#best free to do app

[ramyamodugu]

Microsoft To Do vs. Todoist: Which is More Reliable as a Task Manager?

When it comes to staying organized and on top of your tasks, a reliable task manager is essential. With countless to do list apps available, it can be difficult to figure out which one suits your needs. Among the most popular todo apps are Microsoft To Do and Todoist, each offering unique features that cater to different preferences. But the question remains: which one is more reliable as a task manager? Additionally, there’s a new contender, Troop Todo, which is gaining traction for offering an integrated solution with added team collaboration features. In this article, we will compare Microsoft To Do, Todoist, and Troop Todo to determine which to do list app is the most reliable.

Microsoft To Do: Simple Yet Reliable

Microsoft To Do is one of the most widely used task managers, especially for those already immersed in the Microsoft ecosystem. Known for its simplicity, this to do app is great for individuals looking for a straightforward way to track their daily tasks. The to do lists are easy to create, and tasks can be broken down into subtasks for better organization.

One of the standout features of Microsoft To Do is its seamless integration with Microsoft 365, including Outlook. This makes it especially useful for people who use Outlook to manage emails and calendars, as it allows users to convert emails directly into tasks on their to do list. It's ideal for personal use or small-scale task management but may feel a bit limiting for users who need more robust features or team collaboration.

While Microsoft To Do is a reliable task manager, it lacks some of the advanced functionalities that other todo apps provide. For example, while you can set reminders and due dates, you won't find features like advanced filtering or recurring task management that some other todo list apps offer.

Todoist: Feature-Packed and Versatile

On the other hand, Todoist is a task manager designed for users who need something more advanced. It’s widely regarded as one of the best to do apps for productivity because it allows users to not only manage to do lists but also organize tasks using labels, priorities, and due dates. With its highly customizable features, Todoist lets you create more sophisticated workflows.

One of the best things about Todoist is its ability to handle both personal and team tasks. You can assign tasks to others, track progress, and even create shared projects. For those who work in teams or have complex task management needs, Todoist stands out as a solid choice. The todo list can sync across multiple devices, so your tasks are always up to date no matter where you are.

However, with all these features, Todoist can sometimes feel overwhelming for users who simply want a straightforward to do list. Its task management tools are incredibly powerful but come with a steeper learning curve, which may not be ideal for everyone.

Troop Todo: A Better Option for Team Collaboration

While both Microsoft To Do and Todoist have their merits, there’s a new player that’s quickly gaining attention: Troop Todo. Built as part of the Troop Messenger platform, Troop Todo integrates task management with team communication, making it a strong contender in the to do list app market.

One of the most unique aspects of Troop Todo is its seamless integration with Troop Messenger, a secure team messaging tool. With Troop Messenger, you can chat with team members, share files, and collaborate in real-time, all while managing your to do lists. This integration eliminates the need for separate communication apps and task management platforms, offering a more holistic approach to teamwork.

Unlike Todoist, which requires a third-party app for team communication, Troop Todo allows you to handle both task management and team collaboration in one place. Whether you're assigning tasks, sending updates, or working on projects, you can do it all within the Troop Messenger ecosystem. This makes Troop Todo an excellent choice for teams that need a streamlined solution for both task management and communication.

Moreover, Troop Todo features customizable task views, such as Kanban boards and calendar views, which allow teams to track progress visually. Whether you're managing individual tasks or collaborating on complex projects, Troop Todo provides a flexible environment that caters to various workflows.

Why Troop Todo is Better Than Todoist

When compared to Todoist, Troop Todo shines in the task management area due to its unique team collaboration features. For individual users, Todoist may be the best to do app due to its advanced organizational tools. However, for teams, Troop Todo is a game-changer because it combines task management with real-time communication, a feature that Todoist lacks.

Additionally, Troop Todo provides a more user-friendly experience than Todoist. The simplicity and integration with Troop Messenger allow users to jump straight into task management without the steep learning curve that often comes with other to do list apps. It’s the ideal solution for teams who need a simple yet effective tool for managing to do lists and communicating with each other.

Troop Messenger: The Backbone of Efficient Task Management

The true power of Troop Todo lies in its integration with Troop Messenger, an enterprise-grade communication tool that allows teams to share files, chat, and collaborate efficiently. Whether you’re a remote team or a group working in the same office, Troop Messenger ensures secure communication with features like end-to-end encryption.

By combining Troop Todo with Troop Messenger, businesses can streamline both communication and task management, avoiding the need to juggle multiple apps. Whether you're setting up a to do list, assigning tasks, or discussing project updates, Troop Todo helps teams stay organized and productive in one unified platform.

