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Retro Pixel Camera

Overview

"Retro Pixel Camera" transforms your device's camera feed into a nostalgic pixel art style in real-time. Apply classic console and computer palettes, adjust the pixel resolution, and capture unique photos and videos with a retro aesthetic. Includes a built-in gallery and palette editor for customization.

Installation

Mobile (Android/iOS)

  1. Download "Retro Pixel Camera" from your device's app store (e.g., Google Play Store, Apple App Store - Note: Availability may vary).
  2. Install the app on your device.
  3. Open the app. You may be prompted to grant camera and storage permissions. These are necessary for the app to function.

How to Use

Main Interface (Camera View)

  • Live Preview: The central area shows the live camera feed processed with the selected retro effect.
  • Top/Left Panel (Controls vary by orientation):
    • Palette Button: Tap the palette icon or name to cycle through available color palettes. The current palette name is displayed next to the icon.
    • Edit Palette Button: Tap the pencil icon to open the Palette Editor for the current palette.
    • Pixel Resolution Buttons: Use the "Pixel +" and "Pixel -" buttons (or icons showing larger/smaller pixels) to increase or decrease the pixelation effect.
  • Bottom/Right Panel (Controls vary by orientation):
    • Gallery Thumbnail: Shows a preview of the latest saved photo or video. Tap it to open the Gallery. A "working" message appears during video processing.
    • Capture Button:
      • Photo Mode: Tap the camera icon to take a picture.
      • Video Mode: Tap the video icon to start recording. Tap the recording icon again to stop. A timer shows elapsed recording time.
    • Mode Toggle Button: Switches between Photo and Video capture modes.
    • Flip Camera Button: Switches between the front and rear cameras.

Capturing Photos

  1. Ensure the app is in Photo mode (toggle button shows a camera icon).
  2. Frame your shot using the live preview.
  3. Adjust palette and resolution as desired.
  4. Tap the central Capture Button (camera icon).
  5. The photo is saved automatically to the app's gallery folder.

Capturing Videos

  1. Switch to Video mode using the Mode Toggle Button (it will show a video camera icon).
  2. Frame your shot. Adjust palette and resolution.
  3. Tap the central Capture Button (video icon) to start recording. A timer will appear.
  4. Tap the Capture Button (now a recording icon) again to stop recording.
  5. A "working" message may appear briefly on the gallery thumbnail while the video is processed and saved.
  6. Videos are saved automatically to the app's gallery folder.

Editing Palettes

  1. Select the palette you wish to edit using the Palette Button.
  2. Tap the Edit Palette Button (pencil icon).
  3. The Palette Editor screen will appear.
  4. Tap a color swatch to change its color using a color picker.
  5. Modify the palette name if desired.
  6. Use the "SAVE" button to store changes or "RESET" to revert to default colors/name.
  7. Tap "EXIT" to return to the camera view. Changes are applied immediately.

Using the Gallery

  1. Tap the Gallery Thumbnail on the main screen.
  2. Navigate: Swipe left or right to view different photos and videos.
  3. Play Videos: If a video is displayed, tap the play icon overlay to watch it. Tap again to pause.
  4. Actions (Bottom/Right Panel):
    • Back: Exit the gallery and return to the camera view.
    • Share: Share the current photo or video using your device's standard sharing options.
    • Delete: Permanently delete the current photo or video from your device.

Features

  • Real-time Pixel Shader: Applies pixelation and palette effects directly to the live camera feed.
  • Classic Palettes: Includes built-in palettes inspired by NES, SNES, EGA, and Game Boy.
  • Palette Editor: Customize existing palettes or create your own. Modify colors and names, save changes, and reset to defaults.
  • Adjustable Resolution: Control the size of the "pixels" for different levels of abstraction.
  • Photo & Video Capture: Save your retro creations as still images (.png) or videos (.mp4).
  • Built-in Gallery: Browse, view, play, share, and delete your captured photos and videos within the app.
  • Front/Back Camera Support: Easily switch between cameras.
  • Orientation Support: The user interface adapts for both portrait and landscape use.
  • Persistent Custom Palettes: Your palette edits are saved for future use.

Support

You can use the Issues tab on GitHub to search for existing questions or make suggestions.

For additional support, visit our main Cognichine Support README.

FAQ

What's the purpose of this app? Retro Pixel Camera lets you see the world through a retro lens, applying pixel art styles and limited color palettes to your camera in real-time for capturing unique photos and videos.

How do the palettes work? The app maps the colors from the camera feed to the closest colors available in the currently selected 16-color palette. You can cycle through built-in palettes or edit them.

How does the resolution adjustment work? It changes the size of the virtual "pixels" the image is broken down into before the palette is applied. Lower resolution means larger, chunkier pixels; higher resolution means smaller, more detailed pixels.

Where are the photos and videos saved?

  • Android: They are typically saved in a dedicated folder within your device's main picture directory: DCIM/RetroPixelCamera/.
  • iOS: They are saved within the app's documents directory, accessible via the Files app or iTunes File Sharing.

Is there a time limit for video recording? Yes, by default, there is a 5-minute (300 seconds) time limit for video recordings to manage file size and processing.

What does the "working" message mean after recording a video? After stopping a recording, the app needs a moment to process and save the video file correctly to the gallery folder. The gallery thumbnail will update once it's ready.

Can I edit the built-in palettes like NES or GB? Yes, you can select any palette and use the Edit Palette button to modify its colors and name. Your changes will be saved.

How can I reset a palette to its original colors? In the Palette Editor, use the "RESET" button to restore the currently selected palette to its default name and colors.

Does the app work offline? Yes, all core camera, effects, capture, and gallery features work entirely offline after the app is installed and necessary permissions are granted. Sharing requires an internet connection.