How to Export Pixel Art as a Crisp PNG
A pixel-art image can look sharp in the editor and blurry after export or resizing. The most reliable workflow is to separate the pixel grid from the size at which you display it.
Start with the intended use
For a tiny avatar or game icon, check whether the main silhouette and important details are readable at the size where the image will be shown. If they disappear, simplify the crop or use a larger grid before editing individual pixels.
Clean the grid before enlarging
Inspect edges, eyes and other high-contrast areas. Remove isolated pixels that do not support the shape and check whether the palette separates the subject from its background. If dithering creates distracting speckles, compare the image with the setting disabled.
Use PNG for export
PNG is a practical format for pixel art because it supports lossless image data and transparency. If your source has a transparent background, check the exported file on both light and dark backgrounds; whether transparency is preserved depends on the source and export settings.
Enlarge by whole-number factors
A 64 × 64 image enlarged to 256 × 256 uses a 4× scale factor. With nearest-neighbor enlargement, each original pixel becomes a 4 × 4 block, keeping edges hard. Non-integer sizes or smoothing filters can blend pixels and soften edges. If another app resizes the file, inspect its interpolation setting and the final result.
Check the actual destination
Some websites resize or recompress uploaded images, so view the final avatar or asset on its destination as well as in the original file. Keep the small source PNG so you can export a new size later without repeatedly resizing an already enlarged image.
Try the process in Pixelmint: https://pixelmint.zkslr.shop/?utm_source=pasteblog
Pixelmint is free and runs image conversion locally in the browser. You can adjust the grid and palette, edit individual pixels, and export a PNG. Use the built-in example if you want to test the workflow before selecting a personal image.