Conclusion: Which Task Manager is Best for You?

When it comes to choosing the most reliable task manager, it depends largely on your needs. If you’re looking for a todo app that integrates well with Microsoft 365 and you prefer simplicity, Microsoft To Do is a solid choice. It’s perfect for personal use or small teams who don’t need advanced features.

For those who require a more sophisticated task manager, Todoist is a great option with its comprehensive filtering, labeling, and collaboration features. However, its complexity can make it a bit overwhelming for some users.

If you’re part of a team and need an all-in-one solution for both task management and team collaboration, Troop Todo is a standout. By combining to do lists with real-time communication via Troop Messenger, it offers the best of both worlds, making it an excellent choice for businesses and teams that need to stay organized while working together.

Ultimately, the best to do app is the one that fits your workflow. Whether you choose Microsoft To Do, Todoist, or Troop Todo, all of these task managers have their place, but Troop Todo offers the added benefit of team communication integration, making it a reliable option for collaborative environments.

[ramya7]

Top Apps for Task Management and Organization: Featuring Troop Messenger's Kanban Boards

In our fast-paced world, balancing work and personal tasks can be challenging. To stay organized and efficient, many people rely on digital tools to simplify task management. From to-do lists to powerful Kanban boards, these apps can help transform the way you manage your daily responsibilities. One standout platform, Troop Messenger, not only excels in communication but also offers quality services for task management, making it an essential tool for individuals and teams. Let’s explore some of the best free to-do list apps and highlight the benefits of Troop Messenger’s features.

 Discover 6 Free ToDo Apps with Kanban Boards

When looking for the best app for to-do list management, you want something versatile, intuitive, and packed with features to simplify your life. Whether you prefer a simple to-do list app or a more robust task manager with Kanban boards, these free apps will make your daily organization a breeze. Here are the top options:

 1. Todoist

Todoist has long been recognized as one of the best to-do list apps available. With its clean interface and powerful task management features, Todoist is a favorite among productivity enthusiasts. It supports task scheduling, recurring reminders, and project organization.

Key Features:

- Easy-to-use to-do list app for personal and professional tasks

- Supports natural language input, making task creation quick and easy

- Integrations with other apps to streamline workflows

 2. Microsoft To Do

Microsoft To Do is a simple yet effective to-do list app. It provides smart suggestions, customizable task lists, and the ability to set reminders and due dates. It’s a free to-do app that syncs across all devices, ensuring you stay on top of tasks wherever you are.

Benefits:

- Seamless integration with Microsoft Office tools

- Easy categorization of tasks for better task management

- Ideal for both work and personal to-do lists

 3. Trello

Trello stands out as one of the best apps for to-do list and project management, using Kanban boards to organize tasks visually. Each board can be customized with labels, due dates, and checklists, making it easy to track the progress of individual or team projects.

Trello Features:

- Drag-and-drop functionality for effortless task management

- Collaboration features for teams

- Integration with various productivity tools for seamless workflows

 4. Asana

Asana is a top-rated to-do list app with features designed for both simple task tracking and complex project management. It offers Kanban boards, timeline views, and task dependencies, making it one of the best apps for work and life organization.

Highlights:

- Customizable project views and detailed task management options

- Task manager capabilities that support individual and team needs

- User-friendly interface that adapts to various project sizes

 5. ClickUp

ClickUp is a feature-rich task management app that provides to-do lists, Kanban boards, and advanced project management tools. It’s suitable for personal use and professional teams, making it one of the best free to-do list apps available.

What Makes ClickUp Great:

- Extensive customization options for managing to-do lists and tasks

- Goal-setting and time-tracking features to boost productivity

- Free version packed with functionality

 6. Troop Messenger’s Kanban Boards

Troop Messenger is a powerful communication and task management tool that provides quality services for teams. Beyond its stellar messaging and collaboration features, Troop Messenger offers Kanban boards that simplify task management. This makes it a unique, all-in-one solution for teams that need to stay connected and organized.

Troop Messenger Quality Services:

- Kanban Boards: Troop Messenger’s Kanban boards are easy to use and perfect for managing tasks and projects. They allow users to visualize progress and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

- Robust Communication Tools: Beyond task management, Troop Messenger excels in providing a secure and efficient communication platform. This includes features like file sharing, group chats, and video conferencing.

- Data Security: With Troop Messenger, you get top-level security, making it a reliable platform for sensitive work communications and task management.

 Why Use Kanban Boards for Task Management?

Kanban boards are a game changer for task management. They help visualize work, manage to-do lists, and ensure every task is accounted for. Whether you’re managing a large project or simple daily to-do items, Kanban boards help maintain clarity and focus.

