Getting Started with Paint Tool SAI: A Beginner's Guide to Creating Pixel Art

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Paint Tool SAI has quickly become a favorite among digital artists due to its ease of use combined with an impressive array of tools at their disposal. Whether you're looking for a versatile program that can handle everything from simple graphics work to complex illustrations, Paint Tool SAI won't disappoint.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the basics of using Paint Tool SAI and explore some tips on how to get started with creating pixel art in particular. So let's dive right in!

Step 1: Downloading & Installing Paint Tool SAI

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The first step towards becoming proficient with any piece of software is, naturally enough, downloading it! You can download the latest version directly from the official website by following these simple steps:

* Head over to 'www.paintsai.com'(http://www.paintsai.com) and click on 'Download'

* Select your operating system (Windows or Mac)

* Wait for the installation file to complete downloading

* Double-click on it once downloaded and follow through with the standard setup process

Step 2: Familiarizing Yourself With The Interface

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Once you've successfully installed Paint Tool SAI, it's time to familiarize yourself with its user-friendly interface. Here are some key elements worth noting:

### Navigation Bar

Located at the top of the main window is a row of buttons that allow for quick access to frequently used functions such as New Document, Open File, Save As..., and so on.

### Toolbars

Below this navigation bar lies two vertical toolbars - one containing all available brushes (more on these later!) while the other hosts various additional tools like Undo/Redo, Lasso Selection etc...

'B'

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The 'B' key is a must-know for anyone serious about creating pixel art. Pressing this single button will toggle back and forth between Paint Tool SAI's default brush tool (used for drawing) and its eraser counterpart.

Step 3: Understanding Layers

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Layers are an essential feature in any decent graphics program, allowing artists to work on separate layers without affecting the main canvas. Here's how they're used within Paint Tool SAI:

* To create a new layer, go to Layer > New > Layer... and select 'Layer' from the dropdown menu.

* Once created, you can easily move between these individual layers by clicking on their respective thumbnails at the bottom left corner of your workspace.

Step 4: Understanding Brushes

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Brushes are essentially customisable tools that allow for more creative control over various aspects such as line width, opacity etc. Here's a quick rundown on how to access and use them within Paint Tool SAI:

* To open up the Brush Manager window, press Shift + B or go to Window > Dockable Panels > Brushes.

* From here you'll be presented with three main categories: Pens (basic brush styles), Markers (more complex brushes like calligraphy nibs etc.), and Customization (for creating your own unique brush settings).

Step 5: Creating Your First Pixel Art Piece

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Now that we've covered the basics of navigating Paint Tool SAI, it's time to dive headfirst into actually creating some pixel art! Here are a few tips for getting started:

* When working with small resolutions like 32x32 pixels or lower, always keep your brush size set quite low (around 1-2px) so that individual pixels aren't visible.

* Use layers liberally - this will make it much easier to experiment without fear of messing up the final image.

Step 6: Exporting Your Finished Artwork

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Once you've finally completed your masterpiece, it's time to share it with the world! Here are some quick steps on how to export your artwork from Paint Tool SAI:

* Go to File > Save As...

* Select 'PNG Image' as the file format (this is recommended for pixel art due its transparency support).

* Choose a suitable location and name for your exported image before clicking 'Save'.

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And that's it! With these basic steps under your belt, you should now be well-equipped to start creating amazing pixel art pieces using Paint Tool SAI. Remember - practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment with different brush settings and techniques until you find the look that suits your style best.

Happy painting everyone!

References

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* 'PaintTool Sai Brushes' by Loji on DeviantArt 'www.deviantart.com/...'(http://www.deviantart.com/)

Make pixel art in paint tool sai