PixEffect workflow guide
PixEffect converts game VFX textures and sprite images into dot, halftone and pixel-art styles directly in the browser.
Imported images are processed in the browser. Review the final output before production use, especially when exporting transparent VFX textures.
1. Import an image
Drag a PNG, JPG, WEBP or TGA image into the Image Input area. For sprite sheets, enable Use Sprite Sheet and enter the correct columns and rows.
2. Choose the conversion mode
- Sprite Preserve: retains the original silhouette while simplifying it.
- VFX Texture: tuned for effects, glow and alpha textures.
- Comic Halftone / Soft Dot: stylized dot-screen output.
- Pixel Dot / Retro Screen: stronger pixel and retro-grid treatment.
3. True pixel control
Dot Size controls the visible pixel or dot body, while Cell Size controls sampling spacing. Increase both for a coarser retro-game result. Use square dots and crisp preview for a traditional pixel look.
4. Background and alpha
Use Photoshop Channel Screen for black-background additive VFX, or Chroma Key for a selected background color. Preserve Alpha is recommended for transparent PNG export.
5. Sequence preview
Set columns, rows and FPS, then use Play, Prev and Next to check whether the animated pixel pattern jumps between frames.
6. Export
Choose preview and export scale, verify transparency, then use Export PNG. Large source images and high export scales can consume significant browser memory.
Recommended starting points
- Classic pixel VFX: Pixel Dot + Square + larger Cell Size + low Softness.
- Anime halftone: Comic Halftone + Circle + moderate Color Simplify.
- Additive magic texture: VFX Texture + Photoshop Channel Screen + Preserve Alpha.