# PixelNote — GIFs from bits of code

> 8-bit pixel art and animation creation tool with a unique command-line programming language. (iPhone/iPad app by Casual Programmer, LLC.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixelnote/id1050526285 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Casual Programmer, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1033051101)
- Category: Entertainment, Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 4 App Store ratings · 4 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 1 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2015-12-10
- Data updated: 2026-06-30
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixelnote/id1050526285/reviews.md

## What is PixelNote?

Create your own 8-bit-style animations, pictures, and effects on a square pixel display with bits of code the size of a text message. Manipulate pixels, import photos, plot functions, make silly memes, and explore generative art.

Inspired by classic home computers and modern text-messaging apps, PixelNote gives you a 101x101, 256-color canvas which you control from a one-line command input field. PixelNote defines its own, compact, unique programming language, designed for compactness, experimentation, and challenge.

PixelNote comes with a set of examples to get you started, along with a full built-in reference guide to the language. Start with an example and modify it, or build your own; play around, try different things, see how they look. As you work, PixelNote keeps a history, so you can revisit your old code. Have fun!

## Key features

- 8-bit style animations and pictures
- Square pixel display canvas
- Compact programming language
- Import photos
- Generative art exploration
- History of code

## Recent user reviews (4 of 4)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixelnote/id1050526285/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Galton Board example

*2025-04-14*

cls: (i=1..8: st=i: j=1..st: x= -3*i+j*6 : y=50-i*10: pix x,y,24: if i=8: line  x,y+5,x,-50,24):   line 30,-30, 30, -50,24: line -24, -30, -24, -50,24 : line -24,-50, 30, -50,18 :  a=1..500:  :pix 3,49,2  : i=1..5:eachp x,y: c=pix(x,y):d=pix(x,y-1): if c=2:case d=24( pix x,y, 0: case ?1,2?=1(pix x-3,y,2),(pix x+3,y,2)),d=0(pix x,y,0:pix x,y-1,2), d=2(pix x,y,18),d=18(b=pix(x-1,y-1):e=pix(x+1,y-1): case b=0(pix x,y,0: pix x-1,y-1,2),e=0(pix x,y,0: pix x+1,y-1,2),(pix x,y,18)): pause 0# Galton Board

**Developer response:** Thanks for sharing, love it!

### 5/5 — Awesome ‘Restrictive’ programming app!

*2022-09-27, version 3.0.1*

Wonderful app! Has all the basic elements to make some cool stuff. The ‘guide’ has enough to get you started and the paste/copy commands can be combined with the pix() function to store and retrieve data (…this was a secret hint). Since people do enjoy programming with this app, I would STRONGLY suggest adding scrolling to the coding window. As code gets longer…it spills over to the output screen and you loose screen real-estate. That is the only thing I would change for now. This would make it possible to code more complex programs. There is definitely enough there structurally to make more complex things. 

(As an after thought…It would be nice make variables outside a block available inside the blocks…but not vice-versa. Scope becomes an issue when coding with parenthesis to make blocks when looping…or for other reasons. Variables created inside blocks should definitely remain ‘local’ as they are now. 

Also, to be able to have a place to share programs too would be nice…maybe just a group or something. 

While I’m at it…if you would add scrolling…you may want an option to make it possible to code line by line instead of in one long line of separated commands. I code in a txt editor and paste to the app now so I can code line by line. The app actually strips the new line codes out of the pasted code and replaces them with spaces which enables the program to still work without changing the code…pretty cool too!)

Great job!…don’t drop the updates…this has potential!!

### 5/5 — Print C64 maze

*2022-06-07*

Very good application for quick coding exercises.  Here is a program similar to the famous C64 one line PRINT maze:

cls 75: y=-46:anim: x=0..25:a=?0..1?:case a=0(line x*4+3-50,y,x*4-50,y-3,0 ),( line x*4-50,y,x*4-50+3,y-3,0  ):  case x>24( copy box -50,46,101,-100:paste -50,50 :box -50,-46,101,-4,75) :pause 3:# print C64 maze

### 5/5 — Really cool, easy to learn

*2019-11-15, version 2.0*

I love this app! It’s features are full, it’s speedy, it allows me to make spectacular gifs and images, and most of all, it’s fun! 10/10

## Frequently asked questions about PixelNote

### What kind of art can I create with PixelNote?

PixelNote allows you to create 8-bit style animations, pictures, and effects. You can manipulate individual pixels, import photos, plot functions, and explore generative art on a 101x101, 256-color canvas.

### How does PixelNote's programming language work?

PixelNote features its own compact and unique programming language designed for experimentation. You control the 101x101 canvas through a one-line command input field, making it accessible for creative coding.

### Is PixelNote suitable for beginners?

Yes, PixelNote comes with a set of examples to help you get started and a full built-in reference guide to its language. You can modify existing examples or build your own creations.

### Can I save and revisit my work in PixelNote?

PixelNote keeps a history of your code as you work, allowing you to revisit and modify your previous creations. This feature encourages experimentation and iteration.

### What devices is PixelNote available on?

PixelNote is currently available for iPhone and iPod devices, running on iOS.

### How often is PixelNote updated?

The latest version of PixelNote is 3.0.1, which was last updated on May 9, 2022. This indicates a moderate update frequency.

### Does PixelNote have ads?

No, PixelNote does not contain advertisements. It is a completely ad-free experience for users.

### What is the user sentiment for PixelNote?

PixelNote has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with a perfect 5.0-star rating from 4 reviews. This suggests a high level of user satisfaction with its creative capabilities.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.0.1 — 2022-05-09

Version 3.0 included these updates:
- The new "touch" command lets you take touch input in your programs. (There's a little paint-style program included in the examples now!)
- A few other new commands, or new options on existing commands, such as simpler looping and if-style conditionals.
- Expanded and easier-to-navigate examples and documentation.
- Updates for the four years of iOS updates since the last version, including dark mode support.

Alas, it also had a bug; when you chose "Save Picture to Photos", it could crash because of a missed step in how it now requests permissions. Version 3.0.1 fixes that.

### 3.0 — 2022-05-07

- The new "touch" command lets you take touch input in your programs. (There's a little paint-style program included in the examples now!)
- A few other new commands, or new options on existing commands, such as simpler looping and if-style conditionals.
- Expanded and easier-to-navigate examples and documentation.
- Updates for the four years of iOS updates since the last version, including dark mode support.

### 2.0 — 2018-04-08

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

New! Upload your GIFs to Imgur, the popular image-sharing site, and get back a link to share with friends or post to your favorite online community. This is now built in to PixelNote, only takes a few clicks, and does not require any user ID or login.

### 1.5 — 2018-02-06

- Name change! PixelNote is the new name of the app previously named Pixol
- New: Quickly copy the GIF, image, or code you make, so you can paste it into any sharing app, message, or document
- A few new and improved examples
- Cleaned up the interface a bit, to make it easier to get started

### 1.4 — 2018-01-31

Fixed a crash that could happen when trying to access the camera for the first time after installation.

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## More apps by Casual Programmer, LLC

- [TimeStory: Timeline Maker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timestory-timeline-maker/id1476882118)

All apps by Casual Programmer, LLC: https://appshunter.io/developer/1033051101

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-30.*
