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Microsoft Expressive Pixels

Express. Connect. Share.

About the Expressive Pixels app and devices

Expressive Pixels: photo of animated Sparklet next to laptop

Microsoft Expressive Pixels empowers human expression and connection. Read about the inspiration and objectives behind Expressive Pixels in our launch blog. Microsoft Expressive Pixels is an open-source release, so Makers everywhere can realize their own ideas and create.

The online Expressive Pixels Community Gallery, powered by Microsoft Azure, enables users to share animations. Check out the collection by visiting the Community Gallery from within the app — new inspirations are added regularly!

photo of different Expressive Pixels devices

Express yourself on LED devices

The images created on Expressive Pixels come alive on readily available LED displays from 3rd parties such as Adafruit (opens in new tab) (64×32), Adafruit DotStar (8×8), Adafruit Featherwing DotStar (6×12), Sparkfun (opens in new tab) (32×32), Sparkfun 8×8, and SiliconSquared (opens in new tab) high resolution RGB displays.

Microsoft MakeCode

In this release we are also introducing the integration with MakeCode (opens in new tab), an incredible learning platform for future programmers, to offer additional entry points into programming devices.

Microsoft MakeCode is a framework for creating interactive and engaging programming experiences for those new to the world of programming in a way that is approachable and inviting. MakeCode devices can be connected to LED displays and integrated into new creations. Animations created in the Expressive Pixels app can be easily integrated within MakeCode programs by incorporating its Extension Package. This provides new and fun ways and capabilities for MakeCode programmers to light up their creations along their programming and creative journey.

Get involved

Connect and share

Connect with us and share your Microsoft Expressive Pixels animations, your ideas, and your feedback in our user forum (opens in new tab).

For developers

Check out our GitHub page (opens in new tab), share your input with us and help take Microsoft Expressive Pixels to the next level.

Maker experiences

Explore the app and open-source APIs (opens in new tab) and have fun creating new devices, new scenarios, and new Maker experiences.

We’d love to see your creations. Share them via the Community Gallery in the app!

Get Microsoft Expressive Pixels

Download from the Microsoft Store for Windows >

Microsoft Expressive Pixels image band with heart logo