Choose a still PNG, JPEG or WebP and turn it into a pixel-style design. Free photo conversion runs on your device; AI generation is coming soon.
100 MB input limit · Processing runs on your device · No watermark added
Photo conversion keeps the source composition
Pixelation reduces the image to a smaller grid and enlarges it with crisp blocks. The subject and composition come from your original image; this is not a text-to-image model inventing a new scene. Start with a clear silhouette and crop out unnecessary background. Large pixel blocks may lose facial details, so inspect the result at the intended display size.
Block size and palette change different things
Block size sets how much spatial detail remains. Export dimensions are rounded to whole pixel blocks so every block has the same width and height. Choose PICO-8, Game Boy or an automatic 16-, 32- or 64-color palette. A palette limits the available colors. Fewer colors can simplify a design but can also merge nearby details. Dithering uses patterns of available colors to suggest intermediate shades; it may add texture and noise. Compare both settings rather than assuming the smallest palette is always best.
PNG is useful when crisp edges matter
PNG keeps hard pixel edges and source transparency without GIF’s palette and animation constraints. Avoid smoothing when enlarging pixel art in another editor. Export a PNG or a one-second breathing GIF. The breathing preset animates your converted still; it does not create a new hand-drawn action sequence. Check the output preview and format before downloading.
AI artwork has separate generation and sharing controls
The free photo workflow transforms a supplied image locally and does not add it to a public gallery. An AI mode, when enabled, creates new artwork from a description and follows its own account, credit, watermark and visibility rules. Review those settings in that mode.
How to use this pixel art generator
- 1Choose the photo or image to convert.
- 2Set a pixel block size and choose an available palette.
- 3Compare dithering and inspect the preview.
- 4Export the result and preserve sharp scaling in your destination app.
Before and after
Measured with the same engine that runs in your browser.
| Sample | Size | Output | Frames | Settings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reference export (ca6e3ea): gradient → PICO-8 PNG | 160 KB → 1.7 KB | 320 × 180 0 ms | 1 | block: 8 · palette: PICO-8 · dither: false · format: PNG · version: ca6e3ea (before uniform block sizing) |
| Reference export (ca6e3ea): gradient → Game Boy GIF | 160 KB → 8.0 KB | 320 × 180 1.0s | 4 | block: 8 · palette: Game Boy · dither: true · format: breathing GIF · version: ca6e3ea (before uniform block sizing) |
Frequently asked questions
How do I turn a photo into pixel art?
Choose an image, reduce its detail with a pixel block size and select a palette. Inspect the preview and export the result.
Is photo-to-pixel conversion free?
The local photo conversion workflow is free. An enabled AI mode is a separate service with its own visible quota and credit rules.
Why does my pixel art look blurry after resizing?
The destination app may be smoothing the enlarged image. Use nearest-neighbor or another sharp pixel-preserving scaling option.
What does dithering do?
It uses a pattern of palette colors to suggest shades between them. It can soften gradients but can also add visible texture.
Does my uploaded photo appear in the public gallery?
The browser-based photo conversion workflow does not upload or publish the original or result. Public gallery rules apply separately to AI-generated work when that mode is live.