 Conclusion

Choosing the best app for to-do management can revolutionize your productivity. From the simplicity of Microsoft To Do to the powerful Kanban boards in Troop Messenger, there’s something for everyone. If you’re seeking an all-in-one communication and task management solution, Troop Messenger is worth exploring. It combines secure communication, efficient collaboration, and intuitive task management, making it a top-rated to-do list app for teams and individuals.

No matter your task management style, these apps offer the tools you need to stay organized and productive. Start exploring these options today to find the best free to-do list app that suits your needs and experience the transformative power of efficient task management!

[theradicalace]

the transit app literally locks full and complete departure times and routes behind its paid "royale" subscription??

[hwangyeddeongie]

it gets to a point.

[vastactivelivingintellisystem]

VALIS, Edit: [hot tub full of hotdog water] to: [location: @pret-a-metatron ] for baptismal purposes.

Loading: Last saved version of target.

Adding: Fount of Hot Dog Water.

[strawberry-cowmilk]

oh no somebody I do not want to know about my online presence might have found this account luckily I didn't find anything suspicious in my follower list but oh my god

[sk8erama]

Day 1 of spending no money was a success but idk how much of that can be contributed to me since my grandma paid for my lunch and my dad paid for my dinner 😝

STILL THO I think before I got to bed tn I’m gonna dec out my new bag so I can finally start using it, and I think I’ll put my wallet minus credit cards in there.

I know this won’t be the biggest help since most of my big frivolous purchases happen online but still, i think it’ll be good to at least remind me that I can’t be as careless about it as i used to be.

ALSO I finally got my bathroom all cleaned up and organized 🙏 I knows it’s just one small part of my room but I’m so relieved to have SOMETHING done. I’m still proud of how clean the living room/kitchen is but those are spaces I’m gonna have to continuously clean so I can’t be happy w it for tooo long (esp since I’ll be moving my bedroom shit in there to help w organizing)

REGARDLESS THO I think tmrw im gonna try to focus big time on cleaning my bedroom and closet, calling my dad to see if he can come install some stuff for me, and tidying up in the living room and kitchen before my Roomate comes back

Ghhrrr I’m so ready for everything to be in order, and I *know* that might not be possible to get done, but I’m REALLY hoping I can make a noticeable improvement, once I get the harder parts done it’ll at least be easier for me to finish up the next day 🤙

[nightsandreala]

wizeman said it’s his turn on the computer

[born-to-lose]

I love being the always single person in my family, mad respect to my sister for constantly dating guys for the last 8 years, I would have shot myself

[tidemoonchild]

Programs used: Wink (x) (x) & Photoshop FC used: Violet McGraw & Mckenna Grace PS: Here's a link in case you want to use Wink on PC (x)

[james-sunshine-potter]

pov you’ve just entered your best friends house one fateful Halloween.

(tap for better quality)

[ramyamodugu]

Microsoft To Do vs. Todoist: Which is More Reliable as a Task Manager?

When it comes to staying organized and on top of your tasks, a reliable task manager is essential. With countless to do list apps available, it can be difficult to figure out which one suits your needs. Among the most popular todo apps are Microsoft To Do and Todoist, each offering unique features that cater to different preferences. But the question remains: which one is more reliable as a task manager? Additionally, there’s a new contender, Troop Todo, which is gaining traction for offering an integrated solution with added team collaboration features. In this article, we will compare Microsoft To Do, Todoist, and Troop Todo to determine which to do list app is the most reliable.

Microsoft To Do: Simple Yet Reliable

Microsoft To Do is one of the most widely used task managers, especially for those already immersed in the Microsoft ecosystem. Known for its simplicity, this to do app is great for individuals looking for a straightforward way to track their daily tasks. The to do lists are easy to create, and tasks can be broken down into subtasks for better organization.

One of the standout features of Microsoft To Do is its seamless integration with Microsoft 365, including Outlook. This makes it especially useful for people who use Outlook to manage emails and calendars, as it allows users to convert emails directly into tasks on their to do list. It's ideal for personal use or small-scale task management but may feel a bit limiting for users who need more robust features or team collaboration.

While Microsoft To Do is a reliable task manager, it lacks some of the advanced functionalities that other todo apps provide. For example, while you can set reminders and due dates, you won't find features like advanced filtering or recurring task management that some other todo list apps offer.

Todoist: Feature-Packed and Versatile

On the other hand, Todoist is a task manager designed for users who need something more advanced. It’s widely regarded as one of the best to do apps for productivity because it allows users to not only manage to do lists but also organize tasks using labels, priorities, and due dates. With its highly customizable features, Todoist lets you create more sophisticated workflows.

