Free browser tool

Photo to Pixel Art Converter

Turn a photo into pixel art in your browser. Choose a pixel size, try an included retro palette, compare the result, and download a PNG.

Upload a photo

Your photo is processed locally in your browser and is not uploaded to our server.

Convert your photo

Upload a photo, refine the pixel size or palette, then download the PNG result.

How to turn a photo into pixel art

  1. 1

    Choose a clear photo

    Photos with a clear subject and simple silhouette are easier to recognize after pixelation.

  2. 2

    Set the pixel size

    Start smaller to preserve more detail, or make the blocks larger for a chunkier retro look.

  3. 3

    Compare and download

    Try Original colors or an included palette, review the before/after preview, and download a PNG.

A practical starting point for photos

Pixelation reduces fine detail. If a face, pet, object, or scene is important, begin with a smaller pixel size and look at the preview before increasing it. A larger size creates a stronger pixel-art effect but can make small features harder to recognize.

Keep Original colors when you want the result to stay close to the photo. Choose a built-in palette when a limited retro color treatment matters more than preserving every source color.

Photo to pixel art FAQ

Are photos uploaded to ImagePixel?

No. This conversion runs locally in your browser, so ImagePixel does not upload your photo to its server.

What pixel size should I use for a photo?

Start with a smaller pixel size when you want to keep more details. Increase it gradually if you prefer larger, more visible pixel blocks.

Can I download the finished image?

Yes. After reviewing the pixel-art result, you can download it as a PNG file.

Need the broader image conversion workflow? Open the Image to Pixel Art Converter or read the pixel size and palette guide.