallery organizes images into trending, featured, and staff-picked sections, making it easy to keep your support secure and flexible.
4. Classroom Tools for Educators
If you want to bring digital art to your classroom, Pixilart has features designed for teachers and parents.
This includes privacy controls, managing users by class, and tracking assignments all in one place.
These tools make it simpler to introduce pixel art to students in a safe, controlled environment.
5. Social & Networking Features
The platform also lets you connect with others through messaging, following artists, group chats, and art challenges.
These social features encourage feedback, collaboration, and building a network of fellow artists.
6. Shop
You can turn your pixel art into custom prints and merchandise to keep or share.
Pixilart’s shop lets you buy these items featuring work by you or other creators.
Integrations
Pixilart does not link up with complex professional tools like Adobe Creative Cloud.
However, you can import and export images using common formats like PNG and GIF.
The aim is to keep everything in one browser-based workflow, so you don’t need external plugins or apps.
Pixilart Features
1. Browser-Based Pixel Art Editor
The editor works directly in your browser, so you don’t need to download any software. This means you can start a project instantly without any setup hassle.
It handles sprite-based images, multi-layer compositions, and image sizes up to several hundred pixels per side. The layout feels intuitive and lowers the learning curve for new users.
2. Animation Timeline
You can create animated GIFs using a frame-based timeline, which is great for game sprites and simple web animations.
The interface lets you manage layers across frames, use onion skinning, and preview your animations in real time.
3. Layer Support & Advanced Tools
Pixilart supports multiple layers so you can create complex artwork. The tools include pencil, eraser, shape, fill/bucket, selection, color picker, and transformation.
You’ll also find effects like dithering and palette management to help you achieve authentic retro pixel art looks.
4. Community & Social Engagement
This platform has a social network where you can upload your work, join public challenges, comment, like, and follow others.
There are group forums and collaborative projects to make the experience more interactive than many other pixel art editors.
5. Mobile Accessibility
The Pixilart app is available on both iOS and Android, giving you almost full access to the platform from your phone or tablet.
You can sketch, animate, and upload artwork on the go, which is handy for educators or students using remote or BYOD learning settings.
6. Educational & Classroom Features
Teachers get special accounts with privacy settings that help create safe and moderated spaces for student projects.
Classroom management lets educators assign drawing projects and monitor progress easily.
7. Security and Account Privacy
Pixilart includes standard security features like account verification and password resets.
It also offers specific settings designed for youth safety and parent or teacher oversight.
8. Export & Download Options
You can export your artwork as PNG files for static images or as GIFs for animations.
These formats are widely supported by other graphics and game development tools.
Unique Capabilities
- The mix of a powerful browser-based editor and a built-in social community sets Pixilart apart from standalone drawing apps.
- Classroom features are rare in art platforms, making Pixilart especially friendly for education .
There is no documented direct API access or plugin system, so automation and integration options are limited compared to some professional studios.
These Pixilart features make it a compelling choice if you want a solid pixel art tool combined with social and educational benefits.
Pixilart Pricing Plans
Pixilart pricing works on a freemium model, so you can start using a lot of features for free.
You get access to the core editor, community, creative tools, and challenges without paying a dime. It’s great that there’s no trial limit, so you can create and export your work whenever you want.
For extra perks like removing ads or unlocking premium brushes, there are optional subscription upgrades. These usually cost between $5 and $7 per month with discounts for annual payments.
| Plan | Price & Features |
|---|---|
| Free Tier | $0 • Core editor access • Community participation • Most creative tools |
| Pro Subscription | Around $5 to $7 per month • Removes ads • Unlocks premium tools and brushes • Priority support • Enhanced profile customization |
| Classroom/School Plans | Custom pricing • Private managed groups • Bulk discounts • Requires direct inquiry |
There’s no classic free trial since the free tier covers most needs already.
If you’re an educator or need custom solutions, you’ll want to contact Pixilart directly for exact pricing.
Also, if you’re interested in prints or merchandise, you don’t need a subscription. The prices vary by product.
To learn more about Pixilart pricing, click here to learn more about Pixilart pricing →
Pixilart Alternatives
Pixilart is a solid choice for pixel art, but you might want to see how it stacks up against some other popular tools.
You’ll find options that focus on specific needs, like simple editing or advanced animation.
Here’s how Pixilart compares to five popular alternatives.
Comparison Table
| Competitor | Their Strengths | Pixilart Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Piskel | Open-source sprite editor, no login required, highly portable | Better for users who want community interaction and educational support |
| Aseprite | Advanced layers, scripting, and pro animation features; desktop-only | More beginner-friendly, browser-based, and free or low-cost options available |
| Lospec Pixel Editor | Lightweight, simple tool with a focus on palettes | Offers a more interactive and community-oriented experience |
| GraphicsGale | Robust animation features, Windows-only platform | Accessible anywhere via browser or mobile, no platform restriction |
| Procreate | Premium iPad art tool with powerful brush engine | Stronger focus on pixel art and building community around your work |
Pixilart tends to be cheaper or free compared to many professional tools.
Some standalone alternatives might offer more features for power users, but Pixilart brings a lot for beginners and those who want to connect with others.
Who Should Use Pixilart
1. Creative hobbyists, students, or educators
If you want an easy, free way to make pixel art, sprites, or animated GIFs, Pixilart fits perfectly. It helps you create without any cost or complicated setup.
2. Art teachers, parents, or schools
You can use Pixilart as a safe digital platform where young artists learn and share their work. It’s designed to be friendly and secure for kids and classrooms.
3. People who want community and feedback
You get to join art challenges, collaborate with others, and receive peer feedback. It’s great if you enjoy being part of an active creative group.
4. Game developers prototyping sprites
If you create indie or retro games and don’t need advanced export options, Pixilart works well for your sprite prototypes. It keeps things simple and accessible.
Pixilart is less suitable if you need professional-grade animation or scripting. You might want to check tools like Aseprite for deeper asset pipeline integration.
Also, Pixilart does not offer deep connections with commercial design tools like Adobe Photoshop.
Lastly, it’s not built for offline-only workflows or highly specialized brushes. If you rely on those, this platform might not meet your needs.
Bottom Line
Pixilart feels friendly and easy to use.
It has a vibrant online community and good support for teachers, which I really like.
You can access it on your browser or mobile, so it’s great for beginners and students.
The free plan is quite generous, and even the paid features don’t cost much. Plus, built-in challenges and a gallery keep you motivated to create more.
That said, it lacks professional animation and integration tools. There’s no official API or plugin system either.
You might find yourself outgrowing it if you move into professional game development.
Overall, Pixilart is perfect to start learning pixel art, join a creative community, or use in classrooms. If you want easy access and good community vibes, you can’t go wrong. But if you need advanced features, consider other options.
I hope this Pixilart review has helped you see if it fits your needs.