One of the best things about Todoist is its ability to handle both personal and team tasks. You can assign tasks to others, track progress, and even create shared projects. For those who work in teams or have complex task management needs, Todoist stands out as a solid choice. The todo list can sync across multiple devices, so your tasks are always up to date no matter where you are.

However, with all these features, Todoist can sometimes feel overwhelming for users who simply want a straightforward to do list. Its task management tools are incredibly powerful but come with a steeper learning curve, which may not be ideal for everyone.

Troop Todo: A Better Option for Team Collaboration

While both Microsoft To Do and Todoist have their merits, there’s a new player that’s quickly gaining attention: Troop Todo. Built as part of the Troop Messenger platform, Troop Todo integrates task management with team communication, making it a strong contender in the to do list app market.

One of the most unique aspects of Troop Todo is its seamless integration with Troop Messenger, a secure team messaging tool. With Troop Messenger, you can chat with team members, share files, and collaborate in real-time, all while managing your to do lists. This integration eliminates the need for separate communication apps and task management platforms, offering a more holistic approach to teamwork.

Unlike Todoist, which requires a third-party app for team communication, Troop Todo allows you to handle both task management and team collaboration in one place. Whether you're assigning tasks, sending updates, or working on projects, you can do it all within the Troop Messenger ecosystem. This makes Troop Todo an excellent choice for teams that need a streamlined solution for both task management and communication.

Moreover, Troop Todo features customizable task views, such as Kanban boards and calendar views, which allow teams to track progress visually. Whether you're managing individual tasks or collaborating on complex projects, Troop Todo provides a flexible environment that caters to various workflows.

Why Troop Todo is Better Than Todoist

When compared to Todoist, Troop Todo shines in the task management area due to its unique team collaboration features. For individual users, Todoist may be the best to do app due to its advanced organizational tools. However, for teams, Troop Todo is a game-changer because it combines task management with real-time communication, a feature that Todoist lacks.

Additionally, Troop Todo provides a more user-friendly experience than Todoist. The simplicity and integration with Troop Messenger allow users to jump straight into task management without the steep learning curve that often comes with other to do list apps. It’s the ideal solution for teams who need a simple yet effective tool for managing to do lists and communicating with each other.

Troop Messenger: The Backbone of Efficient Task Management

The true power of Troop Todo lies in its integration with Troop Messenger, an enterprise-grade communication tool that allows teams to share files, chat, and collaborate efficiently. Whether you’re a remote team or a group working in the same office, Troop Messenger ensures secure communication with features like end-to-end encryption.

By combining Troop Todo with Troop Messenger, businesses can streamline both communication and task management, avoiding the need to juggle multiple apps. Whether you're setting up a to do list, assigning tasks, or discussing project updates, Troop Todo helps teams stay organized and productive in one unified platform.

Conclusion: Which Task Manager is Best for You?

When it comes to choosing the most reliable task manager, it depends largely on your needs. If you’re looking for a todo app that integrates well with Microsoft 365 and you prefer simplicity, Microsoft To Do is a solid choice. It’s perfect for personal use or small teams who don’t need advanced features.

For those who require a more sophisticated task manager, Todoist is a great option with its comprehensive filtering, labeling, and collaboration features. However, its complexity can make it a bit overwhelming for some users.

If you’re part of a team and need an all-in-one solution for both task management and team collaboration, Troop Todo is a standout. By combining to do lists with real-time communication via Troop Messenger, it offers the best of both worlds, making it an excellent choice for businesses and teams that need to stay organized while working together.

Ultimately, the best to do app is the one that fits your workflow. Whether you choose Microsoft To Do, Todoist, or Troop Todo, all of these task managers have their place, but Troop Todo offers the added benefit of team communication integration, making it a reliable option for collaborative environments.

[sleepis4theweak]

Hiya! I’m kind of a small creator on here and trying to get my rottmnt fic an audience but no matter what I do as promo material (art, skits, rambles) nothing ever works to get more than like 2 notes max. I’m confident in my story’s quality so I’m fairly sure that’s not the issue. I was wondering if you have any advice or anything like that? Your stuff is lovely and get a lot of community engagement so I’m curious if there was anything you actively did that helped you grow! I hope this doesn’t come off as rude or desperate, I just wanted to know if I was missing something since I’m pretty new to Tumblr. Enjoy your day ^^

Don't worry! You don't come off as rude or desperate at all!! <3

But tbh... you are asking the wrong person here...

