Pix8 review
A focused open-source editor for indexed pixel art, animation, and retro graphics.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Pix8 is an open-source pixel art editor for artists, retro game developers, and other users working with indexed graphics. It runs in a browser and is also available as an Electron desktop application for Windows, with Linux and macOS listed as source-build targets. Its central workflow uses a 256-color indexed palette with transparency support, making it a focused choice for 8-bit and VGA-era visual work rather than a general-purpose image editor.
The animation feature set is a clear strength. Pix8 provides a frame animation timeline with thumbnails, tags, and playback controls, plus onion skinning for previous and next frames. Layers can be created, ordered, duplicated, hidden, adjusted for opacity, and cropped. Drawing, selection, transformation, mirroring, filling, and text tools round out the editing workflow, while grids, rulers, guides, zoom, and snap-to-grid controls support precise sprite work. Palette editing includes HSV and RGB controls, batch operations, and palette import and export.
Pix8 also supports indexed and raster image import and export, including Pix8, BMP, PCX, PNG, GIF, SPX, ICO, and PAL formats. The browser option suits quick access, while the desktop route gives solo users and small teams a local application path. Linux and macOS users should expect a source-build-oriented desktop setup, and the product does not include AI features or verified integrations. Choose Pix8 if indexed palettes, animation, and retro-oriented control are central to your work; consider another editor if you need broader ecosystem connectivity or a wider image-production scope.
Pix8 pros and cons
- Where it wins
- 256-color indexed workflow with transparency support
- Frame timeline, onion skinning, tags, and playback controls
- Browser and desktop availability across four platforms
- Where it doesn't
- Focused on indexed pixel art rather than broad general-purpose editing
- Linux and macOS desktop builds require source-based setup
- No AI features or verified integrations
Pix8 fact sheet, pricing and score →
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