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Overview

The Symmetry Tool in Aseprite automatically mirrors your brush strokes, allowing you to create perfectly symmetrical artwork. This is invaluable for character design, UI elements, and any pixel art that requires balanced composition.
Symmetry Tool in action

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Enabling Symmetry

Activate symmetry mode for instant mirrored drawing:
1

Access Symmetry Options

Click View → Symmetry Options or press Shift + S to open the symmetry panel.
2

Choose Symmetry Mode

Select your desired symmetry type:
  • Horizontal: Mirror left to right
  • Vertical: Mirror top to bottom
  • Both: Mirror in all four quadrants
3

Position the Axis

Drag the symmetry guide lines to position the mirror axis exactly where you need it.
The symmetry axis is shown as a colored line in your canvas. You can toggle its visibility while keeping symmetry active.

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Symmetry Modes

Use case: Character faces, symmetric creatures, centered UI elementsMirrors your strokes across a vertical axis. Everything you draw on the left appears on the right, and vice versa.
-- Enable horizontal symmetry via script
app.command.SymmetryOptions {
  mode = "horizontal",
  axis = sprite.width / 2
}
Perfect for creating frontal character portraits and symmetric icons.

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Advanced Configuration

Position the symmetry axis anywhere on your canvas:
  1. Enable symmetry mode
  2. Look for the axis guide line (red/blue line)
  3. Click and drag the line to reposition
  4. Or enter exact pixel coordinates in the symmetry options
The axis doesn’t have to be centered! Place it asymmetrically for creative effects.
Apply symmetry to specific layers only:
  • Symmetry affects all visible layers by default
  • Lock layers you don’t want to mirror
  • Or draw on a specific layer with symmetry enabled
  • Background and reference layers respect symmetry settings
Use separate layers for symmetric and asymmetric elements in the same sprite.
Symmetry works with most drawing tools:Compatible:
  • ✅ Pencil and Brush
  • ✅ Eraser
  • ✅ Fill tool
  • ✅ Line and shape tools
  • ✅ Custom brushes
Limited:
  • ⚠️ Selection tools (outline mirrors, not content)
  • ⚠️ Transform tools (apply manually)
Symmetry doesn’t apply to paste operations or imported images.

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Practical Examples

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Character Design Workflow

1

Set up the canvas

Create a new sprite and enable horizontal symmetry at the center.
# CLI example
aseprite --batch --new 64,64,rgba
2

Draw the base shape

Draw one half of the character’s head. The other half appears automatically.
3

Add asymmetric details

Toggle symmetry off (Shift + S) to add unique details like scars or accessories.
4

Fine-tune

Re-enable symmetry for final adjustments to maintain balance.

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Pattern Creation

-- Create a symmetric pattern tile
local sprite = app.activeSprite
if not sprite then return end

-- Enable quad symmetry
app.command.SymmetryOptions { mode = "both" }

-- Draw in one quadrant, automatically fills all four
app.alert("Draw in the top-left quadrant!")

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Keyboard Shortcuts

ActionShortcut
Toggle Symmetry OptionsShift + S
Toggle Symmetry On/OffShift + Alt + S
Move Axis LeftShift + Left
Move Axis RightShift + Right
Move Axis UpShift + Up
Move Axis DownShift + Down
Customize these shortcuts in Edit → Keyboard Shortcuts → View → Symmetry.

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Tips and Tricks

Off-Center Design

Move the symmetry axis off-center to create asymmetric-symmetric hybrids, perfect for dynamic character poses.

Animated Symmetry

Keep symmetry enabled across frames for consistent character animation. Works great with onion skinning!

Temporary Toggle

Quickly toggle symmetry on/off as you work to add both symmetric and unique details efficiently.

Selection Symmetry

Make a selection on one side, copy it, then paste on the other side with manual positioning for precise control.

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Common Use Cases

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UI Elements and Icons

Most icons benefit from symmetry for a professional, balanced look:
  • Settings gears
  • Home houses
  • User avatars
  • Shield badges

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Game Sprites

Animation Consideration: While character idle poses work great with symmetry, walking and action animations often need asymmetric frames for natural motion.
  • Enemy designs: Symmetric monsters feel more iconic
  • Items and pickups: Coins, gems, power-ups
  • Vehicles: Front-facing spaceships and cars
  • Architecture: Buildings, doors, windows

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Combining with Other Features

Symmetry + Tiled Mode

Create seamless symmetric patterns that tile perfectly.

Symmetry + Custom Brushes

Use symmetric custom brushes for complex mirrored details.

Symmetry + Onion Skinning

Animate symmetric characters with frame-by-frame consistency.

Symmetry + Shading

Apply symmetric shading for balanced lighting effects.

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Troubleshooting

Possible causes:
  • Layer is locked or hidden
  • Symmetry options panel is set to “None”
  • Working outside the canvas bounds
  • Tool selected doesn’t support symmetry
Solution: Check that symmetry is enabled and the axis is visible on canvas.
The symmetry axis guide might be hidden. Toggle it in View → Show → Symmetry Axis.
Make sure you’re drawing on the correct active layer. Symmetry applies to the currently selected layer.

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