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Create Sprite Sheets Online Combine multiple images into a single sprite sheet with configurable columns and spacing.

Image Sprite Sheet illustration
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Image Sprite Sheet

Combine multiple images into a single sprite sheet with configurable columns and spacing.

1

Upload Images

Drop or select multiple images (icons, frames) for the sprite sheet.

2

Configure Layout

Set the number of columns and padding between sprites.

3

Generate & Download

Generate the sprite sheet image and copy the CSS coordinates.

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What Is Image Sprite Sheet?

An Image Sprite Sheet is a single image file that contains multiple smaller images, arranged in a grid, used to reduce the number of HTTP requests made by a web page, thereby improving load times and performance. Web developers and game designers use it to optimize their websites and games, solving the specific problem of slow page loading due to numerous image requests. For instance, when creating icon sets or sprite animations, it can be tedious to manage multiple individual images.

What makes this tool different is its ability to generate both the composite PNG image and the corresponding CSS snippet with background-position coordinates for each sprite, allowing for easy implementation in web projects. The tool also provides features like adjustable column count and padding, giving users control over the arrangement of their sprites. By using it, developers can create optimized CSS sprites that improve website performance.

It allows users to upload individual images, set the desired number of columns and padding between sprites, and then generates a sprite sheet maker output in PNG format along with the necessary CSS code for each image sprite. This process simplifies the creation of combine images sprite sheets, making it easier for developers to implement sprite sheet animations and other visual effects in their projects.

Why Use Image Sprite Sheet?

  • Generates sprite sheet image + CSS coordinates
  • Configurable columns and padding
  • Reduces HTTP requests for better web performance
  • Perfect for icon sets and game sprites

Common Use Cases

Web Performance

Combine icons into a single sprite sheet to reduce HTTP requests.

Game Development

Create animation sprite sheets from individual frame images.

Icon Sets

Package multiple icons into a single efficient sprite image.

CSS Sprites

Generate optimized sprite sheets with ready-to-use CSS code.

Technical Guide

The tool uses React to manage state and handle user interactions, such as uploading images and generating the sprite sheet. When an image is uploaded, it creates a URL object using `URL.createObjectURL` and stores the image data in the component's state. The `generate` function is called when the user clicks the "Generate Sprite Sheet" button, which initializes a new canvas element using `canvasRef.current` and gets the 2D drawing context using `getContext('2d')`. It then loads each image using the `Image` constructor and draws it on the canvas at its computed grid position.

The grid positions are calculated based on the number of columns and rows, which are determined by the user's input. The row count is calculated as the ceiling of the image count divided by the column count, ensuring that all images fit within the grid. The canvas dimensions are computed from the maximum width per column and total row height plus padding, taking into account the user's desired level of spacing between sprites. Each image is drawn at its computed grid position using `drawImage`, and the CSS coordinates are generated as negative background-position values for each sprite.

The tool uses JavaScript's built-in `Math.min` and `Math.ceil` functions to calculate the optimal canvas dimensions and row count, ensuring that the sprite sheet is generated efficiently. The resulting sprite sheet is stored in the component's state as a PNG image data URL, which can be downloaded by the user or used directly in their web project. The corresponding CSS code is generated using template literals, with each sprite's background-position coordinates calculated based on its position within the grid. The `copyCSS` function uses the `navigator.clipboard.writeText` API to copy the generated CSS code to the user's clipboard, making it easy to integrate into their project.

Tips & Best Practices

  • 1
    Use consistent image sizes for a clean grid
  • 2
    Keep padding at 1-2px to minimize wasted space
  • 3
    Name your files descriptively for better CSS class names
  • 4
    Use powers of 2 for game engine compatibility

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q What image sizes work best?
Consistent sizes produce the cleanest sprites, but mixed sizes are supported.
Q Does it generate CSS?
Yes — complete CSS with background-position values for each sprite.
Q How many images can I combine?
Any number of images can be combined into a single sprite sheet.
Q What about retina displays?
Use 2x resolution images and halve the CSS background-size for retina support.
Q Can I use it for game sprites?
Absolutely — arrange animation frames in sequence for game sprite sheets.

About This Tool

Image Sprite Sheet is a free online tool by FreeToolkit.ai. All processing happens directly in your browser — your data never leaves your device. No registration or installation required.