I'm going into marketing, and I spent a full school year in high school doing an independent study on social media algorithms. So I know a LOT about how to grow social media followings- specifically instagram accounts.

But I never actually studied tumblr. I used to use instagram as a platform, but knowing how the algorithm worked was too stressful for me... I'd post stuff and be like "the algorithm won't like this because blah blah blah." Eventually I was drawing for the algorithm and not for me, and so I quit because it just wasn't fun anymore...

Which is why I have very specifically not studied Tumblr's algorithm, because I don't want it to turn into the same situation as with instagram. So I don't know a ton about how to grow a following... and also I've only been on tumblr for 5 months...

THAT BEING SAID: I can walk you through my tumblr and how it's grown!

My very first post was of a meme redraw with the 2012 turtles. I think it got around 1,600 likes?

I posted a couple more things, with varying amounts of likes and such. My first comic (which I never actually completed past the first part) got a total of 7 likes within the first months of posting it. Only when I got more followers did the like amount change.

When I posted my first chapter of the Flashbacks AU, I had 33 or so followers. I think I got to like... 300 followers from that first chapter alone. From there it was just... a steady growth of followers I guess. And with followers comes more reblogs, and with more reblogs comes more followers.

I have around 1,600 followers now. Not everyone is gonna like my posts, I think I get around 20 for responded asks and 100-300 for random pieces of art. Comics get closers to 600 or so. It depends on the content.

I think there are a couple of universal things that help grow an account:

1- Making sure your content is reaching the right people. Put the right tags in. Go crazy with them in fact. If I'm posting a piece with Rise Mikey in it, Im gonna tag: Mikey, Mikey tmnt, Mikey 2018, ROTTMNT, Rise Mikey, etc etc. On instagram they are currently trying to get people to limit their use of tags, but I don't think the same thing applies here. Even tho tags don't help as much here, they are still a good tool!

2- Consistency. Idk how it works on this platform, but consistency is generally a good thing! With instagram theres an actual method to it (1 post a day= good, but the more posts you do a day the less people it shows it to), it might be worth it to look up if tumblr has something similar.

3- Have fun with it! I know this is kinda lame to say... but don't change your content for views. Just... do what you like and eventually your target audience will find you :)

4- Engage with what audience you do have! It's fun to bond with people online, and it helps that "community engagement" piece you talked about!

5-... stalk people hehe. (By which I mean: Look at what other artists post! What tags do they use, do they reblog their own posts a lot, etc etc. Also look at artists with similar followings to your own. For example, studying Cass might not be very helpful, because Cass has a large amount of followers and I'm convinced they could post a picture of a blank canvas and still get 1,000 likes hehe... BUT- I mean you could scroll down to Cass' (or other artist's) first posts and see what they were doing then! Just... observe others I suppose!)

Id love to tell you likes don’t matter, that what matters is having fun and loving what you are drawing. But also I do know how it feels to post something you are really proud of and then have no one like it- it sucks.

But just keep on going :) You'll find your people eventually I'm sure.

OH ALSO: IF ANYONE ELSE HAS ANY TIPS FEEL FREE TO REBLOG AND ADD STUFF IN!!! <3

[caramel-mousse]

I was skeptical of sanrio characters picross but its like if pokemon picross was actually fucking good

[nystiaa]

This won't work, please use Glaze and Nightshade!!

AI disturbance overlays for those who don't have Ibis paint premium. found them on tiktok

[tofupixel]

⭐ So you want to learn pixel art? ⭐

🔹 Part 1 of ??? - The Basics!

Edit: Now available in Google Doc format if you don't have a Tumblr account 🥰

Hello, my name is Tofu and I'm a professional pixel artist. I have been supporting myself with freelance pixel art since 2020, when I was let go from my job during the pandemic.

My progress, from 2017 to 2024. IMO the only thing that really matters is time and effort, not some kind of natural talent for art.

This guide will not be comprehensive, as nobody should be expected to read allat. Instead I will lean heavily on my own experience, and share what worked for me, so take everything with a grain of salt. This is a guide, not a tutorial. Cheers!

🔹 Do I need money?

NO!!! Pixel art is one of the most accessible mediums out there.

I still use a mouse because I prefer it to a tablet! You won't be at any disadvantage here if you can't afford the best hardware or software.

Because our canvases are typically very small, you don't need a good PC to run a good brush engine or anything like that.

✨Did you know? One of the most skilled and beloved pixel artists uses MS PAINT! Wow!!

🔹 What software should I use?

