Ibis Paint X is a popular app for creating pixel art, offering free tutorials on specific in-app uses. While some users opt to sketch on paper first, others prefer to sketch directly on their mobile devices. The next step is to create a canvas, which can vary in size depending on the level of detail required for the artwork. After importing the image, it's important to adjust its size to fit the canvas. To achieve a pixelated effect, one can utilise the Digital Pen, with its various brush sizes, or the bucket tool to fill in specific areas with colour. The Pixel Perfect toggle in the settings also ensures that pencil drawings are pixel-perfect, but only when the mirror is turned off and the pixel size is set to 1.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Draw the sketch on paper |
| Step 2 | Create the canvas |
| Step 3 | Import the image |
| Step 4 | Add a lineart layer |
| Step 5 | Find the Digital Pen |
| Step 6 | Draw the lineart |
| Step 7 | Pick the bucket tool and fill in the places to be filled |
| Step 8 | Outlines |
| Image size | Images must be greater than 31x31 pixels |
| Pixel Perfect Toggle | Set up pixel-perfect pencil drawing |
| Rainbow Colours | Change the value of the current colour as you draw with each stroke |
| Random Colours | Random colours from the current colour palette for each pixel |
| Global Dithering | Enable global dithering on all tools |
| Image resolution | Change the width (px) |
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What You'll Learn

Sketch on paper or your mobile device
When creating pixel art on Ibis Paint X, the first step is to sketch your design. You can do this on paper or directly on your mobile device. If you prefer to sketch on paper, you will need to import your sketch into the app by taking a picture of it. Make sure the sketch is straight and clear, as you will be drawing on top of it. You can adjust the canvas size according to your needs, but it is recommended to experiment with different sizes.
If you choose to sketch directly on your mobile device, you can create your canvas first and then start sketching. The canvas size will depend on the level of detail you want in your pixel art. For a more detailed piece, you might opt for a larger canvas size.
Once you have your sketch ready, either on paper or on your device, you can start building your pixel art. Ibis Paint X offers various tools and features to help you create pixel art, such as the pixel-perfect pencil tool, lineart layer, and bucket tool. You can also adjust the brush size to suit your needs.
It is important to note that the minimum image size for uploading online is 31x31 pixels. Additionally, if you are creating a larger canvas, such as 500x500, and want it to look like 32x32, it might not be possible as the pixels will be off-center.
Remember that you can always refer to tutorials and experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. Building your own style is an important part of the creative process.
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Create the canvas
To create pixel art in Ibis Paint X, the first step is to create the canvas. This will serve as the foundation for your artwork.
When creating the canvas, you can choose the size that best suits your needs. For example, if you're working on a headshot, you might use a 200 x 200 canvas. The size can vary depending on the level of detail you want to include in your artwork. It's recommended to experiment with different canvas sizes to see what works best for your particular project.
Keep in mind that the canvas size also affects the file size and your workflow. A larger canvas with a higher pixel count will result in larger file sizes, which can take up more space on your device. Additionally, working with a smaller canvas can help you work faster and be more efficient.
Ibis Paint X offers the option to adjust the canvas size and resolution to suit your needs. You can change the image resolution by selecting the Canvas tool from the Tool Selection window and then choosing the Resize option. This allows you to modify the pixel count, width, and height of your canvas. Remember that significantly lowering the resolution can lead to a deterioration in image quality.
Additionally, when creating your canvas, consider the aspect ratio and resolution requirements for your intended output. For instance, if you plan to post your artwork on social media, you'll need a different resolution than if you were printing your artwork. Keep these factors in mind when setting up your canvas to ensure the best results for your pixel art project.
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Import your image
To import your image in Ibis Paint X, start by opening the app and creating a new canvas. The canvas size will depend on the level of detail you want in your pixel art. For example, a 200 x 200 canvas is suitable for a headshot. It is recommended to experiment with different canvas sizes to see what works best for your project.
Once you have created your canvas, you can import your image by tapping the camera icon on the layer menu. The imported image will likely be much larger than your canvas, so you will need to resize it. To do this, simply pinch your fingers on the image to zoom out and adjust it to fit your canvas. You can also adjust the image size by changing the pixel count (px) in the Tool Selection window. Remember that significantly lowering the resolution can worsen the image quality.
After importing and resizing your image, you can start working on your pixel art. If you want to add a lineart layer, you can create a new layer on top of your image layer. You can then use the Digital Pen tool or the bucket tool to draw and fill in the pixels. If you want classic pixels, you can use a digital brush size of 1, or you can use a larger size for easier coloring.
