Recommendations you can check.
Game designer; made Spelunky and Aquaria.
6 things
GraphicsGaleSoftware HUMANBALANCE
GraphicsGale GraphicsGale is the first standalone editor I remember hearing about that was designed just for pixel art and featured animation tools.
His pixel art tutorial, software section. Page carries no publication date; it says he was using GameMaker in 2019. (undated page)
AsepriteSoftware
If you're serious about making pixel art and don't already have an editor you're attached to, this is probably the way to go.
His pixel art tutorial, software section. Page carries no publication date; it says he was using GameMaker in 2019. (undated page)
PiskelSoftware
Piskel A surprisingly robust pixel art editor that runs in your browser! Can export to PNG or animated GIF, as well as saving locally to your browser. This seems like a great starting option.
His pixel art tutorial, software section. Page carries no publication date; it says he was using GameMaker in 2019. (undated page)
Drawing TabletHardware
I highly recommend a drawing tablet for any kind of digital artwork in order to prevent repetitive stress injuries to your wrists.
His pixel art tutorial, software section. Page carries no publication date; it says he was using GameMaker in 2019. (undated page)
GameMaker Studio 2Software YoYo Games
GameMaker Studio 2 + GameMaker Studio 2 is an excellent 2d-focused game-making tool that includes a decent Sprite Editor.
His pixel art tutorial, software section. Page carries no publication date; it says he was using GameMaker in 2019. (undated page)
PhotoshopSoftware Adobe
Since Photoshop is an expensive, subscription-based app that's not designed around pixel art, I don't recommend it unless you already have it for painting or image manipulation.
His pixel art tutorial, software section. Page carries no publication date; it says he was using GameMaker in 2019. (undated page)
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