Side by side
GameTools vs PikoPixel
Both stand on pixel art software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Web
GameTools combines browser-based art editors with broad import and export support while keeping creative files on the local disk. The free tier is limited, and Premium costs $9.99 a month.
Visit GameTools Free plan LinuxMac
Choose PikoPixel if you want a free, open-source pixel-art editor with layers, unlimited undo, and upscaled export. Check the platform requirements before downloading, particularly the Mac OS X version requirement or Linux and BSD framework needs.
Visit PikoPixelThe facts
| GameTools | PikoPixel | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Web | Linux, Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | Premium: $9.99 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | eggametools.com | twilightedge.com |
| On pixel art software | #20 of 70 | #24 of 70 |
GameTools: what it does well
- Multiple editors for 2D game assets
- Real-time WebGL2 shader preview
- Client-side creative-file handling
- Free tools need no account
- Commercial project use without restrictions
What to know first
- Free plan has file and editing limits
- Premium costs $9.99 a month
- Firefox and Safari lack direct folder access
- Best support is in Chromium browsers
PikoPixel: what it does well
- Free and open source under the GNU Affero General Public License version 3.
- Supports multiple layers and unlimited undo.
- Exports upscaled images.
- Offers linear, gamma-correct color blending.
- Runs on Mac OS X, Linux, and BSD.
What to know first
- The Mac version requires Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger or later.
- The Mac download is a PPC/Intel disk image.
- Linux and BSD use the GNUstep framework.
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