Here are some of the most popular programs I see my friends and peers using. Stars show how much I recommend the software for beginners! ⭐

💰 Paid options:

⭐⭐⭐ Aseprite (for PC) - $19.99

This is what I and many other pixel artists use. You may find when applying to jobs that they require some knowledge of Aseprite. Since it has become so popular, companies like that you can swap raw files between artists.

Aseprite is amazingly customizable, with custom skins, scripts and extensions on Itch.io, both free and paid.

If you have ever used any art software before, it has most of the same features and should feel fairly familiar to use. It features a robust animation suite and a tilemap feature, which have saved me thousands of hours of labour in my work. The software is also being updated all the time, and the developers listen to the users. I really recommend Aseprite!

⭐ Photoshop (for PC) - Monthly $$

A decent option for those who already are used to the PS interface. Requires some setup to get it ready for pixel-perfect art, but there are plenty of tutorials for doing so.

Animation is also much more tedious on PS which you may want to consider before investing time!

⭐⭐ ProMotion NG (for PC) - $19.00

An advanced and powerful software which has many features Aseprite does not, including Colour Cycling and animated tiles.

⭐⭐⭐ Pixquare (for iOS) - $7.99 - $19.99 (30% off with code 'tofu'!!)

Probably the best app available for iPad users, in active development, with new features added all the time.

Look! My buddy Jon recommends it highly, and uses it often.

One cool thing about Pixquare is that it takes Aseprite raw files! Many of my friends use it to work on the same project, both in their office and on the go.

⭐ Procreate (for iOS) - $12.99

If you have access to Procreate already, it's a decent option to get used to doing pixel art. It does however require some setup. Artist Pixebo is famously using Procreate, and they have tutorials of their own if you want to learn.

⭐⭐ ReSprite iOS and Android. (free trial, but:) $19.99 premium or $$ monthly

ReSprite is VERY similar in terms of UI to Aseprite, so I can recommend it. They just launched their Android release!

🆓 Free options:

⭐⭐⭐ Libresprite (for PC)

Libresprite is an alternative to Aseprite. It is very, very similar, to the point where documentation for Aseprite will be helpful to Libresprite users.

⭐⭐ Pixilart (for PC and mobile)

A free in-browser app, and also a mobile app! It is tied to the website Pixilart, where artists upload and share their work. A good option for those also looking to get involved in a community.

⭐⭐ Dotpict (for mobile)

Dotpict is similar to Pixilart, with a mobile app tied to a website, but it's a Japanese service. Did you know that in Japanese, pixel art is called 'Dot Art'? Dotpict can be a great way to connect with a different community of pixel artists! They also have prompts and challenges often.

🔹 So I got my software, now what?

◽Nice! Now it's time for the basics of pixel art.

❗ WAIT ❗ Before this section, I want to add a little disclaimer. All of these rules/guidelines can be broken at will, and some 'no-nos' can look amazing when done intentionally.

The pixel-art fundamentals can be exceedingly helpful to new artists, who may feel lost or overwhelmed by choice. But if you feel they restrict you too harshly, don't force yourself! At the end of the day it's your art, and you shouldn't try to contort yourself into what people think a pixel artist 'should be'. What matters is your own artistic expression. 💕👍

◽Phew! With that out of the way...

🔸"The Rules"

There are few hard 'rules' of pixel art, mostly about scaling and exporting. Some of these things will frequently trip up newbies if they aren't aware, and are easy to overlook.

🔹Scaling method

There are a couple ways of scaling your art. The default in most art programs, and the entire internet, is Bi-linear scaling, which usually works out fine for most purposes. But as pixel artists, we need a different method.

Both are scaled up x10. See the difference?

On the left is scaled using Bilinear, and on the right is using Nearest-Neighbor. We love seeing those pixels stay crisp and clean, so we use nearest-neighbor. 

(Most pixel-art programs have nearest-neighbor enabled by default! So this may not apply to you, but it's important to know.)

🔹Mixels

Mixels are when there are different (mixed) pixel sizes in the same image.

Here I have scaled up my art- the left is 200%, and the right is 150%. Yuck!

As we can see, the "pixel" sizes end up different. We generally try to scale our work by multiples of 100 - 200%, 300% etc. rather than 150%. At larger scales however, the minute differences in pixel sizes are hardly noticeable!

Mixels are also sometimes seen when an artist scales up their work, then continues drawing on it with a 1 pixel brush.

Many would say that this is not great looking! This type of pixels can be indicative of a beginner artist. But there are plenty of creative pixel artists out there who mixels intentionally, making something modern and cool.

🔹Saving Your Files

We usually save our still images as .PNGs as they don’t create any JPEG artifacts or loss of quality. It's a little hard to see here, but there are some artifacts, and it looks a little blurry. It also makes the art very hard to work with if we are importing a JPEG.

