A Java-based pixel art creation tool that combines simplicity with powerful features. PixelPainter provides an intuitive grid-based canvas where users can create pixel art through a combination of keyboard controls and mouse interactions (work in progress).
This project is a continuation of the original PixelPainter project, with additional features and improvements. The main goal was to implement a GUI for the application, making it more user-friendly and accessible. It then grew large enough to be its own project and repository. The original can be found here: https://github.com/TechnoZombie/PixelPainter .
It also makes use of a custom graphics library, based on simple-graphics where custom methods to allow for JFram manipulation were added, as well as Lombok and Slf4j.
PixelPainter is built with a focus on clean architecture and modular design. The application utilizes the SimpleGraphZ library for graphics rendering and implements a robust event-handling system for user interactions.
- Grid-based drawing surface with customizable dimensions
- Dynamic cursor highlighting for precise pixel placement
- Efficient rectangle-based rendering system
- Supports multiple canvas sizes and pixel densities
- Advanced color processing system with RGB support
- Custom color creation and management
- Color validation and conversion utilities
- Preset color palette with 10 standard options
- Sophisticated file management system
- Custom file format for saving pixel art (
.txt) - PNG export capability with intelligent bounds detection
- Screenshot functionality with automatic file naming
- Menu-driven interface with keyboard shortcuts
- Confirmation dialogs for destructive operations
- Color selector dialog with RGB input
- Status messages and user feedback system
- Event Handling: Implements the Observer pattern for keyboard and mouse events
- Color Processing: Custom color handling system with RGB conversion capabilities
- File Management: Robust save/load system with error handling and validation
- User Interface: Clean, minimal interface focused on functionality
- Custom Simplegraphz Graphics Library
- Lombok for reduced boilerplate
- Java AWT for advanced graphics operations
- SLF4J for logging
PixelPainter was built with these principles in mind:
- Modularity and clean separation of concerns
- Efficient graphics rendering
- Intuitive user interaction
- Robust error handling
- Extensible architecture
The project demonstrates proper use of:
- Object-oriented design principles
- Event-driven programming
- File I/O operations
- Graphics programming concepts
- User interface design patterns
Planned enhancements include:
- Layer system for complex artwork
- Undo/redo functionality
- Enhanced color palette management
- Brush size options
- Additional export formats
Currently in active development with regular updates and improvements. The core functionality is stable and fully operational.
PixelPainter is a demonstration of modern Java application design, combining practical functionality with clean architecture and efficient implementation.