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Sprite Creation Tools

Resources for creating your own game sprites and images.

Recommended Tool: XcaliburMoon Sprite Paint Tool

URL: https://xcm-sandbox.tech/sprite-paint-tool/

Developer: XcaliburMoon

Features:

  • Free browser-based sprite editor
  • No installation required
  • Create sprites directly in your browser
  • Perfect for game sprites and pixel art
  • Export as PNG with transparency
  • Ideal for beginners and quick prototyping

How to Use:

  1. Visit https://xcm-sandbox.tech/sprite-paint-tool/
  2. Create your sprite (spaceship, bullet, enemy, etc.)
  3. Export as PNG
  4. Save to the appropriate assets folder
  5. Use in your game

Recommended for:

  • Player spaceship sprites (64x64 px)
  • Bullet sprites (8x16 or 16x32 px)
  • Enemy sprites (32x32 to 64x64 px)
  • UI icons (32x32 px)
  • Particle effects (16x16 px)

Desktop Tools

Free Tools

  • GIMP - Full-featured image editor (cross-platform)
  • Krita - Digital painting tool with sprite support
  • Paint.NET - Simple image editor (Windows only)

Paid Tools

  • Aseprite - Professional pixel art and sprite editor
  • Photoshop - Industry-standard image editor
  • GraphicsGale - Sprite animation tool

Where This Tool is Referenced

The XcaliburMoon Sprite Paint Tool is recommended in:

  • ADDING_IMAGES.md (main image guide)
  • QUICK_IMAGE_GUIDE.md (quick reference)
  • ASSETS_STRUCTURE.md (organization guide)
  • assets/PLACE_SPRITES_HERE.md
  • assets/EXAMPLE_FILE_LAYOUT.txt
  • assets/FOLDER_STRUCTURE.txt
  • assets/README.txt
  • All image subfolder README.md files

Workflow Example

  1. Design your sprite:

  2. Save to assets:

    • Save as: assets/images/player/spaceship.png
    • Or: assets/spaceship.png

  3. Test in game:

    • Run: love . or ./start.sh
    • Check console for "Loaded: assets/images/player/spaceship.png"
    • See your sprite in the game

Tips for Creating Sprites

  1. Start small: 32x32 or 64x64 pixels
  2. Use transparency: Save as PNG with alpha channel
  3. Keep it simple: Clear silhouettes work best
  4. Use contrast: Make sprites stand out from background
  5. Test in-game: Check how sprites look while moving
  6. Consistent style: Match all sprites to same art style

Alternative: Download Free Sprites

If you prefer using existing sprites:

  • Kenney.nl - High-quality free game assets
  • OpenGameArt.org - Community assets
  • itch.io - Free asset packs

Next Steps

  1. Visit https://xcm-sandbox.tech/sprite-paint-tool/
  2. Create your first sprite
  3. Save to assets/images/player/spaceship.png
  4. Run the game and see your sprite in action

See ADDING_IMAGES.md for complete implementation guide.