Add an image
Choose a JPG, PNG or WebP file. The converter reads it locally in your browser, so you can start without an account or upload wait.
Live preview
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Add an image
Your pixel art appears here
How it works
Convert a photo to pixel art in three steps
Choose the pixel style
Adjust block size, reduce the palette, enable dithering or add grid lines when you need to count and recreate individual cells.
Export a PNG
Select an integer export scale for sharp nearest-neighbor edges, then download a clean or gridded watermark-free PNG.
Control the detail
What pixel size should you use?
Pixel size controls how much source detail is grouped into each square. A value around 4 to 8 pixels keeps recognizable facial features, small objects and texture. Values from 12 to 20 create a stronger retro effect, while the largest blocks work best for simple shapes and bold silhouettes.
There is no single correct setting. Start with the subject: portraits usually need more detail than icons, landscapes or high-contrast logos. The live preview makes it easy to compare settings before downloading.
Shape the color
Original color, limited palettes and dithering
Original mode pixelates the image without deliberately reducing its colors. The 32-, 16- and 8-color modes progressively simplify the palette, which can make the result feel closer to older game graphics. Mono converts the image into four grayscale values.
Dithering spreads color differences into neighboring pixels. It can preserve gradients and shadow detail with a small palette, although flat artwork often looks cleaner with dithering turned off.
Crisp exports
Why export scale matters for pixel art
Pixel art should be enlarged with whole-number scaling and nearest-neighbor rendering. That keeps each source pixel square instead of introducing blurred edges. A 1× export gives you the compact working resolution. Choose 4× or 8× when you need a larger file for sharing, reference, printing or use in another editor.
When you need an image-to-pixel-art converter with grid lines, turn on Grid lines before downloading. The grid is part of the exported PNG, so each pixel cell remains visible outside the browser preview.
This converter exports PNG because it preserves sharp edges and avoids JPEG compression artifacts. If you want to combine the finished pixel image with other photos afterward, download it here and open the Photo Grid Maker.
Count every cell
Download pixel art with a visible grid
Turn on Grid lines when the image is a reference rather than a finished sprite. The same grid appears in the live preview and downloaded PNG, so you can count squares for graph paper, bead crafts, cross-stitch planning or hand-copying.
Grid lines need room between cells. If you turn them on while using a 1× export, the converter moves to 2× automatically instead of covering every color cell with a line. Turn the option off for a clean game asset or avatar.
FAQ
Image to Pixel Art FAQ
How do I turn an image into pixel art?
Upload a JPG, PNG or WebP image, choose a pixel size and palette, preview the result, then download the pixel art as a PNG.
What pixel size should I choose?
Use smaller blocks for more detail and larger blocks for a chunkier retro look. Start around 8 to 12 pixels and adjust while watching the live preview.
What does dithering do?
Dithering distributes color error between nearby pixels, creating the impression of extra shades when a limited palette is selected.
Can I download pixel art with grid lines?
Yes. Turn on Grid lines to add a high-contrast cell grid to the live preview and downloaded PNG. The tool uses at least 2× export scale so the grid does not cover the artwork.
Are uploaded images sent to a server?
No. Images are processed locally in your browser for conversion and download.
Can I use the downloaded pixel art commercially?
The tool does not add restrictions or a watermark, but you remain responsible for having rights to the source image and its contents.
Need a multi-photo layout?