Piskel is a fun and free graphic design tool created by Julian Descottes. This open-source app allows you to create animated sprites, GIFs, and other pixel art with ease. Perfect for beginners as well as professional graphic artists reminiscing about arcade video games, Piskel is a simple editor that boasts an easy-to-understand user interface.
What sets Piskel apart from alternatives like Krita and Aseprite is its clean, intuitive design. Designed to be accessible to anyone eager to explore their creativity in pixel animation regardless of skill level, this tool can cater to both aspiring artists and experienced ones. Think of it as your virtual playground for endless artistic possibilities.
Equipped with just the right tools, Piskel helps you create sprites perfect for simple 2D games. The live preview feature lets you adjust frame rates as needed, while the various export options cater to your project's unique requirements.
One thing to note is that Piskel has a limited color palette, which might not suit everyone's design preferences. Nonetheless, if you're developing an arcade-style 2D game or enjoy making GIF animations, Piskel is the ideal choice for hassle-free and enjoyable animation creation. Although it has a simple design, its potential grows as you become more familiar with using it effectively.