Introducing PixiEditor 2.0: The Universal 2D Editor Has Arrived
PixiEditor 2.0 - a FOSS Universal 2D Graphics Editor
https://pixieditor.net/
https://pixieditor.net/download/
The day is finally here. For years, you've known PixiEditor as a powerful and beloved pixel-art editor. Today, we’re thrilled to announce the release of PixiEditor 2.0, and it’s time to rethink everything. This is not just an update; it's a complete evolution.
PixiEditor 2.0 is a Universal 2D Editor — a brand-new category of creative software.
This isn't just another Photoshop alternative. We're taking the word "Universal" seriously. We have built an incredibly configurable raster and vector rendering pipeline that you can tailor to any workflow imaginable. Our goal is simple but ambitious: to build a single free and open-source editor that can handle the entire spectrum of 2D graphics:
- Raster: Classic image editing and painting.
- Vector: Scalable, non-destructive shapes and text.
- Animations: Frame-by-frame and procedural motion.
- Procedural: Non-destructive effects and generation with a powerful node graph.
Need to create a thumbnail for your YouTube video? Done. Edit an SVG file? Easy. Design a pixel-art animation spritesheet for your game? You bet.
The Game-Changer: The Node Graph
If there's one feature that defines the leap to PixiEditor 2.0, it's the Node Graph. This tool gives you unprecedented control over the rendering of your image, allowing you to create effects previously only possible in specialized software like game engines.
With the classic layers-and-tools approach, you can do a lot. With the Node Graph, you can do almost anything.
(Example: Fully procedural islands with seasonal animations, all within the Node Graph)
By connecting nodes, you can build complex, non-destructive effects from simple rules. Every layer is a node, ready to be manipulated, blended, and transformed. We're not joking when we say it's just a matter of time until someone runs Doom in it.
To showcase its power, we built a complete 3D cube texturing workspace with a live preview using only the Node Graph. And the best part? It's all contained within a single .pixi file that you can share with anyone.
Core Features, Reimagined
While the Node Graph is revolutionary, the core experience has been massively upgraded across the board.
Flexible Toolsets for Any Scenario
Seamlessly switch between Painting, Pixel-art, and Vector toolsets within the same project. You can now mix crisp, scalable vectors and detailed raster graphics on the same canvas without compromise.
Powerful, Non-Destructive Vectors
PixiEditor now natively supports High DPI vectors. This means you can work on a low-resolution pixel-art document and overlay it with vector shapes and text that will render perfectly crisp. All vectors live on their own layers, are fully non-destructive, and can be edited at any time with tools like:
- Path Tool (Bézier Curves and Polygons)
- Line, Ellipse, and Rectangle Tools
- Vector Fonts
Animations, Finally!
One of the most requested features is here: frame-by-frame animation! Create classic cel animations, or leverage the Node Graph to build stunning procedural animations. When you're done, export your work as a GIF, MP4 video, or a spritesheet ready for your game engine. Keyframe and vector animations are on the roadmap for a future update!
Still a Pixel-Art Powerhouse
To our long-time users: don't worry, we haven't forgotten our roots. The dedicated pixel-art toolset is better than ever, with features like a pixel-perfect brush, precise transform tools, and a non-destructive, pixel-perfect text tool.
The Future: Pixi Labs and the Founder's Pack
A big change behind the scenes is the creation of Pixi Labs Sp. z o.o., a legal entity to support the project's growth. But let us be crystal clear: PixiEditor is, and will always be, independent, free, and open-source.
So, how do we keep the lights on?
Over a year ago, I (the lead developer) left my job to work on PixiEditor full-time. To make this sustainable, we need to generate revenue to cover development, infrastructure, and hopefully hire more contributors.
Our model is simple: the core PixiEditor application will remain free forever. We will earn money by creating and selling high-quality, optional paid extensions and asset packs. It’s a win-win: the community gets a constantly improving free tool, and those who want more can support the project while getting powerful new resources.
Introducing the First Paid Extension: The Founder's Pack
To kick things off, we're launching the Founder's Pack today!
(For our old-timers, if you previously purchased the Supporter Pack, you'll get the Founder's Pack as a free upgrade!)
So, what's inside? The pack is loaded with incredible workspaces built with the Node Graph:
Card Builder: Whether you're a Balatro fan or designing your own TCG, this workspace automates patterns, suits, and ranks to make card creation a breeze.
3D Cube Texturing: Paint your texture and see it wrap around a rotatable 3D cube in real-time, all without leaving PixiEditor.
Seamless Texture Preview: A simple but essential workspace. Draw in one area and watch it tile instantly to check for seamlessness.
Reusable Pixel-Art Animation: A brilliant setup for creating multiple variations of the same animation using UV indexing. Perfect for game development!
The Founder's Pack also includes 21 unique color palettes and an exclusive in-app badge to show your support.
Join the Release Livestream!
Want to see PixiEditor 2.0 in action or ask us questions directly? Join our release livestream today (July 30th)! If you're reading this later, the recording will be available on our channel.
We'll be giving away copies of the Founder's Pack and a discount code, so you won't want to miss it!
A Quick Technical Note
PixiEditor 2.0 requires a Vulkan-compatible GPU and a 64-bit operating system. If your hardware doesn't meet these requirements, you can easily downgrade to version 1.0 via the "Betas" tab in the Steam library properties.
Thank You
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your incredible support on this journey. PixiEditor 2.0 is the culmination of years of work, and it's just the beginning. If you find PixiEditor useful, please consider purchasing the Founder's Pack. It's the single best way to ensure we can continue building this tool for everyone.
Now go make something cool. Or silly. Or tiny. Or huge. Whatever it is, have fun with it.
Discussion (1)
Yes, I'll test it and compare it with GIMP and Inkscape. In any case, it all sounds very promising at first glance: pixel and vector graphics editing in one, reversible effects (like in PhS), and all in a node system (better than PhS). The Vulkan claims indicate that much of the source code is in Vulkan, which is a really great future-proof foundation and allows for many features that can be useful for quick or even live effects implementation.
The only downside I notice right away is that there are also purchase options, and this is in a supposedly open-source software. Well, then it's more of an app with a stripped-down free mode, and the number of features not available will probably increase over time.
Thanks for the post here.