Microsoft Expressive Pixels

General questions

• What do I need to use Microsoft Expressive Pixels?

  To use Microsoft Expressive Pixels, you need a Windows 10 PC with the Windows 10 May 2019 update (version 18362.0) or higher and Microsoft Expressive Pixels app, which you can download free from the Microsoft Store for Windows. For the optimal experience you also need a compatible LED display device and a USB data cable. Watch our Getting Started tutorial to learn more.

• Where can I get the Microsoft Expressive Pixels app?

  You can download the free Microsoft Expressive Pixels app from the Microsoft Store for Windows on your PC. Launch the Store app, search for “Expressive Pixels”, and download. For more information watch our Getting Started tutorial.

• How do I check if I have the right version of Windows to use the Microsoft Expressive Pixels app?

  To see what version of Windows you’re running, go to Settings > System > About > Windows specifications > Version. To update Windows on your PC, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.

• In what language and markets is Microsoft Expressive Pixels available?

  Microsoft Expressive Pixels is available in the English version in more than 200 markets. You can download the app in Microsoft Store for Windows.

• What account do I need to sign into the Community Gallery in the app?

  You can use one of the supported OpenID account types such as Microsoft, Facebook, and Google, or create a new account.

• When I sign in and create an account for the Community Gallery, will that work across all my different machines?

  Yes, the account you created for the Community Gallery will work across your different machines where Expressive Pixels is installed.

• I have multiple PCs. Can I use Microsoft Expressive Pixels on different PCs without recreating all my images?

  Yes, you can. You can use Microsoft Expressive Pixels on different PCs by sharing the images to the Community Gallery or copy your Microsoft Expressive Pixels files to different PCs from My Documents\ExpressivePixels folder.

• Will there be new version of the Expressive Pixels app? If so how do I get the update?

  We continue to work on the app to improve user experience and will release updates in Microsoft Store for Windows. To check for new version, open Microsoft Store for Windows, click on the ellipsis (3 dots) next to your profile photo, click on the “Downloads and updates” button, and click on “Get updates”. You don’t need to uninstall your existing app to update.

• I used the “Export Image” function and created a GIF for my animation, but the GIF doesn’t play the full animation. Why?

  The GIF exporting carries over the animation frame rate but not pauses, fades, or loop count.

• What file types can I use for “import image”?

  You can import images such as PNG, JPEG and GIF. Our experience is that GIF provides the best quality for importing images.

• Is there size restriction for image upload to the community gallery?

  Please keep your image size no bigger than 24 x 24 pixels.

• What are the IP right for the images in the Community Gallery? Can I use them for my own purpose or share with others?

  Please see the Community Gallery Submission form in the app for details on image IP rights.  Users can use the images in the Community Gallery and share with others for personal use.

• How do I report it if I find some images in the Community Gallery offensive?

  Right-click the offensive or illegal image, select Report As Objectionable, and then submit. The image will be removed immediately and reviewed. If it is deemed objectionable, then it will be removed permanently.

• Is Expressive Pixels a BETA app? What does BETA mean?

  Microsoft Expressive pixels is a research project. We are releasing the app to get valuable user feedback to improve the platform. We will continue to improve user experience and add functionality.

• What is the Developer Console in the Expressive Pixels app?

  The Developer Console feature in the app is a command line capability similar to that of the Windows Command Console whereby an Expressive Pixels capable device can expose capabilities that are unique to it, and/or aren’t exposed through the main app experience. Generally, these capabilities are for device configuration, examples include but not limited to, formatting the on-device storage, rotating the image depending on device orientation, configuring triggering mechanisms. Devices should have Firmware V1.43 installed to access this capability, information on upgrading the firmware to this version or later can be found on the device’s manufacturer website.

  Commands are typed into the Developer Console’s edit box followed by the Return key, and responses from the devices are displayed in the upper part of the view. To find the list of console commands supported by the connected device, simply enter Help or “?”.

• What steps can I try if the app is not working?

  If the app is not working properly, follow these troubleshooting steps:

  1. Ensure that you have the latest version of the Expressive Pixels app installed. You can check the latest version and launch the update from the Microsoft Store.
     • Download the latest version from the Microsoft store here: https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9MTC56W1RXQH (opens in new tab)
     • Check for updates by selecting the Microsoft Store icon on your taskbar. Next to your profile at the top right, select the ellipses button (3 dots) › Downloads and Updates
  2. Be sure you are running Windows 10 with the latest updates.
     • You can check your system by going to Settings › System › About › scroll down to Windows Specifications.
     • You can check for updates by going to Settings › Update and Security › Check for Updates
  3. Reboot your PC and re-launch the app.
  4. If the problem persists, uninstall the app and reinstall the latest version from the Microsoft Store here: https://www.microsoft.com/store/apps/9MTC56W1RXQH (opens in new tab)
     
     Note: The animations you have created should remain in your library. However, if you wish to back them up for safekeeping, you can copy the contents of the folder: Documents › ExpressivePixels to a safe folder on your system prior to uninstalling the app.
  5. Reach out to our Community Forum (opens in new tab) where other members may be able to assist you. Be sure to post a detailed description of the problem, along with the specifics about your computer’s make, model, screen resolution, Windows 10 version, and the Expressive Pixels version that you are having issues with.

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Device and connection questions

• What are the compatible LED display devices?

  Microsoft Expressive Pixels works with generally available Maker hardware, such as addressable LEDs including Sparklet (standard and mini) and compatible 3rd party LED devices from Adafruit, Sparkfun, and SiliconSquared. If you have questions about a particular device, please let us know (opens in new tab).

• How do I pair and connect the LED display device?

  You can pair and connect your LED display device in the Expressive Pixels app either via USB cable or Bluetooth. Please watch the Getting Started tutorial for instructions.

• I can’t connect my LED display device in the Microsoft Expressive Pixels app. What should I do?

  If you are having trouble with USB connection, please make sure the USB is plugged in and that you are using a USB data cable. If you are having issue with Bluetooth connection, please check if Bluetooth is enabled on your PC and that any outstanding Windows Updates have been applied. You can also try to reset Bluetooth on your PC or restart your PC. Some PCs may have older Bluetooth chipsets that are not Bluetooth 4.0 compatible.

• Can I pair multiple LED display devices?

  You can pair multiple LED display devices but can only connect to one at a time in Expressive Pixels.

• Is the connection to my device secure?

  The Expressive Pixels firmware integrates AES128 security, and the connection is secure. With the Bluetooth connection key, you can secure your device so only you with the key can connect and control it. Follow these steps for the secure connection: when connected, open the device panel, see the Bluetooth section, click the Generate button, followed by the Save button and your device will be secured to you only.

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General support and feedback

At Microsoft, we are on a journey to empower people with all abilities. We are focused on learning from our customers, partners, and the community to continually improve our products and services. Their input about the role technology can play to empower more people has been an amazing and rewarding experience.  To continue this journey, we want to hear from you about your experiences with Microsoft Expressive Pixels.

• Where can I ask more questions or provide feedback?

  Please share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences with Microsoft Expressive Pixels in our Microsoft Community User Forum (opens in new tab).

• I'm a developer or Maker. Where can I find more technical information?

  Please visit our GitHub forum (opens in new tab).

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