For animations .GIF is good, but be careful of the 256 colour limit. Try to avoid using too many blending mode layers or gradients when working with animations. If you aren’t careful, your animation could flash afterwards, as the .GIF tries to reduce colours wherever it can. It doesn’t look great!

Here's an old piece from 2021 where I experienced .GIF lossiness, because I used gradients and transparency, resulting in way too many colours.

🔹Pixel Art Fundamentals - Techniques and Jargon

❗❗Confused about Jaggies? Anti-Aliasing? Banding? Dithering? THIS THREAD is for you❗❗ << it's a link, click it!!

As far as I'm concerned, this is THE tutorial of all time for understanding pixel art. These are techniques created and named by the community of people who actually put the list together, some of the best pixel artists alive currently. Please read it!!

🔸How To Learn

Okay, so you have your software, and you're all ready to start. But maybe you need some more guidance? Try these tutorials and resources! It can be helpful to work along with a tutorial until you build your confidence up.

⭐⭐ Pixel Logic (A Digital Book) - $10 A very comprehensive visual guide book by a very skilled and established artist in the industry. I own a copy myself.

⭐⭐⭐ StudioMiniBoss - free A collection of visual tutorials, by the artist that worked on Celeste! When starting out, if I got stuck, I would go and scour his tutorials and see how he did it.

⭐ Lospec Tutorials - free A very large collection of various tutorials from all over the internet. There is a lot to sift through here if you have the time.

⭐⭐⭐ Cyangmou's Tutorials - free (tipping optional) Cyangmou is one of the most respected and accomplished modern pixel artists, and he has amassed a HUGE collection of free and incredibly well-educated visual tutorials. He also hosts an educational stream every week on Twitch called 'pixelart for beginners'.

⭐⭐⭐ Youtube Tutorials - free There are hundreds, if not thousands of tutorials on YouTube, but it can be tricky to find the good ones. My personal recommendations are MortMort, Brandon, and AdamCYounis- these guys really know what they're talking about!

🔸 How to choose a canvas size

When looking at pixel art turorials, we may see people suggest things like 16x16, 32x32 and 64x64. These are standard sizes for pixel art games with tiles. However, if you're just making a drawing, you don't necessarily need to use a standard canvas size like that.

What I like to think about when choosing a canvas size for my illustrations is 'what features do I think it is important to represent?' And make my canvas as small as possible, while still leaving room for my most important elements.

Imagine I have characters in a scene like this:

I made my canvas as small as possible (232 x 314), but just big enough to represent the features and have them be recognizable (it's Good Omens fanart 😤)!! If I had made it any bigger, I would be working on it for ever, due to how much more foliage I would have to render.

If you want to do an illustration and you're not sure, just start at somewhere around 100x100 - 200x200 and go from there.

It's perfectly okay to crop your canvas, or scale it up, or crunch your art down at any point if you think you need a different size. I do it all the time! It only takes a bit of cleanup to get you back to where you were.

🔸Where To Post

Outside of just regular socials, Twitter, Tumblr, Deviantart, Instagram etc, there are a few places that lean more towards pixel art that you might not have heard of.

⭐ Lospec Lospec is a low-res focused art website. Some pieces get given a 'monthly masterpiece' award. Not incredibly active, but I believe there are more features being added often.

⭐⭐ Pixilart Pixilart is a very popular pixel art community, with an app tied to it. The community tends to lean on the young side, so this is a low-pressure place to post with an relaxed vibe.

⭐⭐ Pixeljoint Pixeljoint is one of the big, old-school pixel art websites. You can only upload your art unscaled (1x) because there is a built-in zoom viewer. It has a bit of a reputation for being elitist (back in the 00s it was), but in my experience it's not like that any more. This is a fine place for a pixel artist to post if they are really interested in learning, and the history. The Hall of Fame has some of the most famous / impressive pixel art pieces that paved the way for the work we are doing today.

⭐⭐⭐ Cafe Dot Cafe Dot is my art server so I'm a little biased here. 🍵 It was created during the recent social media turbulence. We wanted a place to post art with no algorithms, and no NFT or AI chuds. We have a heavy no-self-promotion rule, and are more interested in community than skill or exclusivity. The other thing is that we have some kind of verification system- you must apply to be a Creator before you can post in the Art feed, or use voice. This helps combat the people who just want to self-promo and dip, or cause trouble, as well as weed out AI/NFT people. Until then, you are still welcome to post in any of the threads or channels. There is a lot to do in Cafe Dot. I host events weekly, so check the threads!

