# Pixel Art Editor User Manual

## Introduction

Thank you for choosing our Pixel Art Editor! This user manual will guide you through the installation process, introduce you to the main functions of the software, and provide you with instructions on how to use it effectively.

## Table of Contents

1. Installation
2. Main Functions
   - Coloring and Shading
   - Creating Animation Frames
   - Intuitive Interface
   - Zooming for Precise Editing
   - Color Palettes and Color Picker
   - Layers for Sprite Management
   - Real-time Animation Preview
   - Exporting Creations
3. How to Use
   - Drawing and Editing Sprites
   - Zooming In and Out
   - Selecting Colors
   - Managing Layers
   - Previewing Animations
   - Exporting Sprites
4. Troubleshooting
5. Frequently Asked Questions
6. Contact Support

## 1. Installation

To install the Pixel Art Editor, please follow these steps:

1. Ensure that you have Python installed on your computer. If not, you can download it from the official Python website (https://www.python.org).

2. Open a terminal or command prompt and navigate to the directory where you have downloaded the Pixel Art Editor files.

3. Run the following command to install the required dependencies:

   ```
   pip install -r requirements.txt
   ```

4. Once the installation is complete, you can launch the Pixel Art Editor by running the following command:

   ```
   python main.py
   ```

   The Pixel Art Editor window should now open, and you can start creating retro game sprites!

## 2. Main Functions

### Coloring and Shading

The Pixel Art Editor provides a comprehensive set of tools for coloring and shading your sprites. You can select different colors and apply them to individual pixels or larger areas of your sprite.

### Creating Animation Frames

With the Pixel Art Editor, you can easily create animation frames for your sprites. Each frame represents a different pose or movement of your character or object. You can create multiple frames and preview the animation in real-time.

### Intuitive Interface

The Pixel Art Editor features a graphical user interface (GUI) that is designed to enhance your user experience. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing you to focus on your creativity.

### Zooming for Precise Editing

To ensure precise editing, the Pixel Art Editor allows you to zoom in and out of your sprite. This feature enables you to work on individual pixels and make fine adjustments to your artwork.

### Color Palettes and Color Picker

The Pixel Art Editor supports various color palettes, allowing you to choose from a wide range of colors for your sprites. Additionally, the software provides a color picker tool that makes it easy to select colors from anywhere on your screen.

### Layers for Sprite Management

Managing complex sprites is made easy with the Pixel Art Editor's layer feature. You can create multiple layers and organize your sprite elements efficiently. Each layer can be edited independently, allowing for easy modification and reordering.

### Real-time Animation Preview

Previewing your animations in real-time is a breeze with the Pixel Art Editor. You can play your animation frames in sequence and make adjustments as needed. This feature helps you ensure that your animations flow smoothly.

### Exporting Creations

Once you have finished creating your retro game sprites, you can export them in popular file formats compatible with game development platforms. The Pixel Art Editor provides options to export your creations as PNG or GIF files, ensuring compatibility with your chosen game development tools.

## 3. How to Use

### Drawing and Editing Sprites

To draw and edit sprites pixel by pixel, follow these steps:

1. Select a color from the color palette or use the color picker tool to choose a custom color.

2. Click on a pixel on the canvas to color it with the selected color.

3. To edit a pixel, click and drag the mouse over the desired pixels to change their color.

### Zooming In and Out

To zoom in and out for precise editing, use the following shortcuts:

- Zoom In: Press the "+" key or use the Zoom In button in the toolbar.

- Zoom Out: Press the "-" key or use the Zoom Out button in the toolbar.

### Selecting Colors

To select colors for your sprites, use the following methods:

- Color Palette: Click on a color in the color palette to select it.

- Color Picker: Click on the Color Picker button in the toolbar, then click anywhere on your screen to pick a color.

### Managing Layers

To manage layers for efficient sprite management, follow these steps:

1. Click on the "New Layer" button in the toolbar to create a new layer.

2. Use the layer buttons in the toolbar to move layers up or down, delete layers, or hide/show layers.

3. Select a layer by clicking on it in the layer list. Any changes made will only affect the selected layer.

### Previewing Animations

To preview animations in real-time, follow these steps:

1. Create multiple animation frames by drawing or editing sprites.

2. Click on the "Play" button in the toolbar to start the animation preview.

3. Use the "Next Frame" and "Previous Frame" buttons to navigate through the frames.

### Exporting Sprites

To export your creations as PNG or GIF files, follow these steps:

1. Click on the "Export" button in the toolbar.

2. Choose the desired file format (PNG or GIF) and specify the file name and location.

3. Click "Save" to export your sprite.

## 4. Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues while using the Pixel Art Editor, please try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of Python installed on your computer.

2. Check that you have installed all the required dependencies by running the command `pip install -r requirements.txt` again.

3. Restart the Pixel Art Editor and try again.

If the issue persists, please contact our support team for further assistance.

## 5. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I import existing sprites into the Pixel Art Editor?

A: Currently, the Pixel Art Editor does not support importing existing sprites. You will need to recreate them within the editor.

Q: Can I resize the canvas?

A: The canvas size is fixed and cannot be resized within the Pixel Art Editor. However, you can zoom in and out to work on smaller or larger areas of the canvas.

Q: Can I undo or redo changes?

A: The Pixel Art Editor does not currently support undo or redo functionality. Please make sure to save your progress regularly.

For more frequently asked questions, please visit our website or contact our support team.

## 6. Contact Support

If you need further assistance or have any questions or feedback, please don't hesitate to contact our support team. You can reach us through the following channels:

- Email: support@pixelarteditor.com
- Phone: +1 123-456-7890
- Live Chat: Visit our website and click on the chat icon in the bottom right corner.

Our support team is available 24/7 to assist you.

Happy sprite creating with the Pixel Art Editor!

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