Free · Private · No sign-up

Image to pixel art converter.

Turn photos, portraits, logos and illustrations into crisp pixel art. Adjust the pixel size, colors and palette, then download a sharp PNG.

Drop your image hereor choose a file to start creatingPNG, JPG or WebP · Up to 10 MB
Processed in your browser Nothing gets uploaded Sharp PNG downloads
No image handy? Try one

BEFORE AND AFTER EXAMPLES

See a picture become pixel art

Compare each source with its finished result. These examples use different output sizes, color counts and palettes to show how each choice changes the final look.

LANDSCAPE · 64 PX WIDE · 18 COLORS

Photo to pixel art

Turn a landscape photo into a crisp 64-pixel image with an adaptive 18-color palette.

GAME SCENE · 48 PX WIDE · PICO-8 PALETTE

Create pixel art for a game

Convert a fantasy game scene into a compact environment asset with a 48-pixel width and the classic Pico-8 palette.

ILLUSTRATION · 32 PX WIDE · 16 AUTO COLORS

Simplify a colorful illustration

Reduce an illustration to 16 colors chosen from the original artwork, preserving its key shapes and recognizable palette.

THREE SIMPLE STEPS

How to convert an image to pixel art

Go from upload to finished artwork in three simple steps—no design software or pixel art experience required.

01

Upload a PNG, JPG or WebP

Choose a photo, logo, portrait or illustration. Conversion begins in your browser, and the original file never leaves your device.

02

Adjust the style

Choose the pixel size, reduce the color count, apply a custom or retro palette, add dithering and preview an optional pixel grid.

03

Save a sharp PNG

Download at actual size or export a high-resolution enlargement. Transparent pixels stay transparent, and every edge remains crisp.

CONTROL THE RESULT

Choose your pixel size, colors and grid

A good conversion should do more than add a blurry mosaic effect. Output resolution controls visible detail, while color reduction, palettes and dithering shape the style. The live preview helps you find the right balance before you export.

Try your own picture
16

Pixel size and resolution

Choose a 16, 32, 64 or 128 px output width, or enter a custom size. With a square source, these presets create 16×16, 32×32, 64×64 or 128×128 art.

Color count

Reduce colors for a bold retro pixel effect, or keep more shades when a detailed photo needs smoother highlights and shadows.

Color palettes

Use colors from the original picture, build a custom pixel art palette, or try Pico-8, Game Boy and Sunset 8 styles.

Dithering and pixel grid

Add dithering to blend limited colors, then show a pixel-by-pixel grid when you need to inspect individual blocks.

FREE ONLINE IMAGE CONVERTER

Why use this image to pixel art converter?

Use this free image to pixel art generator to control resolution, color reduction, palettes, dithering and grid preview—all in your browser.

Free and online

Open the browser-based tool and start immediately. There is no sign-up, watermark or usage queue.

Private by design

Processing happens locally, so your photo and generated result stay on your device.

Instant live preview

Compare the original and result while you change size, colors, palette, dithering or grid.

Transparent PNG export

Keep transparent backgrounds and download a sharp PNG at actual size, 4×, 8× or 16×.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Image to pixel art converter FAQ

Clear answers about photo conversion, output resolution, color palettes, dithering, pixel grids, transparent PNG files and privacy.

How do I turn an image into pixel art?

Upload a PNG, JPG or WebP image, then choose your pixel size, color count and palette. The converter generates a live pixel art preview that you can adjust before downloading as a crisp PNG.

Can I convert a photo or picture to pixel art?

Yes. You can turn photos, portraits, pictures, logos and illustrations into pixel art. Detailed photos usually work better at larger pixel sizes, while simple icons and logos can use smaller resolutions and fewer colors.

Should I use 16x16, 32x32 or 64x64 pixel art?

Use 16×16 for simple icons, 32×32 for small sprites and logos, and 64×64 or higher when you want to preserve more detail from a photo or illustration. For non-square images, the selected pixel size controls the output width while preserving the original aspect ratio. You can also choose a custom pixel size.

Can I use a custom pixel art color palette?

Yes. You can keep colors from the original image, use a built-in retro palette, or create a custom palette with your own colors. Limiting the palette can give your pixel art a cleaner, more consistent style.

What does dithering do in pixel art?

Dithering mixes alternating pixels of different colors to create the appearance of additional shades. It can help preserve gradients and details when using a limited color palette, while turning it off produces cleaner areas of solid color.

Can I turn an image into pixel art with a grid?

Yes. Enable the pixel grid to inspect the converted image pixel by pixel. This is useful for sprites, patterns and other projects where you need to see the exact placement of individual pixels. The preview grid does not appear in the downloaded PNG.

Can I keep a transparent background?

Yes. If your PNG contains transparent areas, those pixels remain transparent in the converted pixel art and the exported PNG.

Is this image-to-pixel-art converter free?

Yes. The converter is free to use online, requires no sign-up and works in modern desktop and mobile browsers. Image processing happens locally in your browser, so your original image does not need to be uploaded to a server.

CREATE IN YOUR BROWSER

Turn your image into pixel art

Ready to create? Choose an image, customize the result and download your finished artwork—no account required.

Choose an image