Each PNG is transparent and ideally 40x40 to 80x80 px.
| Action | Typical file names | Frames |
|--------|--------------------|--------|
| Idle | 0.png, 1.png, 2.png | loop 3–6 |
| Walk left | l0.png, l1.png, l2.png | 3–6 |
| Walk right | r0.png, r1.png, r2.png | 3–6 |
| Fall | fall.png (1 frame) | 1 |
| Hang (from top) | hang.png | 1 |
| Climb | climb0.png, climb1.png | 2 |
| Drag (held by mouse) | drag.png | 1 |
| Sleep | sleep0.png, sleep1.png | loop |
| Edge peek | edge.png | 1 |
Some versions also support:
kick,stretch,land,look.
If you want to create your own Shimeji, you don't need to start from scratch. Here is how to use the "Template Method":
The template is your translator. As long as you speak its language by keeping the file names and sizes consistent, you can make anything crawl across your desktop.
If you want a web widget (no Java), use the HTML/JS Shimeji template:
Once upon a time, there was a dedicated digital artist named Leo.
Leo loved the idea of Shimeji—those little desktop mascots that crawl around your screen, climb the sides of your monitor, and multiply when you aren't looking. Leo had a specific character in mind: a grumpy little cat named "Biscuit" who he wanted to trip over his browser windows and nap in the corner of his screen.
Leo found a sprite sheet online, opened his art program, and eagerly drew forty different poses of Biscuit. But when he tried to load them into the program, nothing happened. The cat was invisible. The program crashed.
Frustrated, Leo searched for an answer. That was when he found the secret weapon of the Shimeji world: The Shimeji Template.
Here is the story of how the template saved Leo’s project, and how it can help you.
Leo downloaded a file called Shimeji-ee (a popular English-enhanced version of the original Japanese program). Inside the folders, he found a generic, white mascot. It was boring, but it moved.
He realized that the program didn't know how to "see" his art; it only knew how to read a specific set of instructions.
"The program is like a puppeteer," Leo muttered to himself, "and it needs a specific puppet structure to work."
He navigated to the img folder. Inside, he found the Template. It wasn't a single file; it was a folder containing 46 individual image files, all named with cryptic codes like shime1.png, shime2.png, all the way up to shime46.png.
The Shimeji template is a beautiful bridge between programmer logic and artistic expression. It requires no coding knowledge, only patience, pixel art skills, and a love for cute chaos.
By starting with a blank, reliable template, you avoid the headache of deconstructing someone else’s complex character. You start with a perfect skeleton and add the skin and personality yourself.
Whether you want Naruto running across your Excel spreadsheet, a miniature version of your D&D character climbing your browser, or just a simple bouncing potato, the Shimeji template is your starting line.
Ready to start? Go to DeviantArt, search "Shimeji base template 2024," download a blank kit, and bring your desktop to life.
Have you created a Shimeji using a template? Share your results in the comments below—we want to see your virtual pets!
A Shimeji template is a set of image files used to create a custom "desktop mascot"—a small, animated character that wanders around your computer screen. Originally created by Yuki Yamada of Group Finity, Shimejis interact with your browser windows, sit, crawl, and even multiply. 🛠️ The Anatomy of a Template
To build a fully functional mascot, a standard template consists of approximately 46 to 48 individual images (sprites). shimeji template
The Ultimate Guide to Shimeji Templates: Unlocking Creative Potential
Are you a fan of anime and manga? Do you enjoy creating art, writing stories, or role-playing with friends? Look no further than the world of Shimeji templates! These versatile and customizable templates have taken the internet by storm, providing a fun and creative outlet for fans of all ages. In this article, we'll explore the world of Shimeji templates, discuss their benefits, and show you how to get started with creating your own.
What are Shimeji Templates?
Shimeji templates are digital images or illustrations that feature a character or characters in a static pose or scene. They are typically created in a variety of formats, including PNG, JPEG, or GIF, and are designed to be used as a starting point for creative projects. Shimeji templates often feature popular anime or manga characters, but can also include original characters or designs.
