sprat-cli
sprat-cli: A flexible, open-source CLI for repeatable sprite packing and game-engine metadata export. Ranked #11 of 34 in Sprite Sheet Maker Software by our editors (7.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for CLI users needing a flexible open-source pipeline.
At a glance
- Editor score7.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forCLI users needing a flexible open-source pipeline
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Sprite trimmingYes
- Facts checked14 Nov 2026
Where it wins
- Offers fast, compact, power-of-two, and grid packing modes.
- Trims, rotates, deduplicates, and can split output across multiple atlases.
- Exports metadata for Godot, Unity, Phaser, libGDX, and other workflows.
Where it doesn't
- Runs without a graphical interface; visual editing requires a separate frontend.
- Self-hosted, command-line workflows require technical setup.
- WebP, AVIF, and GPU-compressed DDS output depend on build support.
Our verdict on sprat-cli
sprat-cli is a free, open-source command-line toolkit for turning image files into sprite sheets and texture atlases. It is aimed at developers who want repeatable asset generation through shell scripts or CI/CD pipelines, rather than a graphical editing workflow. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, it provides placement calculation, atlas rendering, and layout conversion as distinct tools. The project points users seeking a visual editor to a separate GUI frontend, so sprat-cli is a better fit for technical users comfortable working in a terminal than for artists looking for an all-in-one visual workspace.
Its packing options cover fast, compact, power-of-two, and grid layouts, with transparent-border trimming, 90-degree rotation, deduplication, and incremental packing. Output can span multiple atlas files when needed. Atlas images render as PNG; WebP, AVIF, or GPU-compressed DDS are available when supported by the build. For game-development workflows, the toolkit handles markers, animation sequences, and cutout puppet data, and can detect sprites in an existing sheet for extraction. The reference describes no default maximum atlas width or height, which may suit projects with varied asset dimensions.
Metadata export is a notable strength for teams moving layouts into game engines: supported formats include JSON, XML, CSS, Godot, Unity, Phaser, and libGDX, and listed integrations also include Aseprite. This breadth makes the tool useful across varied pipelines, but it remains self-hosted and its support channel is documentation. Choose sprat-cli if scriptability, packing control, and metadata conversion matter more than a visual interface. If you want to arrange sprites interactively in a GUI, the project itself directs you to a separate frontend instead.
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sprat-cli pricing
sprat-cli fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Sprite trimming | Yes |
| Rotation packing | Yes |
| Multiple atlas output | Yes |
| Animation support | Yes |
| Metadata export | Yes |
| Maximum atlas size | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 5 integrations: Godot, Unity, Phaser, libGDX, Aseprite |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 14 Nov 2026 |
sprat-cli integrations
sprat-cli lists 5 integrations on its own site.
- Godot
- Unity
- Phaser
- libGDX
- Aseprite
Alternatives to sprat-cli
- AsepriteA focused desktop editor for pixel animation, tilemaps, and sprite-sheet export.9.3
- LibreSpriteA free, open-source pixel-art editor with animation and sprite-sheet export.8.4
- Atlas PackerA free atlas packer with practical trimming, preview, and common engine exports.8.1
See all sprat-cli alternatives →
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
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