Tutorial: Getting Started with Piskel App

Amy Bultena
18 Feb 201814:39

TLDRArtful Artsy Amy introduces Piskel, a free and open-source digital animation tool compatible with Google and available for Mac and PC. It allows students to create and save animations without needing to log in, though signing in is recommended to avoid losing work. The tutorial covers basic tools like pen, eraser, and shape tools, and advanced features like the mirror tool. Amy guides viewers through creating, saving, and exporting animations, emphasizing the importance of frequent saving and naming files for easy access.

Takeaways

  • 😀 Piskel is a free, open-source digital animation tool that can be used online or downloaded as a standalone program.
  • 🎨 Piskel is a Google app, making it convenient for students already using Google services to sign in and start animating without additional passwords.
  • 🖌️ The Piskel app offers various tools such as pen, eraser, shape, paint bucket, and mirror tools for creating animations.
  • 🔍 The 'onion skin' feature helps in creating smoother animations by providing a semi-transparent preview of the previous frame.
  • 🔑 The term 'sprite' is used to describe any animated character, aligning with the language used in gaming and coding platforms like Scratch.
  • 📝 Piskel allows users to create and save their work in a gallery, which is especially useful for students to access and continue their projects.
  • 💻 The app is platform-independent, working on both Mac and PC, and does not require an internet connection when used as a downloaded program.
  • 🔄 The 'duplicate frame' feature simplifies the animation process by allowing users to copy and modify existing frames instead of redrawing from scratch.
  • 🎥 Understanding 'frames per second' (FPS) is crucial in animation; Piskel's default is 12 FPS, which can be adjusted according to the desired animation speed.
  • 💾 Piskel animations can be exported as animated GIFs, making them versatile for use in presentations, websites, and social media.
  • 🔍 When exporting, it's important to name the file appropriately and choose a high enough resolution to ensure quality, avoiding the default naming that can lead to confusion.

Q & A

  • What is the name of the online program introduced in the tutorial for digital animation?

    -The online program introduced for digital animation is called Piskel App.

  • Is Piskel App free to use?

    -Yes, Piskel App is free to use and is also open source.

  • Can Piskel App be used both online and offline?

    -Yes, Piskel App can be used online as well as downloaded for offline use on Mac or PC.

  • What is the term used for any type of character that is animated in gaming or animations?

    -The term used for any animated character is 'sprite'.

  • How does the sign-in process work in Piskel App for users with a Google email?

    -The sign-in process automatically uses the user's Google email if they have used it before, simplifying the process for students already using a Google-owned email.

  • What tool in Piskel App allows you to create a mirror image of your drawing?

    -The vertical mirror tool in Piskel App allows you to create a mirror image of your drawing.

  • What is the default frames per second (FPS) setting in Piskel App?

    -The default frames per second (FPS) setting in Piskel App is 12.

  • How can students save their work in Piskel App without losing it in case of a crash?

    -Students should save their work frequently by clicking the save icon, and it's recommended to sign in to save their projects to their gallery.

  • What is the term used for the preview of the previous frame in Piskel App?

    -The term used for the preview of the previous frame in Piskel App is 'onion layer'.

  • How can users export their animations from Piskel App to use elsewhere?

    -Users can export their animations by clicking the upload button, then right-clicking the provided link and saving the image as an animated GIF.

  • What is the recommended procedure for students when saving their work in Piskel App?

    -The recommended procedure is for students to name their animations before saving, and to adjust the resolution to a larger size, such as 900 pixels, to ensure the quality of the animation.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Introducing Piskel for Digital Animation

Artful Artsy Amy introduces Piskel, a free, open-source online program for digital animation. It's a Google app compatible with Mac and PC, allowing both online and offline use. Students can create 'sprites' without logging in, but logging in is recommended to save and revisit projects. The video covers the basics of the Piskel interface, including the pen, shape, eraser, and paint bucket tools, as well as the mirror tool for creating symmetrical designs. Amy emphasizes the importance of using the term 'sprite' to align with animation and gaming terminology.

05:00

🖌️ Creating and Animating Sprites in Piskel

The tutorial continues with Amy demonstrating how to create a sprite using Piskel's basic tools, such as the selection tool and the process of saving work to avoid loss due to crashes. She explains the concept of frames and frames per second (FPS) in animation, with Piskel's default set at 12 FPS. Amy shows how to add new frames and use the 'onion skinning' feature to create smooth animations. She also shares a trick for duplicating frames to make the animation process more efficient and how to edit multiple frames to create dynamic animations.

