PixelArt Converter

PHOTO TO PIXEL ART · IN YOUR BROWSER

Image to Pixel Art Converter

Convert a photo, illustration, or sprite into pixel art in your browser. Adjust pixel size, colors, and dithering, compare before and after, then export a static PNG or WebP.

Choose an image

Drop a PNG, JPG, WebP, or GIF here, or browse files.

Your image is processed in this browser and is not uploaded.

A SIMPLE WORKFLOW

How to convert an image to pixel art

  1. 01

    Choose a clear source image

    Portraits, illustrations, and sprites work well. A clear subject is easier to recognize on a small pixel grid. Open a PNG, JPG, WebP, or GIF; animated GIFs use the first frame only.

  2. 02

    Set the pixel size and canvas

    Adjust the pixel grid for more detail or a chunkier look. For an exact square result, choose a 16 × 16, 32 × 32, or 64 × 64 canvas and set how the image fits.

  3. 03

    Compare your pixel art and export

    Drag the Before/After divider to inspect the same area, then save a pixel-size or enlarged PNG or WebP.

PHOTO TO PIXEL ART

See a photo turned into pixel art

Here is an example of the same orange-and-white cat before and after conversion. The original photo becomes a compact pixel-art portrait with simplified colors and shapes.

Original orange-and-white cat photo before photo-to-pixel-art conversion
BeforeOriginal photo
The same orange-and-white cat converted from a photo into pixel art
AfterPixel art result

Try your own photo, illustration, or sprite with PixelArt Converter.

Try the converter

FIXED CANVAS

Make 16×16, 32×32, or 64×64 pixel art

Choose a fixed square canvas for a small sprite or icon. Both fit modes preserve the source proportions; they differ in whether they keep the full image or fill the canvas.

FULL IMAGE

Fit entire image

Keep the whole image visible. Any unused canvas area remains transparent in the pixel result.

FULL CANVAS

Crop to fill

Fill the target canvas and crop the excess from the center.

MADE FOR PIXEL DETAIL

Adjust pixel size, color palette, and dithering

Start with the pixel grid, then shape the colors and texture. Compare settings in the preview as you work.

Choose pixel size for detail or bold blocks

More pixels preserve finer shapes; fewer pixels create a chunkier look. Adjust the grid until the subject reads clearly.

Limit colors or use a pixel-art palette

Keep the source colors, reduce the color count, enter custom colors, or try the Game Boy and PICO-8 palettes.

Add dithering for patterned color transitions

Compare no dithering with Floyd–Steinberg, Atkinson, or Bayer patterns to see which treatment suits the image.

Tune brightness, contrast, and saturation

Adjust image tone before conversion to bring out a subject or soften strong colors.

BROWSER PROCESSING

Your image is converted in the browser

The converter uses browser image and canvas APIs to process the selected image and create export files. Read the privacy policy for details about image handling.

QUICK ANSWERS

Pixel art converter questions

How to convert image to pixel art?

Choose an image and adjust the pixel grid to set its level of detail. Change the colors with a palette or dithering, compare the result with the original, then export a pixel-size or enlarged PNG or WebP.

What image formats can I upload?

Upload PNG, JPG/JPEG, WebP, or GIF. Animated GIFs are accepted, but only the first frame is converted and the result is a static image.

What happens when I upload an animated GIF?

The converter decodes and converts frame 0 only. It does not process the remaining animation frames, and exports a static PNG or WebP.

What's the best output size for pixel art?

There is no single best size for every image. Choose 16 × 16, 32 × 32, or 64 × 64 for a fixed square canvas; choose Keep image proportions to adjust pixel width for a non-square result. Use the preview to decide how much detail to keep.

How many colors should pixel art have?

Use a smaller color count for a simpler palette, then increase it if important shapes or shading disappear. The Limit colors control supports 2–32 colors; Game Boy and PICO-8 palettes are also available.

Does this pixel art converter support dithering?

Yes. Choose Floyd–Steinberg, Atkinson, 2 × 2 Bayer, or 4 × 4 Bayer, or set dithering to None. Compare the patterns in the preview to see which one suits your image.

What makes good source images for pixel art?

Start with a clear subject, strong contrast, and a simple background. Those shapes are easier to read when the image is reduced to a small pixel grid.

Does this converter export a real 16x16 image?

Yes. Select the 16 × 16 canvas preset and export at Pixel size for an image that is exactly 16 pixels wide and 16 pixels high. The enlarged export scales it to 64 × 64 with nearest-neighbor rendering.

Should I crop or fit the source image?

Choose Fit entire image to keep the full source visible; unused canvas areas remain transparent. Choose Crop to fill to cover the canvas, then crop the excess from the center.

Can I get pixel art with a transparent background?

Yes. Fit entire image leaves unused canvas pixels transparent, and PNG or WebP exports preserve that transparency.

Is this an AI pixel art generator?

No. PixelArt Converter transforms an image you provide using pixel size, palette, dithering, and tone controls. It does not generate a new image from a text prompt.

READY WHEN YOU ARE

Bring an image. Find its pixel form.

Start with the converter above and adjust the result at your own pace.

Choose an image