GraphicsGale is a graphic app program geared towards animations including spriting and pixel art.

GraphicGale includes numerous features so expect a learning curve unless you are already acquainted with animation creation. You can preview your animations in real time while and watch your animation change as you go. You can also output your animation frames onto a single sprite sheet, output each frame to its own image file, or export the entire animation as a single .GIF file. Other features include multiple layers, onion skinning, numerous export options, TWAIN imaging support, palette control, selectively erasing colors and many tools for replacing and trying new colors.

While GraphicsGale has plenty to do in this free version, they are hoping that you will upgrade to the professional version for 1,995 yen or roughly 17 bucks U.S.

We almost didn't add GraphicsGale because there's a good chance that if you're doing animation, then you will be working with GIF's, something the free version will not allow you to open. I'd prefer GraphicsGale let you open and work with GIF's but not allow you to save so you could try to see how it works for you with animated GIFs. That said, the professional version is only 17 bucks and highly rated. In other words, this version borders on shareware, but for what the free version can do in such a small size, it's worth a look. Because of this, we have made the trial version available for download. If you want to work with the GIF format, you're better off with the trial.