Pixelc review

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Pixelc is a free, open-source pixel art editor for artists creating sprites, animations, and tile-based artwork. It is aimed at browser and Android users, with support for touch-focused workflows and desktop use. The editor includes frames, adjustable frame timing, layers, onion skinning, selections, shading tools, drawing modes, custom and built-in palettes, and tilemap editing with tilesheets. Artwork can be exported as PNG sprite sheets or animated GIF files, while complete projects can be archived as TAR files.

Animation is one of Pixelc’s stronger areas for a free editor. Frame-based timelines, adjustable timing, and onion skinning support traditional sprite animation workflows, while layers help separate artwork elements. Tile mode and tilemap editing add a practical path for game-oriented work, and persistent undo and redo retain editing history across app reloads. These features make Pixelc a good fit for small sprite sets, animated game assets, and touch-based pixel work without requiring a paid editing tier.

Pixelc’s main trade-off is its platform focus. The product is available on the web and Android, while desktop support is also described, so users seeking a broadly distributed native desktop application may prefer another tool. The Premium Android variant keeps the same app features as the free version and changes the visual theme with a dark background and grayscale buttons. Choose Pixelc if free access, open-source availability, animation, and tilemap tools matter most. Look elsewhere if you need AI features or a substantially expanded paid feature set.

Pixelc pros and cons

• Where it wins
  • Frame animation with timing controls and onion skinning
  • Tilemap editing, layers, palettes, and sprite-sheet export
  • Persistent undo and redo across app reloads
• Where it doesn't
  • Platform coverage centers on web and Android
  • Premium adds a visual theme rather than editing features
  • No AI features for assisted creation

Pixelc fact sheet, pricing and score →

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update