The term "Shimeji" originates from the Japanese word for "mushroom," and these templates have become a popular way for fans to engage with their favorite characters and stories. Shimeji templates can be used for a wide range of creative activities, including:
Benefits of Using Shimeji Templates
So, why should you use Shimeji templates? Here are just a few benefits:
Types of Shimeji Templates
Shimeji templates come in a wide range of styles and formats, including:
How to Use Shimeji Templates
Using Shimeji templates is easy! Here are the basic steps:
Where to Find Shimeji Templates
Shimeji templates can be found online through a variety of sources, including:
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of Shimeji templates:
Conclusion
Shimeji templates are a fun and creative way to engage with your favorite anime and manga characters. Whether you're an artist, writer, or role-player, Shimeji templates provide a versatile and customizable way to express yourself. With the tips and resources provided in this article, you're ready to start exploring the world of Shimeji templates and unlocking your creative potential. So why wait? Dive in and start creating today!
The Ultimate Guide to Shimeji Templates: Create Your Own Desktop Buddy
If you’ve ever spent time in online fandom circles, you’ve likely encountered Shimeji—those adorable, tiny characters that crawl around your computer screen, sit on your taskbar, and occasionally "multiply" to take over your windows.
Whether you want to turn your favorite anime character into a digital pet or create a mascot for your brand, it all starts with a shimeji template. In this guide, we’ll break down what a template is, how to use one, and the best practices for drawing your own. What is a Shimeji Template?
A Shimeji template is a standardized set of image files (usually PNGs) that the Shimeji software uses to animate a character. Because the program works by cycling through specific frames based on actions—like walking, falling, or climbing—a template provides the exact dimensions and poses needed to make the character look "alive." Each PNG is transparent and ideally 40x40 to 80x80 px
Most templates consist of 46 individual frames. Each frame corresponds to a specific behavior, such as: Idle: Sitting or standing still. Movement: Walking left or right. Physics: Falling, bouncing, or being dragged by the mouse.
Special Actions: Climbing the sides of the screen or sitting on top of an active window. Getting Started: The Basic Layout
When you download a shimeji template (often referred to as a "base"), you will find a folder named img. Inside, the files are numbered shime1.png through shime46.png. The Essential Poses shime1.png: The main idle pose (standing). shime2.png - shime3.png: Walking cycle.
shime4.png: Being picked up by the cursor (the "dragging" pose).
shime12.png - shime17.png: Climbing up the walls of your screen.
shime18.png - shime21.png: Walking along the ceiling (hanging upside down). How to Create Your Own Shimeji Using a Template
Creating a custom Shimeji is essentially a "reskinning" process. Here is a step-by-step workflow: 1. Choose Your Software
You can use any digital art program that supports transparency (PNG format). Popular choices include: Paint Tool SAI / Clip Studio Paint: Great for line work. Photoshop: Excellent for batch editing. Krita / FireAlpaca: Free, high-quality alternatives. 2. Set Up the Canvas
Standard Shimeji frames are typically 128x128 pixels. While you can go larger, sticking to this size ensures the character doesn't look blurry or disproportionately large on your desktop. 3. Draw Over the Base
Open the template frames as layers. Lower the opacity of the template and create a new layer on top.
Tip: Consistency is key. Make sure the "feet" of your character touch the same bottom line in every frame so they don't appear to "hop" or sink into the taskbar. 4. Save and Replace
Save your finished drawings as transparent PNGs, naming them exactly like the template files (shime1.png, etc.). Move these into the img folder of your Shimeji directory. Where to Find Templates
If you aren't ready to draw from scratch, the community has created several "blank" bases to help you:
DeviantArt: Still the largest hub for Shimeji bases and finished packs. Search for "Shimeji Base" or "Shimeji Template."
GitHub: Look for the "Shimeji-ee" (English Enhanced) project for the most stable version of the software.
