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LibreSprite

libresprite.github.io

Free plan Open source WebWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidAPI
Visit libresprite.github.io
Spec score 8.9 #2 of 70 in Pixel Art Software

What it is

LibreSprite is a free, open-source program for creating and animating sprites. It provides real-time animation previews and onion skinning, with sprites arranged in layers and frames. Users can edit multiple sprites at once, draw in tiled mode, and use pixel-precise tools such as filled contour, polygon, and shading mode. The program includes ready-to-use palettes and supports creating custom ones. Listed export formats include PNG, GIF, JPEG, BMP, PCX, TGA, ICO, FLI/FLC, WebP, and ASE; sprite-sheet export is also listed. Scripting methods cover loading palettes, cropping and resizing sprites, and saving them. LibreSprite is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. The project developed independently after originating as a fork of an Aseprite commit covered by GPL version 2. Version 1.0 is listed as supported, and the project security page reports no published advisories. The plan is free.

Spec sheet

What it does
LibreSprite is a free, open-source application for creating and animating sprites.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Purpose
LibreSprite is a free and open source program for creating and animating sprites.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Platforms
The project lists downloads for Linux, macOS, Windows, and Android.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security
The project security policy lists version 1.0 as supported and directs vulnerability reports to GitHub Issues with a description and system details.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Android build
Android compilation requires first making a native build and then placing ls-android-deps in the repository before opening the Android project in Android Studio.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Animation
It includes real-time animation previews and onion skinning.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Browser version
The release notes state that LibreSprite can be used in a web browser through LibreSprite Online.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Build requirements
Source builds require CMake 3.4 or newer, Ninja and MSYS2 on Windows.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Community support
The project directs contributors and users to Discord, Matrix and GitHub resources.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Drawing tools
It provides tiled drawing mode and pixel-precise tools such as filled contour, polygon, and shading mode.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
File support
The software supports several file types for sprites and animations.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Headless mode
The documented application API exposes an isHeadless flag for batch or shell execution.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Independent description
SourceForge describes LibreSprite as an animated sprite editor and pixel-art tool and identifies its GitHub repository as the exact mirrored project.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Independent installation format
AppImage distributes LibreSprite as a single executable file that does not require a package manager or alter system libraries and preferences.Read 15 Oct 2026 · appimage.github.io
Independent Linux limitation
The AppImage page warns that AppImages are usually not independently verified and recommends using them only when the developer is trusted.Read 15 Oct 2026 · appimage.github.io
Independent project metadata
SourceForge lists Linux and Windows operating systems and C++ as the programming language.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Independent review availability
SourceForge shows no user reviews for the mirrored LibreSprite project.Read 15 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
Latest release
The v1.3 release is dated 2 October and includes fixes for zip-slip, shell injection, codec memory safety and script sandbox escapes.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Layers and frames
Sprites are organized using layers and animation frames.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Licence
LibreSprite is distributed under the GNU General Public License version 2.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Limit: Android distribution
A project discussion says Android builds were available as release previews rather than through a conventional app-store port.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Limit: batch processing
The hands-on review questions whether LibreSprite can process multiple images in bulk and lists this as a limitation.Read 15 Oct 2026 · note.com
Limit: canvas settings
The hands-on review reports that LibreSprite lacks Aseprite's advanced canvas settings.Read 15 Oct 2026 · note.com
Limit: import and export
The hands-on review reports an inability to import images and limitations when exporting tagged frames.Read 15 Oct 2026 · note.com
Limit: Japanese support
The hands-on review reports that Japanese is not supported.Read 15 Oct 2026 · note.com
Limit: scripting documentation
A project issue records a maintainer saying the scripting API was experimental, very limited and undocumented at the time, with examples in the data/scripts folder.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Limit: timeline layout
The hands-on review reports that users cannot change the timeline bar position.Read 15 Oct 2026 · note.com
Multiple-sprite editing
Users can edit multiple sprites at the same time.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Onion skinning
Onion skinning is included for viewing adjacent animation frames while drawing.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Origin
The project forked the last Aseprite commit covered by GPLv2 and is developed independently of Aseprite.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Palettes
The program includes ready-made palettes and tools to create custom palettes.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Palettes and files
It includes ready-to-use palettes, lets users make their own, and supports several file types for sprites and animations.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Pixel tools
Pixel-oriented tools include filled contour, polygon and shading modes.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Praise: Aseprite-like workflow
An independent hands-on review says LibreSprite delivers performance close to Aseprite for its tested pixel-art workflow.Read 15 Oct 2026 · note.com
Project history
LibreSprite originated as a fork of the last Aseprite commit covered by GPL version 2 and is developed independently of Aseprite.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Real-time animation previews
The editor provides real-time previews while animating sprites.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Script permissions
Scripts can request gated filesystem, network and process permissions that LibreSprite presents to the user for approval.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Scripting
Its scripting documentation describes methods for loading palettes, cropping and resizing sprites, and saving sprites.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Scripting API
The scripting API exposes sprite, image, palette, document, command and application objects with methods for editing and automation.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Scripting languages
The project documents JavaScript scripting and its release history also records Lua scripting support.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security advisories
The security page says that no security advisories have been published.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security support
The security policy marks only version 1.0 as supported.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Supported downloads
Official releases are provided for Linux, macOS, Windows and Android.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
System requirements
The installation guide lists Windows 10 with Visual Studio 2015 and Windows 10 SDK, macOS 11 Big Sur with Xcode 7.3, and Linux with GCC 8.5 or newer supporting C++14.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Tiled drawing
Tiled drawing mode is designed for repeating patterns and textures.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Free Free free and open source program Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
LibreSprite Free Free and open source · GNU General Public License Version 2 Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every LibreSprite plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Real-time animation preview and onion skinning
  • Supports layers, frames, and multiple sprites
  • Includes tiled drawing and pixel-precise tools
  • Free and open source

Limits

  • Version 1.0 is the version listed as supported
  • No published security advisories are listed

Who it suits

LibreSprite suits people making pixel-art sprites and 2D animations who want layer, frame, palette, and export tools. Its listed platforms include desktop operating systems and Android.

Verdict

LibreSprite offers a broad set of sprite creation and animation tools at no cost. Its platform list and export formats are useful details to check against a project’s workflow.

Where Specifiction places it

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