10:01

💻 Saving and Exporting Animations in Piskel

Amy concludes the tutorial by discussing the importance of saving animations frequently within Piskel and the steps to export animations as animated GIFs. She advises on setting the resolution before exporting and emphasizes the need for students to name their files appropriately for easy retrieval. The process involves clicking 'upload' instead of 'download' to ensure the file is saved with a recognizable name and format. Amy also mentions the various uses for these animations, such as in presentations, websites, and social media, and encourages viewers to reach out with any questions.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Piskel App

Piskel App is an online program and downloadable software used for creating digital animations. It is free and open-source, compatible with Google and can be utilized both online and offline on various platforms including Mac and PC. The app is a central tool in the video, as it allows students to engage in digital animation without the need for complex software or extensive internet dependence.

💡Digital Animation

Digital animation refers to the process of creating moving images or animations using digital technologies. In the context of the video, digital animation is the main theme, with Piskel App serving as a tool to introduce students to this creative medium. The video demonstrates how students can use Piskel to create animated characters or 'sprites'.

💡Sprite

A sprite, in the context of animation and gaming, is a two-dimensional image or animation that is integrated into a larger scene. The term is used by the video's presenter to describe the characters or elements that students will animate using Piskel App. The script mentions that 'anything you create is called a sprite,' emphasizing its importance in the animation process.

💡Google App

The term 'Google App' in the script refers to the fact that Piskel App is integrated with Google services, allowing users to sign in using their Google accounts. This integration simplifies the login process for students and educators who already use Google's suite of products, streamlining the access to Piskel's features.

💡Pen Tool

The pen tool is one of the fundamental tools in Piskel App, used for drawing and creating the basic shapes and lines that form the sprite's animation. The video script describes the pen tool's functionality, mentioning different sizes of the pen and how it can be used to make marks on the canvas.

💡Eraser Tool

The eraser tool in Piskel App is used to remove or correct parts of the drawing. The script explains that if students don't like the marks they've made, they can use the eraser tool to modify their work, which is crucial for the creative process and learning from mistakes.

💡Paint Bucket Tool

The paint bucket tool is used to fill areas of the drawing with color. The script describes the process of selecting a color using the paint bucket tool, noting that it can be challenging for students due to the dual selection mechanism involving both a rectangle and a circle to choose the exact shade.

💡Mirror Tool

The mirror tool in Piskel App creates a mirrored image of the sprite, which can be vertical, horizontal, or both. The video script highlights this tool's utility, especially in educational contexts where students might be learning about symmetry, such as in the study of insects.

💡Frames Per Second (FPS)

Frames per second (FPS) is a measure of how many individual images or frames are displayed in one second of an animation. The script explains that Piskel App's default is 12 FPS, which is a key concept in understanding how smooth an animation appears to the viewer. The presenter also discusses how altering the FPS can affect the speed and smoothness of the animation.

💡Onion Skinning

Onion skinning is a feature in Piskel App that allows users to see a faint, ghosted image of the previous frame as they draw the next one. This tool helps in creating smooth animations by providing a visual reference for the positioning and movement of the sprite. The script mentions turning the onion skinning on or off to assist with the animation process.

💡Export

In the context of the video, 'export' refers to the process of saving the completed animation from Piskel App to a format that can be used elsewhere, such as an animated GIF. The script details the steps for exporting the animation, emphasizing the importance of naming the file and choosing the right resolution for various uses.

Highlights

Introduction to Piskel App as a digital animation tool for students.

Piskel is free, open source, and compatible with Google, available for online use or as a downloadable program.

Piskel can be used without logging in, but this prevents saving and resuming projects.

Signing in with a Google account simplifies access for students already using Google email.

Terminology: 'sprite' is used to describe any animated character in gaming and animation.

Tools overview: Pen tool, eraser, shape tools, paint bucket, and mirror tool for creating symmetrical designs.

Using the paint bucket tool involves selecting both the rectangle and circle to choose a specific color.

The vertical mirror tool is useful for creating symmetrical designs, like insects.

The selection tool allows for easy switching between colors used in the project.

Importance of saving work frequently within Piskel due to the lack of auto-save feature.

Explanation of frames and frames per second (FPS) in animation.

Creating animation by adding new frames or duplicating existing ones.

Using the onion layer feature to see a ghost image of the previous frame for easier animation.

Demonstration of animating a character by changing its eyes in successive frames.

Advice on starting with a small number of frames for beginners in animation.

Exporting animations as animated GIFs for use in presentations, websites, and social media.

Instructions on how to properly save and name animations to avoid confusion during retrieval.

Final steps include saving to the gallery and editing or deleting animations as needed.

Invitation for questions and contact via email or social media for further assistance.

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