SpriteMill

Turn 3D models into complete 2D sprite sets.

Create matching Diffuse, Normal, Height and Shadow sprite sheets directly from animated 3D models.

SpriteMill takes an animated 3D model and turns it into 2D sprite sheets using the directions and frames you choose.

The main idea behind SpriteMill is to make it easier to create sprites from 3D models without having to manually render and organize every frame, and especially without having to figure out matching Normal and Height maps afterward.

FROM 3D MODEL TO SPRITES

Import a 3D model, choose an animation, select the frame range and choose how you want to capture the model.

SpriteMill can generate:

• Diffuse — the rendered sprite
• Normal — surface direction generated from the posed 3D geometry
• Height — height information generated from the same geometry
• Shadow — an optional ground shadow pass

The maps are generated from the same frames, camera setup and framing, so they stay aligned.

BEFORE DOWNSAMPLING

SpriteMill includes a number of controls for changing the rendered 3D result before it becomes a low-resolution sprite.

This can be useful when you want a more stylized result without having to change the original model.

You can use different materials, lighting and geometry settings, add outlines and other stylized 3D effects, change the visibility of individual model parts, and transform them independently.

Optional reference meshes and additional 3D models can also be included or attached to the captured model. This can be useful for post-processing or for adding visual details and effects to an existing model.

AFTER CAPTURE

SpriteMill also has a few tools for working on the generated sprite sheets.

These include:

• adaptive palette reduction
• dithering
• pixel cleanup
• 2D outlines
• Normal-based rim effects

Note about post-processing:
The built-in post-processing tools are mainly there for making quick adjustments and keeping common sprite-processing tasks inside SpriteMill. For larger or more detailed edits, a dedicated image editor will generally be more suitable.
Sprite sheets can differ quite a lot in resolution, and the size and shape of the sprites can make some operations difficult to apply consistently across different assets. The current post-processing tools also prioritize deterministic and consistent results over GPU utilization and parallel processing, so some operations can feel slower than they would in a dedicated image editor

LIVE VIEW

SpriteMill includes a simple Live View for checking how the generated maps behave together.

A movable 2D light can be used to see how the Diffuse, Normal and Height maps affect the sprite.

This is mainly there to make it easier to check the result before exporting it, rather than having to move the textures into a game engine just to see whether the maps behave as expected.

OUTPUT AND COMPATIBILITY

SpriteMill exports standard PNG sprite sheets.

GLB and GLTF are the recommended model formats.

FBX import is also available on a best-effort basis. Mixamo characters and animations have been tested successfully and generally work without additional setup.

Normal and Height maps are generated from the posed 3D geometry rather than from the final Diffuse image.

Platform: 64-bit Windows

LICENSE AND ACTIVATION

A SpriteMill purchase includes a license key.

An internet connection is required for initial activation. After a successful activation, a previously verified installation can start offline using its saved local license receipt.

Anything exported from SpriteMill can be used, modified, distributed and sold, provided that you have the necessary rights to the original source material.

Crediting SpriteMill is not required, but always appreciated.

Support: spritemill2d@gmail.com