Remember that you can always refer to online tutorials and communities for more detailed instructions and tips on creating pixel art in Ibis Paint X. Additionally, you can experiment with different tools and settings within the app to find what works best for your pixel art creation.
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Add a lineart layer
When creating pixel art in Ibis Paint X, adding a lineart layer is a crucial step. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Understand Layers
Before adding a lineart layer, it's important to understand what layers are and why they're used. In digital art, layers act like multiple sheets of clear film stacked on top of each other. By separating different elements of your artwork onto distinct layers, you can work on each aspect individually without affecting the others. For example, you can have separate layers for line drawing, colouring, and the background. This way, the colours won't mix unintentionally.
Step 2: Create a New Layer
To add a lineart layer, start by opening the Layer window in Ibis Paint X. From there, you can create a new layer. This new layer will be transparent when you create it, allowing you to add your lineart without affecting the layers below. You can adjust the layer's opacity to control the visibility of the content on that layer.
Step 3: Position the Layer
Once you've created the new layer, you can decide where it should go in your layer stack. If you're adding lineart on top of a sketch or image, you can either delete the layer containing the sketch/image or simply create the new layer on top of it. To create a new layer on top, tap on the existing layer (within the blue "selected" lines) and swipe it up to move it up in the stack.
Step 4: Select the Digital Pen
Now that you have your lineart layer set up, it's time to choose your tools. In the brush settings, look for the Digital Pen or the brush size button. Scroll down a bit, and you'll find it underneath the Pen (Fade) option. Select the size you prefer for your lineart, considering the level of detail and ease of colouring. A size 2 brush, for instance, can be easier to work with for headshots, as it allows for smoother colouring and doesn't require thin lines.
Step 5: Draw the Lineart
With your lineart layer and tools ready, you can now start drawing your lineart. Take your time and carefully outline the shapes and details of your artwork. Remember that the lineart is an essential step in defining the structure and style of your pixel art. If you need to erase any mistakes or make changes, switch to the eraser tool and adjust its size accordingly.
Tips and Tricks:
- Experiment with canvas sizes to find the right level of detail for your pixel art.
- Use the bucket tool to fill in areas with colour, choosing a bright colour to easily spot any missed pixels.
- Set the colouring layer on alpha lock to ensure you colour within the lines.
- For adding outlines, adjust your background to a dark opacity and refer to the "FX" menu for options like "Stroke (Outer)."
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Use the digital pen and brush size button
To begin creating pixel art in Ibis Paint X, you must first create a canvas. The size of the canvas will depend on what you are drawing and how detailed you want it to be. It is recommended that you experiment with different sizes.
Once you have your canvas, you can start to create your pixel art using the digital pen and brush size button. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Tap the brush size button and scroll down until you find the Digital Pen. It should be right underneath the Pen (Fade).
- Select your desired brush size. Some people might prefer the 1 size for the digital brush, which creates classic pixels. Others, like the tutorial author, might prefer a larger size, such as 2, especially when working on headshots, as it makes colouring easier and the lines don't need to be thin.
- Now you can start drawing your line art. You can add a line art layer by either deleting the image under the image and creating a new one on top or by tapping on the layer image within the blue "selected" lines and swiping it up.
- After you've drawn your line art, you can start filling in the colours. Pick the bucket tool and fill in the desired areas. It's a good idea to choose a bright colour first to see if you've missed any pixels. Remember to set this colouring layer on alpha lock.
- Continue colouring and adding details to your pixel art. If you're adding outlines, you can do so by turning your background to a dark opacity and then going to the "FX" menu. Find the "Refer to Upper Layer" section and select "Stroke (Outer)".
- You can also experiment with different pixel art settings in Ibis Paint X, such as "Rainbow Colours", "Global Dithering", and "Disable Scroll Zoom".
Remember that building your own style is important, so feel free to experiment and adjust the techniques to your preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
First, you need to create an account with your email, Facebook or Apple account. Then, you can start experimenting with the app's features. You can create a canvas, import an image, and resize it to fit your canvas. You can also add a line art layer, and use the digital pen to draw.
To create a pixel-perfect image, you need to turn on the "Pixel Perfect" toggle in the settings. This will ensure that your image is crisp and clear, without any pixelation.
When using the bucket tool, it is recommended to use a bright colour so that you can easily see any missed pixels. Remember to set the colouring layer on alpha lock, so that you don't colour outside the lines.
To change the image resolution, go to the Tool Selection window and select the Canvas tool. Then, select Resize and turn on Keep Aspect Ratio. You can then change the pixel count by adjusting the Width (px).


























