- Microsoft Paint is an easy and accessible tool for creating pixel art.
- Resizing parts of the image allows you to achieve a pixelated effect without external filters.
- The use of limited palettes improves the aesthetics and consistency of pixel art.
- Avoid JPEG format to preserve pixel accuracy when exporting your artwork.
Have you ever been curious about pixel art and wondered if you can get started in this world without any sophisticated software? The answer is closer than you think, because Microsoft Paint, that classic editor that comes integrated into Windows, is more than enough to take your first steps in this very particular digital art form.
Pixel art, also known as pixel art, has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, not only as a nostalgic representation of the video games retro, but also as a form of artistic expression. With basic Paint tools and a little patience, it is entirely possible to create eye-catching and creative works. without having to resort to Photoshop or similar programs. Let's see how to do it step by step and in great detail.
What is pixel art and why is Paint a good choice?
Before you jump into creating your own pieces, it's a good idea to understand what makes pixel art special. This style is characterized by images created pixel by pixel, with an intentionally "grid" aesthetic. Although it was originally a product of technological limitations, Today it is a valued artistic style that requires precision and creativity.
And why use Paint? Although there are more complex tools dedicated exclusively to pixel art, Paint offers simplicity, speed and universal accessNot everyone has a graphics tablet, but Paint is available with almost any Windows PC. Plus, it's great for getting started without being overwhelmed by hundreds of options. If you need to explore other options, you can check out how to use Paint. Improve a pixelated image in Photoshop.
Pixelate entire images or specific areas in Paint
A very useful and simple technique to pixelate parts of an image (for example, a face or personal information that we do not want to show) is to reduce the size of the area and then enlarge it againThis trick makes pixels more noticeable and creates a pixelated visual effect without the need for external filters.
To make it:
- Open the image in Paint by right-clicking on it and choosing “Edit”.
- Using the “Select” tool, mark the area you want to pixelate.
- Reduce its size by dragging from a corner.
- Then, enlarge that same area again so that it returns to its original size.
This simple process forces Paint to invent the missing pixels, resulting in a blurry, pixelated area. The more times you repeat this process, the greater the effect will be.This trick is especially useful for hiding sensitive data like browser tabs, usernames, or private areas from a screenshot. If you're interested in other methods for pixelating photos, you can check out this article on pixelate photos with Paint.
Pixelate a complete image step by step
If the intention is to pixelate the entire image (be it a photo, drawing or capture), a variant of the previous trick can be applied:
- Note the original dimensions of the image.
- Click "Resize" and select "Percentage." Reduce the size to 10% or less.
- Save that image with a new name.
- Resize the image back to its original size using “Pixels” this time.
The effect will be a completely pixelated image, with hard edges and sharply defined blocks of color. It is ideal for creating retro images or giving a nostalgic air to your designs.If you're interested in learning more about how to do this type of work, there are guides that can help you with different programs.
Create pixel art manually with Paint
Paint also allows you to work pixel by pixel as if it were a grid table. For this, it is advisable to zoom in up to 800%. and use the "Pencil" tool. This way you can paint each pixel with great precision. This method is ideal when you want to create a drawing from scratch, such as icons, characters, or scenes. Although it takes more time, the level of detail and control is maximum.
What tools to use in Paint and how to configure them
To work efficiently with pixel art in Paint, there are a few key settings to keep in mind:
- Disable any anti-aliasing options: Antialiasing smooths edges with extra pixels, which is not important in pixel art.
- Use the “Pencil” instead of the brush, since allows you to paint a single pixel without applying anti-aliasing.
- Work with a small canvas, for example, 64 x 64 pixels.
Additionally, you can activate a visual grid to help you better see individual pixels. Some users also recommend create a subview of the canvas to see a thumbnail of the result as you progress.
How to make a pixel-by-pixel portrait from scratch
A great way to learn is to create an avatar-style portrait. You can start with a 64 x 64 pixel canvas. Use the Symmetry Ruler tool (if your Paint version or alternative supports it) to work more evenly and automatically duplicate the design.
After:
- Draw a sketch in blue (or any other color that will help you differentiate it later).
- Corrects curves by removing duplicate pixels to smooth lines manually.
- Fill areas with flat colors.
It's fundamental maintain a logical progression when forming curves, for example, a 1-2-3 pixel sequence instead of a jumbled 3-2-1-4 one.
Color palettes and shading in pixel art
In pixel art, less is more. Use a simple palette It forces you to be more precise in your choices. The NES, for example, used a palette of only 56 colors. Limiting your palette helps achieve visual coherence and train the artistic eye..
Once you have your line art finished, you can apply shadows and highlights using the same palette. You can also apply a top layer in "Color" mode filled with black to visualize the luminosity values in grayscale. If you'd like to learn more about effective shading, there are helpful resources to guide you.
Advanced Effects: Manual Blurring and Textures
A very useful technique is dithering, which consists of interspersing pixels of different colors to create a gradient effect without adding new colorsThis technique adds depth without breaking the pixelated aesthetic. Apply this technique to clothing, backgrounds, or areas that simulate texture. However, for areas like the face, it's best to maintain more defined edges.
Export your work correctly
Once your pixel art piece is finished, it's vital to export it properly to preserve its quality. Avoid saving in JPEG format, as this file type adds compression that can ruin the detail of the pixel art. Prefer PNG or GIF, which don't alter the original image.
Also, be careful when uploading your work to social media, as many platforms automatically compress images. Twitter, for example, is more lenient if the image is exactly 506 pixels wide and in PNG format.
Inspiring cases: the example of Concha García Zaera
A prominent figure in the world of pixel art created in Paint is Concha García Zaera, a Valencian woman over 80 years old who surprised the world with her works created with this modest program. Without using advanced versions or professional tools, he has achieved an impressive level of detail., drawing pixel by pixel with enormous dedication.
Concha proves that what matters isn't the tool, but rather the technique, patience, and passion. Her works are inspired by postcards and photographs she received from her husband. She has even gained fame on social media, where her grandson created a profile for her so she could share her creations.
These stories remind us that Creativity has no age, and Paint remains a gateway to digital art for anyoneMicrosoft Paint, despite being a basic tool, has enough potential to allow you to delve into the world of pixel art. From pixelating photographs to creating original portraits from scratch, this program offers many possibilities when combined with a proper technical approach and some practice. The best part is that it's completely accessible for beginners, and with dedication, you can achieve truly amazing results.
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