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Phluxel
What it is
Phluxel is a Windows app for adding animated effects to pixel art and exporting the results as seamless loops. It uses rules to create effects such as rain, fire, snow, water, wind and glow. Its Phlux language describes cell changes based on neighboring cells, using math, conditions and scatter; the editor includes a cheat sheet, autocomplete and live preview. Global rules compile to GPU shaders for real-time playback, while per-cell logic can run through a CPU interpreter. The app imports PNG, JPG, BMP, animated GIF and WebP, and exports GIF, PNG sequences, APNG, MP4, sprite sheets and palette-locked files. It includes 90 one-click starter scenes across eight groups and 128 rule templates, so users can start without coding by selecting a scene or template. Free is for personal, non-commercial work and limits exports to a 128×128 grid, 1024px and 300 frames, with a watermark. Pro costs $19.99 once, removes those limits and watermark, and grants commercial use. It supports 64-bit Windows 10 version 1809 or later and Windows 11.
For and against
For
- Includes 90 starter scenes and 128 rule templates.
- Editor offers autocomplete and live preview.
- Imports common still-image and animated formats.
- Exports GIF, APNG, MP4 and sprite sheets.
- Pro permits commercial use.
Against
- Available for Windows only.
- Free exports are watermarked.
- Free limits grid size, resolution and frames.
- Free use is non-commercial only.
The verdict
Phluxel pairs rule-based animation with starter scenes, templates and several export formats. The Free edition has notable output limits, while Pro is a one-time purchase that allows commercial work.
Who it suits
Phluxel suits pixel-art creators who want to animate effects and export loops on Windows. Starter scenes and templates offer a way to begin without coding.
Plans and prices
Free
Watermarked · up to 128×128 · 1024px / 300 frames · personal, non-commercial use
Read 8 Oct 2026 · phluxel.com
Pro
No watermark · unlimited grid size, resolution and frames · MP4 and APNG export · commercial use
Read 8 Oct 2026 · phluxel.com
On the record
- Exports
- Export formats include GIF, PNG sequence, APNG, MP4, sprite sheets and palette-locked exports.phluxel.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Free edition limits
- Free exports are watermarked and limited to a 128×128 grid, 1024px and 300 frames.phluxel.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Image import
- The app imports PNG, JPG, BMP, animated GIF and WebP, with smart downscaling and palette lock.phluxel.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- License and ownership
- Users own what they create; Free is for personal, non-commercial work, while Pro grants commercial use.phluxel.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Platform
- Phluxel supports Windows 10 version 1809 or later and Windows 11, 64-bit.phluxel.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The maker says projects, fields and exports stay on the user's machine and that the app has no behavioral analytics or ad tracking; it checks for updates and sends an anonymous usage heartbeat.phluxel.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Phluxel adds animated effects such as rain, fire, snow, water, wind and glow to pixel art using rules, then exports seamless loops.phluxel.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Rule language
- The Phlux language describes how a cell changes based on its neighbors, with math, conditions and scatter, and the editor includes a cheat sheet, autocomplete and live preview.phluxel.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Simulation engine
- Global rules compile to GPU shaders for real-time playback, while per-cell logic can run on a CPU interpreter automatically.phluxel.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Starters and templates
- The app includes 90 one-click starter scenes across 8 groups and 128 rule templates.phluxel.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The product offers priority support with Pro, and team quote inquiries are usually answered within one business day.phluxel.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- System requirements
- Minimum requirements are a 64-bit dual-core CPU, OpenGL 3.3 GPU, 4 GB RAM and about 300 MB of disk space.phluxel.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Who it is for
- The maker says users can start without coding by choosing a starter scene or rule template, and describes making a shareable GIF in about five minutes.phluxel.com · read 8 Oct 2026