Tumblr: Many artists share "f2u" (free to use) templates specifically designed for beginners. Pro-Tips for a Better Shimeji
Expression Variety: Even if the body pose is the same, changing the facial expression between frames (like a blink or a small smile) adds a lot of personality.
Check the "Grab" Point: In shime4.png, make sure your character looks like they are actually being pinched or held by the scruff of their neck. This is the frame users see most when interacting with the pet.
Transparency is Mandatory: If your PNGs have a white background, they will appear as white squares on your desktop. Always export with a transparent background. Final Thoughts
Shimeji templates take the technical guesswork out of coding and animation, letting you focus entirely on the art. With a bit of patience and 46 drawings, you can have your very own custom companion roaming your desktop.
Title: The Absent-Minded Accomplice
Type: Interactive Desktop Mascot (Shimeji)
Concept: A small, monochrome sprite resembling a vintage secret agent (think trench coat and fedora, but pixelated) who believes your monitor is a crime scene and your cursor is the lead detective. He doesn't cause chaos for the sake of it; he causes chaos because he is trying to "secure the perimeter."
Behavioral Profile:
Special Action:
Creating a (a little desktop mascot) is essentially an animation project that involves drawing dozens of individual frames. The most common way to do this is by using a base template—a set of blank or "blob" characters—and replacing them with your own art. 1. Choose Your Platform & Template
Before you start drawing, decide which Shimeji version you want to use, as the file structure and requirements differ:
Windows (Desktop): Use the Shimeji-ee (English Enhanced) version. Download an existing Shimeji or a "blank" base folder to use as your workspace.
Web Browser: Use the Shimeji Browser Extension and their Shimeji Editor to upload individual sprites directly.
Mobile: Apps like "Shimeji" (often featuring a crab icon) allow you to create slots "from scratch" by uploading your images. 2. Set Up Your Canvas Most Shimeji templates use a standard size for every frame. Dimensions: Usually 128 x 128 pixels. File Format: Must be transparent .png files.
Software: Any art program that supports layers and transparency (e.g., Clip Studio Paint, Paint Tool SAI, or Krita). 3. Creating the Sprites (Frames)
A full Shimeji typically requires 46 individual frames to cover all actions.
Other Art - How to make a Shimeji | Terraria Community Forums
Shimeji template typically refers to a set of blank or reference character sprites (usually 46 images) and behavior files used to create custom desktop pets. These interactive characters walk, crawl, and play around on your computer screen. When looking for a proper feature
set in a modern Shimeji template or framework, you should look for specific canvas standards, file structures, and interactive capabilities. 1. Visual & Canvas Standards
To ensure your custom character scales properly and doesn't look blurry or cut off: Dimensions:
The standard canvas size for a proper Shimeji sprite is exactly 128x128 pixels . Some higher-definition modified templates use
offers native compatibility across the widest range of engines. Asset Count: A complete, base template requires 46 PNG images (traditionally named shime1.png shime46.png ) to cover all default loops. Background Transparency:
The drawings must have a strictly transparent background. Erasing must be hard-edged (pencil mode) because older desktop engines do not render semi-transparent pixels properly, causing white or pixelated halos around characters. Icon Asset: A proper template folder will also include a separate pixel tray icon file (
) to represent the character in the taskbar or extension menu. DeviantArt 2. Interaction & Behavior Features
If you are using or modifying an interactive template (XML behavior driven), modern features include: Vicky's Shimeji FAQ by VickyViolet on DeviantArt
A Shimeji template typically consists of 46 individual image frames used to animate a "desktop buddy" that crawls, walks, and sits on your screen. These templates are primarily designed for Shimeji-ee (Windows/Mac/Linux) or mobile versions available on the Google Play Store. Core Components Sprite Sheet/Images: A collection of 46 PNG images (usually pixels) that cover all character actions. Some versions also support: kick , stretch , land , look
Action XML: A configuration file defining how the Shimeji moves, such as jump heights or crawl speeds.
Behavior XML: Defines the frequency and triggers for specific character behaviors. How to Use a Template Shimeji Template - Pinterest