Local processing
Your image stays in your browser while it is converted.
Free browser tool
Image to Pixel Art Converter
Turn an image into pixel art in your browser. Adjust pixel size, choose a built-in retro palette, preview the result, and download a PNG.
Upload an imageYour image is processed locally in your browser and is not uploaded to our server.
Create your pixel art
Upload an image, choose a block size or Grid Width, review named palette counts, then download a clean or grid PNG.
What this converter does
Block size and Grid Width
Use the current block size or fixed 16, 32, 64, or 128-column grid presets.
Named palettes and counts
Apply a built-in palette and see the matching color names and material counts.
Clean and grid PNG
Download the finished pixel art without grid lines or with a readable grid overlay.
Image to pixel or image to pixel art?
People use several names for a similar first step. An image to pixel, image to pixels, pic to pixel, img to pixel, or png to pixel search usually means turning an image into clear grid cells. The controls that matter here are Block size and Grid Width.
An image to pixel art search usually adds a visual style. The same converter can apply a built-in Palette so the cells use a consistent set of colors. If the goal is a broad block effect across the whole image, use the pixelate image tool instead.
Image to pixel
Start with Block size when you want to make each cell larger or smaller while keeping the source proportions.
Image to pixel art
Choose a fixed Grid Width when you want a repeatable number of columns, then compare a built-in Palette.
Pixelate an image
Use the dedicated pixelate image page when the whole-image effect is the main task.
See how one setting changes the result
These examples use simple source images so the effect of each control is easy to compare. The After image is produced by this converter with the named setting.
Block size changes the rhythm
A larger block size creates fewer, larger cells. Use it when you want a bold, visibly chunky result.
A named palette sets the mood
Minecraft Wool maps each rendered cell to a named wool color, so the preview and color count list describe the same result.
Grid Overlay makes cells countable
The overlay adds guide lines to the same logical result, helping you inspect columns and rows before you download.
Choose a Grid Width that keeps the subject clear
Grid Width controls how many logical columns the result uses. More columns preserve more small shapes; fewer columns make the block structure easier to read. The right choice depends on the source image, the subject, and how far away the finished pixel art will be viewed.
16 columns
Use this for icons, simple symbols, or a deliberately chunky silhouette. Fine facial features and small text will disappear.
32 columns
A useful first attempt for a simple subject. It keeps the cells obvious while retaining enough shape for a recognizable result.
64 columns
Choose this when the subject has more edges, layered colors, or small parts that 32 columns merge together.
128 columns
Use it when you want a closer structural reading of the source. The pixel effect is lighter, so inspect the result at its intended size.
If you prefer direct control over the size of each block, switch to By pixel size. A smaller block size creates more logical cells and a larger block size creates fewer, larger cells. Start with the first result rather than trying to predict every source image: the Before / After view makes the tradeoff visible immediately.
A local conversion with a clear boundary
The selected image is decoded and drawn by your browser. ImagePixel changes the image on a canvas, reads the rendered pixels, optionally maps them to one of the built-in palettes, and creates a PNG for download. The source image is not sent to ImagePixel's server during that conversion workflow.
That boundary also explains what the tool is designed for: a fast, repeatable image-to-pixel result with visible controls, a preview, named color counts, and PNG export. It does not replace a full image editor, and it does not create a new scene from a text prompt. Use the controls and the preview to make a choice you can inspect before saving.
How to make pixel art from an image
- 1
Upload an image
Choose an image from your device or drag it into the tool.
- 2
Adjust the look
Set a pixel size and optionally select one of the built-in palettes.
- 3
Preview and download
Compare the result, then download the pixel art as a PNG.
Working from a photo? Use the photo to pixel art converter. Need whole-image pixel blocks? Pixelate an image online. Planning Minecraft blocks? Build a Minecraft pixel grid.
Frequently asked questions
Is ImagePixel free to use?
Yes. This tool is free to use and does not require an account.
Are my images uploaded to a server?
No. The conversion runs locally in your browser, so the tool does not upload your image to our server.
What can I download?
The converter downloads the pixel-art result as a PNG file.
How do I convert an image to pixel art?
Upload an image, choose a block size or Grid Width, optionally choose a built-in palette, review the Before / After preview, then download the PNG result.
What is the difference between "image to pixel" and "image to pixel art"?
Image to pixel describes turning a source image into visible grid cells. Image to pixel art adds a stronger pixel-art treatment, including a chosen built-in palette. Both use the same browser converter here.
What grid size or block size should I use?
Start with 32 columns for a balanced first result. Use 16 for a chunkier icon, 64 for more recognizable detail, or 128 when you want the result to stay close to the source. In block-size mode, a smaller number creates more cells and a larger number creates larger blocks.
Is this an AI pixel art generator?
No. ImagePixel uses deterministic browser canvas operations to resize the image to a grid, optionally map colors to a built-in palette, and show the result. It does not generate new artwork with an AI service.
Can I convert PNG / JPG / WEBP?
Yes. The uploader accepts image files, including PNG, JPG or JPEG, GIF, and WebP when your browser can decode them. The finished result downloads as a PNG.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. The page adapts to narrow screens, and you can use the file picker and touch controls on a phone or tablet. A wider screen makes detailed grid inspection easier.
Why do my results look blurry or muddy?
If the result loses important shapes, try a smaller block size or a fixed Grid Width with more cells. If similar colors blend together, choose a built-in palette and compare the Before / After view before downloading.
Can I get a transparent background?
If the source image contains fully transparent pixels, the converter preserves those transparent pixels in the PNG result. It does not make an opaque background transparent for you.
What is the color count list for?
When you choose a named palette, the color count list shows how many logical grid cells matched each used palette color. It is useful for checking the result or planning a color-based build.
Can I use the output commercially?
ImagePixel does not claim rights to the image you create with the converter. You are responsible for the source image and for any license or other rights that apply to it.
Can I use this for Minecraft builds?
Yes. Choose a fixed Grid Width and the Minecraft Wool palette to inspect named material counts, then use the Minecraft pixel grid generator linked in the workflow section. Open the Minecraft pixel grid generator.
Do you keep my images?
The selected image is processed locally in your browser during conversion. ImagePixel does not upload the source image to its server as part of this workflow.