⭐⭐/r/pixelart The pixel art subreddit is pretty active! I've also heard some of my friends found work through posting here, so it's worth a try if you're looking. However, it is still Reddit- so if you're sensitive to rude people, or criticism you didn't ask for, you may want to avoid this one. Lol

🔸 Where To Find Work

You need money? I got you! As someone who mostly gets scouted on social media, I can share a few tips with you:

Put your email / portfolio in your bio Recruiters don't have all that much time to find artists, make it as easy as possible for someone to find your important information!

Clean up your profile If your profile feed is all full of memes, most people will just tab out rather than sift through. Doesn't apply as much to Tumblr if you have an art tag people can look at.

Post regularly, and repost Activity beats everything in the social media game. It's like rolling the dice, and the more you post the more chances you have. You have to have no shame, it's all business baby

Outside of just posting regularly and hoping people reach out to you, it can be hard to know where to look. Here are a few places you can sign up to and post around on.

/r/INAT INAT (I Need A Team) is a subreddit for finding a team to work with. You can post your portfolio here, or browse for people who need artists.

/r/GameDevClassifieds Same as above, but specifically for game-related projects.

Remote Game Jobs / Work With Indies Like Indeed but for game jobs. Browse them often, or get email notifications.

VGen VGen is a website specifically for commissions. You need a code from another verified artist before you can upgrade your account and sell, so ask around on social media or ask your friends. Once your account is upgraded, you can make a 'menu' of services people can purchase, and they send you an offer which you are able to accept, decline, or counter.

The evil websites of doom: Fiverr and Upwork I don't recommend them!! They take a big cut of your profit, and the sites are teeming with NFT and AI people hoping to make a quick buck. The site is also extremely oversaturated and competitive, resulting in a race to the bottom (the cheapest, the fastest, doing the most for the least). Imagine the kind of clients who go to these websites, looking for the cheapest option. But if you're really desperate...

🔸 Community

I do really recommend getting involved in a community. Finding like-minded friends can help you stay motivated to keep drawing. One day, those friends you met when you were just starting out may become your peers in the industry. Making friends is a game changer!

Discord servers Nowadays, the forums of old are mostly abandoned, and people split off into many different servers. Cafe Dot, Pixel Art Discord (PAD), and if you can stomach scrolling past all the AI slop, you can browse Discord servers here.

Twitch Streams Twitch has kind of a bad reputation for being home to some of the more edgy gamers online, but the pixel art community is extremely welcoming and inclusive. Some of the people I met on Twitch are my friends to this day, and we've even worked together on different projects! Browse pixel art streams here, or follow some I recommend: NickWoz, JDZombi, CupOhJoe, GrayLure, LumpyTouch, FrankiePixelShow, MortMort, Sodor, NateyCakes, NyuraKim, ShinySeabass, I could go on for ever really... There are a lot of good eggs on Pixel Art Twitch.

🔸 Other Helpful Websites

Palettes Lospec has a huge collection of user-made palettes, for any artist who has trouble choosing their colours, or just wants to try something fun. Rejected Palettes is full of palettes that didn't quite make it onto Lospec, ran by people who believe there are no bad colours.

The Spriters Resource TSR is an incredible website where users can upload spritesheets and tilesets from games. You can browse for your favourite childhood game, and see how they made it! This website has helped me so much in understanding how game assets come together in a scene.

VGMaps Similar to the above, except there are entire maps laid out how they would be played. This is incredible if you have to do level design, or for mocking up a scene for fun.

Game UI Database Not pixel-art specific, but UI is a very challenging part of graphics, so this site can be a game-changer for finding good references!

Retronator A digital newspaper for pixel-art lovers! New game releases, tutorials, and artworks!

Itch.io A website where people can upload, games, assets, tools... An amazing hub for game devs and game fans alike. A few of my favourite tools: Tiled, PICO-8, Pixel Composer, Juice FX, Magic Pencil for Aseprite

🔸 The End?

This is just part 1 for now, so please drop me a follow to see any more guides I release in the future. I plan on doing some writeups on how I choose colours, how to practise, and more!

I'm not an expert by any means, but everything I did to get to where I am is outlined in this guide. Pixel art is my passion, my job and my hobby! I want pixel art to be recognized everywhere as an art-form, a medium of its own outside of game-art or computer graphics!

This guide took me a long time, and took a lot of research and experience. Consider following me or supporting me if you are feeling generous.

And good luck to all the fledgling pixel artists, I hope you'll continue and have fun. I hope my guide helped you, and don't hesitate to send me an ask if you have any questions! 💕

My other tutorials (so far): How to draw Simple Grass for a game Hue Shifting