Piskel is a free and open-source graphic design tool developed by Julian Descottes. The application lets you create animated sprites, GIFs, and other pixel art. It is a simple editor with a clean user interface, suitable for beginners as well as professional graphic artists who are feeling nostalgic about arcade video games.

Straightforward and easy-to-use

What makes Piskel stand out when compared to alternatives like Krita and Aseprite is its clean and intuitive user interface. It is designed to be accessible to anyone who wants to pour out their creativity in pixel animation, whatever their level of expertise. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or an experienced one, this tool can serve as your playground.

The editor is equipped with just the right tools to help you create sprites for simple 2D games. It comes with a live preview that allows you to adjust frame rates accordingly. Plus, the application offers several export options to suit your project needs. The only drawback is that it has a very limited color palette.

Great for spriting

If you’re developing a 2D arcade game or like to make GIF animations, Piskel is an excellent pick. The editor is easy to use and features a no-frills interface, allowing for painless animations. Although it has a simple design, it can be a powerful tool for spriting once you’ve got the hang of it.