Why is PNG used for pixel drawing?
The PNG keeps the image intact, and the flat colors and sharp pixels are protected from the JPEG compressions, and you can leave the blank spaces in its drawing transparent.
PNG is an image output; it does not replace the editable layers and squares. To continue working later, also store your Tintfolk project file.
Download your sketch as step by step PNG
Follow the following steps after finishing drawing in the editor. Optional names are the same as the export window in the Tintfolk editor.
Open export window
Use the editor's Export button or Export to the File menu option.
Select PNG as format
Select the current square for a single image. This option exports the open square at the time.
Choose an export scale
Use 1× for the original size, 2×, 4×, 8× or 16× for the expanded image.
Download and check your file
Press the download button. Open the PNG file from the browser downloads; examine the size, edges and background.
Pixel scale: Grow image without blurring
Export scale sets how many output pixels represent each canvas pixel. A 128 × 128 canvas exported at 4× produces a 512 × 512 PNG. Zooming in only changes your view.
The closer you work in the editor, the bigger the visual will be. Set output size with the Pixel scale option.
How do you protect a transparent background?
Unpainted or deleted pixels remain transparent in the PNG output, while white-painted pixels are not transparent; they are part of the image.
Delete or hide the unwanted pixels in the relevant layer to remove the background. Check that the other visible layer below does not fill that area. The helper used by the editor to show transparency is not added to the PNG output.
Current frame or sprite sheet?
| Option | When is it used? |
|---|---|
| PNG · current square | To share the active square in a single visual way. |
| PNG · all frames (sprite sheet) | To get all the squares left to right in one PNG. |
| Tintfolk project file | To continue to edit by maintaining layers and squares. |
PNG does not play animation. If you want a moving output, evaluate the GIF option in the editor. Sprite sheet is a constant visual where the squares are side by side.
Check these after recording
- You downloaded the right frame?
- On the scale that you expect the width and height of the visual?
- Is the space that should be transparent really empty?
- Are the pixel edges clear for a 100 percent or an integer zoom?
- Did you keep your project file to continue editing?
Try a smaller export scale if a large sprite sheet or a high scale prevents the download. Check the exported file at its actual size because some image viewers smooth their previews.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the PNG file look small?
The file at 1× scale is the actual size of the canvas. Select a scale such as 2× or 4× in the export window to share larger.
Why does the PNG background look white?
The viewer can show the transparent areas white, but if you paint the canvas white, these pixels stay in print. Check the image on a different color floor.
Does PNG protect layers?
The visible layers are merged in one image. Download the Tintfolk project file to store the layers in an orderly fashion.
How do I get all the animation squares?
Use PNG · all squares (sprite sheet) in the format field. Squares are ranked left to right in single PNG.
What should I do if I get a mistake downloading it?
Minimize the pixel scale and try again, especially multi-square sprite sheet files that can reach large sizes on a high scale.