Pixen logo

Pixen for Mac

By Open Sword Group Free Editors' Rating

Editors' Review

Download.com Staff Jul 2, 2013

While rather basic, Pixen for Mac includes quite a few distinguishing capabilities for creating pixel art. While this program certainly isn't Paint or Photoshop, it still offers all the expected tools needed for creating pixelated images and animations.

Once installed, Pixen for Mac offers a rather basic interface with all of the tools available in one place. The application allows for using several different backgrounds, including existing image files like photos or wallpapers. It also supports layers allowing for each layer to be edited or removed individually. The standard set of tools will be familiar to most users and includes tools such as pencil, eraser, eyedropper, magic wand, fill, lasso, line, rectangle, ellipse, etc., as well as a color tool. The program also allows for adjustments to the opacity of the pixels. In addition, it also allows users to link images together to make pixelated animations, which is a great function for digital artists. To check on their progress while creating an image, users can click on a Preview button, which opens a window that is easily adjustable in size.

We found the program on the whole fairly easy-to-use and multifunctional. Digital artists and amateurs, alike, who are looking for specific software for creating pixel images may really enjoy playing with the various capabilities of Pixen for Mac.

Full Specifications

What's new in version 3.5.9b2

General

Release November 25, 2012
Date Added November 25, 2012
Version 3.5.9b2

Operating Systems

Operating Systems Macintosh, Mac OS X 10.7, Mac OS X 10.8
Additional Requirements QuickTime 7 or later

Popularity

Total Downloads 15,889
Downloads Last Week 1
Report Software

Related Software

SketchUp logo

SketchUp

Free to try
SketchUp
Adobe Illustrator CS6 logo

Adobe Illustrator CS6

Free to try
Adobe Illustrator CS6
Sweet Home 3D logo

Sweet Home 3D

Free
Sweet Home 3D
SketchBook Pro logo

SketchBook Pro

Free to try
SketchBook Pro

User Reviews

4/5
10 User Votes
5 Star
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star

Developer's Description

Pixen is an innovative graphics editor for the Mac. It's designed from top to bottom for pixel artists - people who make low-resolution raster art like the sprites you see in old video games. But it's great for artists of all arenas: Pixen is like a very powerful MSPaint or a simpler, more agile Photoshop.
Promo image for CNET Shopping

Get the best price on everything

Shop your favorite products and we’ll find the best deal with a single click. Designed to make shopping easier.