🎨 Pixel Art in Python

Master the art of creating pixel designs with CodeHS and Python Graphics

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STEP 1

Open a Python Graphics Program

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Go to CodeHS.com

From your dashboard, click "Sandbox" → "+ New Program" → choose Python (Graphics)

Give your program a name like "Pixel Art Project"

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STEP 2

Understand the Canvas

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CodeHS graphics uses a grid of pixels that can be colored individually

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The command for drawing one pixel is: set_pixel(x, y, color)

set_pixel(x, y, color)

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x and y are coordinates on the canvas

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color is the color you want (like "red", "blue", "yellow", or a custom RGB value)

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STEP 3

Choose Your Canvas Size

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You can control how large the art will be by limiting your x and y values.

Example:

width = 20
height = 20

That means your art will fit in a 20 x 20 grid of pixels.

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STEP 4

Use Loops to Fill Pixels

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You can use nested loops to fill multiple pixels at once.

Example - Make a checkerboard pattern:

for x in range(20):
    for y in range(20):
        if (x + y) % 2 == 0:
            set_pixel(x, y, Color.red)
        else:
            set_pixel(x, y, Color.white)

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STEP 5

Use RGB Colors for Custom Looks

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You can mix your own color by using:

color = Color(r, g, b)

Each value (r, g, b) can be between 0 and 255.

Example:

my_blue = Color(50, 100, 255)
set_pixel(5, 5, my_blue)

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STEP 6

Design Your Pixel Pattern

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You can map out your design first on graph paper or an online pixel grid, then code each pixel.

Example - A small heart:

set_pixel(2, 0, Color.red)
set_pixel(3, 0, Color.red)
set_pixel(1, 1, Color.red)
set_pixel(4, 1, Color.red)
set_pixel(0, 2, Color.red)
set_pixel(5, 2, Color.red)
set_pixel(1, 3, Color.red)
set_pixel(4, 3, Color.red)
set_pixel(2, 4, Color.red)
set_pixel(3, 4, Color.red)

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STEP 7

Test, Adjust, and Add Detail

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Run your code often to preview the result

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Adjust your x/y positions or colors to improve your design

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Add comments to label each section of your art:

# Draw top of heart
set_pixel(2, 0, Color.red)

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STEP 8

Save and Share

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Click "Run" to test your art

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Once done, click "Share" → copy the link

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Submit your CodeHS project link to Canvas or your class assignment page

💡 Bonus Tips

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Start simple — small icons like hearts, smiley faces, or initials

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Use loops to save time when drawing repeating patterns

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Challenge: Use functions to organize your code (e.g., draw_eye(), draw_hat())

Ready to Create? 🚀

Head over to CodeHS.com and start building your pixel art masterpiece!

Go to CodeHS