PixelZoomer is a Firefox extension for web designers and developers which allows for zooming into websites. The core features are characterized by tools for pixel perfect measuring of distances and picking colors (HEX codes) with an eye dropper. The viewable area of a web page is being displayed in PixelZoomer through using a screenshot so that the view is based on real pixels.

The add-on ought to replace the step of using an image editing software when developing a web project. This provides the possibility of analysing sizes and distances directly in the browser. PixelZoomer uses a new CSS attribute to display the zoomed image. So the pixels are rendered crisp without using anti-aliasing.

Differences between Canvas and Java

PixelZoomer uses different methods for rendering screenshots of an opened web page. The desired option can be activated in the settings. You can choose between “Java” and “Canvas”. The Java method requires the activated runtime environment and needs a bit more time than the Canvas technique. The advantage of Java lies in the accurate rendering of pixels and colors because with the use of the Canvas method there may occur semi-transparent pixels (subpixels) which aren’t present in the regular browser view. Below you can find an example for a better understanding.

The differences depend on your operating system an may appear sporadical. As the intention of PixelZoomer lies in the analysis of pixel distances, the use of the Java method is recommended.