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Software · head to head

Aseprite vs LÖVE

Aseprite logo

Aseprite

Software

Animated sprite editor and pixel art tool

From
$19.99/once
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
LÖVE logo

LÖVE

Software

Framework for making 2D games in Lua

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only LÖVE has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Aseprite a one-off purchase with no free tier, only a trial; LÖVE lOVE is a 2D-only framework, with no 3D pipeline
  • They diverge on capability: Aseprite covers Pixel art tools, LÖVE covers Lua scripting.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Aseprite and LÖVE actually diverge.

Attributes where Aseprite and LÖVE differ
AttributeAsepriteLÖVE
Starting price$19.99/onceFree
Pricing modelone-timefree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, Macos, LinuxWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web
Founded20012008

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Aseprite

  • Pixel art tools
  • Animation timeline
  • Onion skinning
  • Layers
  • Tilemap editor
  • Color palettes
  • Sprite sheets
  • Scripting (Lua)

Only in LÖVE

  • Lua scripting
  • Graphics rendering
  • Physics engine (Box2D)
  • Audio support
  • Input handling
  • File I/O
  • Vector math
  • Animation support

Both cover

  • Local deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Aseprite

  • Pixel art creation for gamesnot LÖVE
  • Frame-by-frame sprite animationnot LÖVE
  • Exporting sprite sheets and GIFsnot LÖVE
  • Scripting repetitive export tasks through the command linenot LÖVE

LÖVE

  • Making 2D games in Luanot Aseprite
  • Rapid prototyping of 2D gameplaynot Aseprite
  • Shipping small 2D games to desktop and mobile from one Lua codebasenot Aseprite

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Aseprite

  • A one-off purchase with no free tier, only a trial
  • Deliberately narrow: a pixel art and sprite animation editor rather than a general image editor
  • The site does not state supported platforms or licence terms, which are on GitHub instead

LÖVE

  • LOVE is a 2D-only framework, with no 3D pipeline
  • Games must be written in Lua, with no other supported scripting language
  • Supported platforms are limited to Windows Vista and later, macOS 10.11 and later, Linux, Android and iOS
  • The iOS build is distributed as source and libraries rather than a ready installer
  • There is no commercial support offering; help is through community forums, Discord and a subreddit

Pricing, plan by plan

Aseprite

$19.99/once
  • License$19.99/once
    • Full feature set
    • Free updates
    • Commercial use

LÖVE

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full framework
    • Lua scripting
    • Cross-platform support

Which should you pick?

Choose Aseprite if

  • You need pixel art tools.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux.
  • You also want animation timeline.
Aseprite review

Choose LÖVE if

  • You need lua scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want graphics rendering.
LÖVE review

Questions people ask

Is Aseprite or LÖVE better?
Neither clearly leads. Aseprite starts at $19.99/once and LÖVE at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Aseprite or LÖVE?
LÖVE has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $19.99/once for Aseprite and Free for LÖVE.
Does Aseprite or LÖVE run on more platforms?
Aseprite runs on Windows, Macos, Linux. LÖVE runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
Can I use LÖVE for free?
Yes. LÖVE has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Aseprite starts at $19.99/once.
What is Aseprite best used for?
Aseprite is most often used for pixel art creation for games, frame-by-frame sprite animation, exporting sprite sheets and gifs, scripting repetitive export tasks through the command line. Of those, pixel art creation for games and frame-by-frame sprite animation are not what LÖVE is typically brought in for.
What can Aseprite do that LÖVE cannot?
Aseprite covers Pixel art tools, Animation timeline, Onion skinning, Layers. LÖVE covers Lua scripting, Graphics rendering, Physics engine (Box2D), Audio support. Both handle Local deployment, Windows support, Macos support, Linux support.
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