> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://viridian-games.gitbook.io/pixel-palette/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://viridian-games.gitbook.io/pixel-palette/core-components/file-system.md).

# File System

**Saving & Opening Projects (.pxl)**

A `.pxl` file is like a save file for a video game — it saves everything: all your layers, every pixel, layer names, visibility, and opacity. Open it later and you're right back where you left off.

| What     | How                                                                              |
| -------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Save** | File → Save Project. Saves as `.pxl` to wherever you choose                      |
| **Load** | File → Load Project. Opens a `.pxl` file and replaces whatever you're working on |

When loading, it resizes the canvas to match the saved project, rebuilds all layers, and resets the zoom.

**Exporting Pictures (PNG)**

Want to share your art outside the editor? Export as PNG.

| What                  | How                                                                                                                                                                                      |
| --------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Export PNG**        | Saves the full picture (all layers blended together) as a `.png` file. You pick the scale — 1× (pixel size), 2×, 4×, or 8×. 8× is great for sharing pixel art without seeing tiny pixels |
| **Export All Layers** | Saves every layer as its own `.png` file (like transparent stickers), plus one combined picture called `composite.png`. Pick a folder and it fills it up                                 |

**Exporting Animation (Spritesheet)**

Have multiple animation frames? Export a **spritesheet** — one big PNG with all frames lined up in a row, side by side, at 8× scale. Useful for game engines, social media, or GIF converters.

**Importing Pictures**

Drop an existing image onto your canvas:

| What                    | How                                                                                                                                              |
| ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Import PNG**          | Opens a `.png` and paints it onto your current layer. It squishes/stretches to fit your canvas size (nearest-neighbor scaling = keeps it blocky) |
| **Import as New Layer** | Same thing, but adds a brand new layer so your existing art isn't touched                                                                        |


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