Pixel art generator: image to pixel art in seconds
Drop in a photo, a logo or a sketch and this pixel art generator turns it into a crisp pixel grid. Pick the width in pixels (16, 32, 64 or anything up to 200), cap the number of colours so the result looks hand-drawn rather than photographic, and switch dithering on for photos or off for flat artwork. The converter runs entirely in your browser — the image never leaves your device — and the preview updates as you move each slider.
When the picture looks right, download it as a PNG at 1×, 4×, 8× or 16× (a 32×32 sprite exported at 16× is a sharp 512×512 image with no blur), or open it in the pixel art editor to fix single pixels by hand. Every colour comes from a 64-colour palette designed for pixel art, so gradients quantise into believable steps instead of noise. It is the same engine that powers our bead pattern converter, which is why any pixel art you make here can also be beaded, cross-stitched or built from bricks with one click.
What you get
- Any image to pixel art in the browser — nothing is uploaded
- Width from 8 to 200 pixels, aspect ratio kept or free
- Colour limit and dithering for photos or flat art
- One-click transparent background
- PNG export at 1×, 4×, 8× and 16×
- Open in the pixel art editor to touch up single pixels
How it works
- Upload an image or drop it on the page — PNG, JPG and WebP all work.
- Set the width in pixels; the height follows the image unless you unlock it.
- Limit the colours and toggle dithering until the pixels read cleanly.
- Remove a plain background with one click if you want a transparent sprite.
- Download the PNG at 1×, 4×, 8× or 16×, or open it in the pixel art editor.
Frequently asked questions
Is the pixel art generator free?
Yes. Converting, previewing and downloading PNGs at any scale are all free, with no account, no watermark and no limit on how many images you convert. Everything runs in your browser.
What size should my pixel art be?
Icons and sprites work best between 16 and 64 pixels wide; portraits need 96 or more to keep faces readable. Start at 32, look at the preview, and go up only if details disappear.
How many colours make good pixel art?
Eight to sixteen colours give that classic hand-made look; photographs need 24 to 32 with dithering on. Fewer colours also make the picture easier to redraw or bead later.
Can I get a transparent background?
Yes. Click the background in the preview to key it out — cells that match become transparent — and download the PNG. Transparent pixels are kept at every export scale.
Can I edit the result pixel by pixel?
Yes. Send the grid to the pixel art editor with one click and use the pencil, fill, line and eraser tools, undo as much as you like, then export again.