EXPORT_BIN


export gamename.bin
Note: Unlike other file saving options, this only works with the export command. As such, it is not available in the Education Edition.

This command is used to export your game as an executable file that can be run on Windows, Linux (64-bit), Mac and Raspberry Pi, without the need to upload to the web, nor load it into PICO-8. So people who do not have PICO-8 can still play your game this way.

This will create multiple files and folders in your currently opened folder. Use the Folder Command to open and view these files. 

For example, if you export to the default carts folder, these are the folders and files that are created:

carts
   gamename.bin
      linux
      raspi
     gamename.app
      windows
     gamename_linux
     gamename_osx
     gamename_raspi
     gamename_windows

It is recommended to distribute the zipped folders exactly as they are to ensure they are easily playable on other systems. See the manual for more information.

Custom Game File Icon


The default icon created for your game's executable file is the label that you saved with the cart.

When exporting to .bin, you may use these commands to customize the icon's sprite, size, and transparency.

-i n = Set the Icon as sprite index N
-s n = Set the sprite size to NxN sprites
-c n = Make colour N of the icon transparent

(The default transparent color is black (#0). To set no transparent color, use 16.)

Example walk through:

Choose a sprite in the spritesheet to also use as the cart icon. Make note of the sprite number displayed, even if larger than 8x8 pixels. Here, the smiley face is sprite number 1, and has a size of 16x16 pixels which is 2x2 tiles. So we will use 2 for the icon size.


Use the command: EXPORT -I 1 -S 2 MYGAME.BIN to take sprite 1 with the size of 2x2 tiles to become the file icon. Press enter and PICO-8 will begin creating and displaying each folder and files as it goes. Wait for the "OK" to appear to know that it is finished.


And the icon appears next to the main executable file in your bin folders. You can pin this file to your start menu or taskbar, or make a shortcut, and your custom icon will be used in those places as well.

Include an Additional File


You may include one additional file with your game exported this way, so that when others download it, they can receive extra information or bonus content along with the game. Use -e and list one file you want to add before the .bin filename.


export -e gamename.bin readme.txt

You can include additional information about yourself the developer, the game, any licensing information, how to install, how to play, etc. in a simple text file, often named "readme".


export -e gamename.bin wallpaper.png

Another idea is including a large scale image such as art related to your game that can be used as a wallpaper for fans of your game and a gift for downloading. This could also be a scaled up version of the coverart that you include for people who want to put your game on a handheld device, or a printable sticker, etc. See Export Label to export your game label as a small image file, which you can then scale up in another program.


Official Manual - Export Binary Apps

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17 Jun 2023

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