Import, export, and publish
Open existing work, keep an editable copy, render finished files, or create a shareable Artwork page.
Open or import work
Use File > Open file, press Cmd/Ctrl+O, or drop a file over the editor. You can open:
- editable
.8bitProjects - PNG and animated PNG
- JPEG, WebP, SVG, BMP, and AVIF
- GIF, including its decoded frames and timing
Static images open as a fixed Project at their original dimensions. GIF and animated PNG can open as frame animations. When dropped, static images open the Pixelate image workflow; .8bit, GIF, and APNG files open as Projects.
You can also paste an image file from another application to open it as a new Project. This is separate from the editor's internal selection clipboard.
Save an editable Project
- Open Export.
- Choose Save editable .8bit.
- Store the downloaded file somewhere durable.
The .8bit file preserves the editable Project, including layers, frames, palette, tags, Stamp presets, and expandable raster content.
Export Artwork
- Choose Export or press Cmd/Ctrl+S.
- Select a format and scale.
- Set quality where the selected encoder uses it.
- Optionally place a matte color behind transparency.
- Choose the export action to download the result.
- PNG
- Lossless still image with transparency.
- JPG
- Compressed still image; use a matte for deliberate transparent areas.
- WebP
- Modern compressed still image.
- SVG
- Pixel-run vector output with crisp edges.
- GIF
- Widely supported looping animation with a limited palette.
- APNG / A.WebP
- Full-color animated image formats.
- Sheet
- A horizontal PNG sprite sheet with JSON frame metadata.
- WebM / MP4
- Video output using all frames and their timing.
Still formats use the active frame. Animated formats and sprite sheets use all frames. Export downloads files to your device and does not create an Artwork page.
Publish Artwork
- Sign in and choose Publish.
- Review or edit the Artwork title, which starts with the Project title.
- Select Private or Public.
- For a one-frame Project, choose Normal or High quality.
- Optionally add a Markdown description and select Include editable Project.
- Set comments, view counter, and a private-page expiry.
- Choose Publish, then copy or open the returned link.
Multi-frame Projects publish as GIF. One-frame Normal quality publishes as WebP, while High quality publishes as a pixel-perfect SVG.
Visibility and Artwork page options
- Private means link-only and unlisted. Anyone with the link can view it; it is not password protected.
- Public appears in the Gallery and your public profile after approval. The Gallery has format and editable-Project filters; My Artwork also includes your unlisted and pending publications.
- Comments can be enabled or disabled.
- The view counter and view recording can be enabled or disabled.
- A reviewed attached Project permits Open in editor; opening it preserves your current work and creates a new local copy.
- Owners can edit the title, description, visibility, expiry, and page settings, or delete the Artwork. Published images and attached Projects cannot be replaced.
- A private Artwork page can expire from one day through Forever.