Edit Mode: Refine Your Sprites with AI-Powered Image-to-Image Editing

Generate vs Edit: Two Powerful AI Modes

Pixelverse now offers two distinct ways to create sprites with AI. The classic Generate mode creates sprites from scratch based on your text prompt. The new Edit mode takes your existing sprite and transforms it based on your description—giving you precise control over modifications while preserving your original work.

Think of it this way: Generate is like describing a character to an artist who draws from imagination. Edit is like handing that artist your sketch and asking them to refine it.

How Edit Mode Works

Edit Mode uses image-to-image (img2img) AI technology. Instead of generating from nothing, the AI sees your current sprite as a reference and modifies it according to your prompt. This creates more predictable results because the AI understands the shape, colors, and composition you're starting with.

Here's what happens when you click the purple Edit Sprite button:

1. Captures your sprite - The current frame is converted to an image
2. Creates a new frame - Your original is automatically preserved
3. Sends to AI - Both the image and your prompt go to the model
4. Applies edits - The result appears in the new frame

Your original sprite stays safe in the previous frame, so you can always compare or revert.

The Edit Strength Slider

The key to Edit Mode is the Edit Strength slider, ranging from 0.1 to 0.9:

• Low strength (0.1-0.3) - Subtle changes. The AI keeps most of your original sprite and makes minor adjustments. Great for color tweaks or small refinements.
• Medium strength (0.4-0.6) - Balanced edits. The AI respects your composition while making noticeable changes. Ideal for adding details or changing elements.
• High strength (0.7-0.9) - Major transformations. The AI follows your prompt more closely, potentially reimagining significant portions. Use for dramatic style changes.

Writing Effective Edit Prompts

Here's the most important tip: describe the complete result you want, not just the change.

Good Edit Prompts

• "a blue robot with yellow wings and glowing eyes"
• "medieval knight holding a golden sword"
• "red slime creature with angry expression"

Less Effective Prompts

• "add wings" (AI doesn't know what kind or where)
• "make it blue" (too vague about what to change)
• "give it a sword" (missing context about the full sprite)

The AI needs to understand the entire picture you're creating, not just the delta from your current sprite.

When to Use Each Mode

Use Generate When:

• Starting from a blank canvas
• Creating something completely new
• You want maximum creative variety
• Exploring different concepts quickly

Use Edit When:

• Refining a sprite you've already created
• Adding details to an existing character
• Changing colors or style while keeping the composition
• Iterating on a design you like
• Fixing small issues in a generated sprite

Pro Tips for Edit Mode

1. Start with Generate, refine with Edit - Generate your base sprite, then use Edit to perfect it
2. Use low strength for color changes - A strength of 0.2-0.3 is perfect for recoloring
3. Check the original - Your previous frame always has the original for comparison
4. Iterate gradually - Multiple small edits often work better than one large change
5. Be specific - Detailed prompts give better results than vague ones

Try It Now

Ready to refine your sprites with AI? Open the Pixelverse Editor, create or generate a sprite, then switch to Edit mode and experiment with the strength slider. Watch as your creations evolve with each edit while your originals stay safely preserved.