What are Pixels?

One of the most common questions we get asked on Mega Voxels is what exactly are pixels? In this post I will explain what pixels are and how they are used by pixel artists to make artwork and games!

What are Pixels?

Pixels, commonly referred to as pixel art, are squares positioned inside of two-dimensional grid. Each pixel has a 2D coordinate where it is placed inside of the grid, along with a specific color that is displayed. All pixels are identical in size, however pixels can be combined in the same grid at different positions with different colors to create what is known as a pixel art image.

How are Pixels Created?

Pixels are created using a special type of software called a Pixel Editor, also known as a Pixel Art Maker. Pixel editors provide a common set of tools that give artists the ability to add, delete and paint pixels. Most modern editors also come with additional commands that simplify or speed up production of pixel images. Pixel software also provides export options that allow pixel artists to share their images in different size scales and file formats which can be used in other programs to make games and artwork.

As of today there are several popular editors for drawing pixel art including: Adobe Photoshop, Mega Voxels and Aseprite.

Pixels and Voxels

In theory pixels behave very similar to voxels. In fact voxels are the 3D implementation of pixels. So much that the word voxel is derived from the terms “volume” and “pixel”.

In 2D images, if you were to zoom in enough you would be able to see tiny squares of different colors. These little squares are known as pixels. Each of these pixels are positioned on a two dimensional grid. Each cell in the grid has an “X” position and a “Y” position along with a color value. This combination of squares makes up an image as a whole.

Voxels, frequently known as 3D pixels, behave in a similar way to pixels. They have to an exact location inside of a grid. However the major difference is now instead of dealing with 2 axis like pixels, you are dealing with 3. So if you can imagine the first example we gave about the pixel image, a voxel has a “X” position and a “Y” position just like a pixel. But now there is a third axis introduced which is the “Z” axis. This means that a voxel also has a “Z” position giving the artist the ability to make a 3D model instead of being limited to a 2D grid.

Apart from that, voxels behave exactly like pixels and are also assigned a single color just like a pixel. Just remember that voxels are used to make 3D models known as Voxel Art, while pixels are used to make 2D images which is known as Pixel Art.

What are Pixels Used For?

Pixels are used in many different scenarios, including 2D artwork for background images and video games through 2D sprites.

Artwork

Artwork using pixels, or Pixel Art, has risen in popularity with artists around the world because of how easy it is to learn and its unique crisp design. Many artists have used it to create everything from profile photos on social media to album covers for new music tracks. Because 2D images are supported by major pixel editors, high resolutions shots of pixel images can be exported and used easily.

Video Games

Pixels have become a staple in the gaming industry. Since video games first arrived on the scene more than 40 years ago, pixel art has been one of the most popular graphic styles. Because most pixel software support common image formats for export, such as PNG and GIF, it has made it ideal for game developers to use in their games. They were used most notably in hit mobile games such as Terraria and Super Mario Bros. where all game elements were designed using pixels. While pixel art was used in some games such as Mario because of technical limitations, more and more games have begun to use it for its unique style such as Jetpack Joyride where the style is the primary reason.

Where to Learn More About Pixels

Are you ready to start designing with pixels? Check out our Pixel Art Tutorial Library to get access to great pixel art tutorials for getting up and running fast. If you need some inspiration follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get the latest and greatest pixel art in your home feed daily!