Choosing the best image format for pixel art | Pixel Companion

Choosing the Best Image Format for Pixel Art

Pixel art thrives on precision. Every pixel is intentionally placed to create crisp, nostalgic visuals. But even the most detailed artwork can be ruined by choosing the wrong file format. This guide explains how image formats impact pixel art, why lossless formats are essential, and how to pick the right one for your project.

Lossy vs. Lossless Formats: What’s the Difference?

  • Lossy formats (e.g., JPEG) compress files by permanently discarding image data, causing blurring or artifacts. Ideal for photos but disastrous for pixel art, these distortions are especially noticeable in pixel art, where sharp edges and limited colors define the style.
  • Lossless formats (e.g., PNG, GIF) Preserve every pixel’s data, ensuring no quality loss. Perfect for pixel-perfect preservation.

Common Image Formats for Pixel Art

PNG (Portable Network Graphics)

  • Pros
    • Lossless compression
    • Supports transparency (alpha channels)
    • Full color support (24-bit color)
  • Cons
    • Usually larger file sizes than JPEG and GIF, but smaller than BMP.
  • Best for: Final exports, detailed sprites and web use, sharing online, and archiving.

GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)

  • Pros
    • Lossless compression for images with ≤256 colors.
    • Supports simple animations.
  • Cons
    • Limited color palette (not ideal for gradients).
    • No semi-transparency (only basic on/off).
  • Best for: Animated pixel art or low-color sprites.

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)

JPEG is one of the most widely used image file formats, particularly for photographs, but should be avoided for pixel art.

  • Pros
    • Small file size
    • Widely supported: supported by virtually all devices, browsers, and software
    • Full color support (24-bit color)
  • Cons
    • Lossy compression
    • No transparency
    • Loss of detail with multiple saves: Every time a JPEG file is re-saved, it loses some quality due to repeated compression, which can degrade the image over time.
  • Best for: photos and images with complex color gradients where you need a smaller file size, as the compression algorithm can effectively reduce file size without sacrificing too much image quality.

Honorable Mentions

  • TIFF/BMP: Lossless but bulky, less practical for most uses.
  • WebP: Modern format supporting lossless and lossy compression, but limited software support.

Best Practices for Saving Pixel Art

  1. Always use lossless formats to preserve edits.
  2. Avoid upscaling with interpolation (keep pixel edges sharp), use Pixel Companion to upscale without loss.
  3. Export a copy in JPEG/WebP only if size constraints demand it.

Procreate Tips for Saving Pixel Art

Procreate’s default format (.procreate) is great for preserving layers and edits, but exporting requires careful choices:

Always Export as PNG

  1. Tap the Actions tool (wrench icon).
  2. Select Share > PNG.
  3. Ensure Transparency is enabled if needed.

Avoid JPEG in Procreate

If you must use JPEG, set the Quality slider to 100% to minimize damage.

Save Originals Separately

Never overwrite your .procreate files! Export copies as PNG for sharing.

FAQs

Q: Can I convert a JPEG to PNG to fix quality issues?
A: No—converting to lossless won’t restore lost data. Always edit and save originals in PNG/GIF.

Q: Can I use WebP for pixel art?
A: Yes, but only if you choose lossless WebP. However, not all platforms support it yet, if you are unsure, don’t use WebP.

Q: Is GIF outdated for pixel art?
A: No, but you might not want it, other formats are becoming more popular due to better quality and performance. If you’re working with simpler, low-resolution animations, GIF is still fine, but for more complex, modern pixel art, you may want to consider these newer options.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right format protects the integrity of your pixel art. Stick to PNG for most projects, GIF for animations, and avoid JPEG whenever possible. By prioritizing lossless formats, you ensure every pixel shines as intended.

By structuring your workflow around these guidelines, you’ll create sharper, more professional pixel art—and keep it looking flawless across platforms!