PIXEL PLACER
3DS EDITION
A full-featured pixel art editor for Nintendo 3DS and 2DS. Create pixel art anywhere with layers, animation timeline, custom palettes, and intuitive touch controls.
LAYERS
Multiple layers with visibility toggle and merge options
ANIMATION
Frame-by-frame animation with onion skinning and playback
PALETTES
Built-in palettes plus custom color picker with HSV wheel
TOOLS
Pencil, eraser, fill, shapes, selection, eyedropper and more
EXPORT
Save as PNG, JPEG, GIF, or sprite sheets
MINI GAMES
Includes custom versions of Snake, Breakout, and puzzle stacking games with stereoscopic 3D
Choose the version for your device. Both include .CIA and .3DSX files.
NEW 3DS / 2DS XL
For New 3DS, New 3DS XL, New 2DS XL
Stereoscopic 3D + ZL/ZR zoom + circle pad
or download .3DSX
ORIGINAL 3DS / 2DS
For 3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS (flat model)
Uses touch buttons for zoom
or download .3DSX
Not sure which version? New 3DS/2DS XL has a C-stick and ZL/ZR buttons.
FBI QR INSTALL
Scan with FBI on your 3DS to install directly:
NEW 3DS / 2DS XL
ORIGINAL 3DS / 2DS
FBI → Remote Install → Scan QR Code
STEREOSCOPIC 3D
The New 3DS version includes full stereoscopic 3D support. Slide the 3D slider up to see depth layers on the title screen, canvas view, and all mini games. Circle pad controls are also supported for Pixel Breaker and Pixel Pop.
Enjoying Pixel Placer? Consider supporting development:
NEW 3DS / 2DS XL VERSION
Stereoscopic 3D, ZL/ZR zoom, circle pad support
- New Nintendo 3DS
- New Nintendo 3DS XL
- New Nintendo 2DS XL
ORIGINAL 3DS / 2DS VERSION
Uses touch buttons for zoom
- Nintendo 3DS
- Nintendo 3DS XL
- Nintendo 2DS (flat model)
EMULATION DEVICES
Use the New 3DS version for emulators (ZL/ZR mapped to keyboard/controller)
- Citra Emulator (PC/Mac/Linux)
- Anbernic RG DS Flip
- Ayn Thor
- Steam Deck (via Citra)
- Android devices (via Citra MMJ)
All versions require CFW (Luma3DS) or Homebrew Launcher
First, download the correct version for your device from above.
CIA (RECOMMENDED)
- Copy the .cia file to your SD card
- Open FBI on your 3DS
- Navigate to the CIA file
- Select "Install and delete CIA"
- Launch from Home Menu
3DSX (HOMEBREW LAUNCHER)
- Copy the .3dsx file to /3ds/ folder
- Launch Homebrew Launcher
- Select Pixel Placer
Pixel Placer 3DS is a portable companion to the full Pixel Shifter suite. Get the desktop version for advanced features like dithering, video conversion, and professional export options.
VIEW PIXEL SHIFTER SUITEAbout Pixel Placer 3DS
Pixel Placer 3DS Edition is a free, open-source pixel art editor designed specifically for Nintendo 3DS and 2DS handheld consoles. Whether you're creating game sprites, icons, or animated pixel art, Pixel Placer gives you professional tools in a portable format.
We provide two versions optimized for different hardware: the New 3DS version features stereoscopic 3D support with depth layers throughout the app and mini games, ZL/ZR shoulder buttons for zoom, and circle pad controls. The Original 3DS version includes on-screen touch buttons for devices without these extra buttons. Both versions offer layers, animation timeline, custom palettes, and a full suite of drawing tools.
The app runs natively on any Nintendo 3DS family device with custom firmware (CFW) installed, including the original 3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS, New 3DS, New 3DS XL, and New 2DS XL. It's also fully compatible with Citra emulator, making it accessible on PC, Mac, Linux, Steam Deck, and Android devices. For emulators, we recommend the New 3DS version since ZL/ZR can be mapped to keyboard or controller buttons.
With the rising popularity of retro gaming handhelds like the Anbernic RG DS Flip and Ayn Thor that support 3DS emulation, Pixel Placer offers a unique creative tool for the growing community of portable gaming enthusiasts and pixel artists.
Made with love by Benevolent Creator