Uwarp
Block size
Custom palettes

Upload .hex or .txt palette files, or build colors manually.

Examples

Sample outputs at different block sizes, palettes, and grayscale settings.

Photo converted to pixel art at block size 7 with default settings

Default usage

Block size 7, no other modifications.

Image to pixel art with 4-color palette at block size 17

4-color palette

Block size 17, four colors.

Grayscale 8-bit style pixel art from photo at block size 10

Grayscale

Block size 10, grayscale.

16-color palette pixel art converter output at block size 8

16-color palette

Block size 8, sixteen colors.

Pixel It API reference

Chainable methods from the original pixelit library this tool reimplements.

Quick usage

<img src="sky.jpg" id="pixelitimg" alt="">
<canvas id="pixelitcanvas"></canvas>
<script src="pixelit.js"></script>
<script>
  const px = new pixelit();
  px.draw().pixelate();
</script>

Options

config = {
  to:        HTMLCanvasElement, defaults to #pixelitcanvas
  from:      HTMLImageElement,  defaults to #pixelitimg
  scale:     int 1..50,         defaults to 8
  palette:   [[r,g,b], ...],    defaults to a fixed palette
  maxHeight: int | null,        defaults to null
  maxWidth:  int | null,        defaults to null
}

Methods

  • .draw() — Draws the source image to the canvas.
  • .setScale(int) — Pixelation scale (1–50).
  • .convertGrayscale() — Converts the canvas to grayscale.
  • .convertPalette() — Snaps pixels to the nearest palette color.
  • .pixelate() — Draws a pixelated version to the canvas.
  • .saveImage() — Triggers a PNG download.

Based on giventofly/pixelit (MIT). Algorithm credit goes to the original author.

Help Us Improve

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Pixel art converter — turn images into pixel art

Free pixel art converter: turn photos into pixel art with block-size grid, 8-bit palettes, 16-color sets, and grayscale. In-browser PNG download.

What is a pixel art converter?

A pixel art converter turns photographs or illustrations into blocky, retro artwork by downsampling and optionally limiting colors to a palette. This Uwarp tool ports the open-source Pixel It algorithm (MIT) so you can turn a picture into pixel art, preview an image-to-pixel-art grid, and export PNG without desktop software. It suits “photos to pixel art” workflows, 8-bit and 16-color styles, and quick sprite prototypes before redrawing in Aseprite or LibreSprite.

Features

Pixel art converter controls—turn an image into pixel art with block grid, 8-bit/16-color palettes, and PNG export.

  • Block size slider (pixel grid)

    Scale pixel blocks from 1 to 50—the main control for image to pixel art grid density and chunky sprites.

  • 8-bit and 16-color palettes

    Vinik24, NES, Endesga 16, Aurora 4, and more—for 8-bit picture and 16-bit style looks from photos.

  • Grayscale mode

    Convert the pixelated canvas to grayscale for monochrome sprites, avatars, or UI mockups.

  • Sprite sizes: 16×16 to 128×128

    Cap max width/height for avatar-scale 16×16 pixel art or larger 128×128 tiles from photos.

  • Palette import

    Load .hex or .txt palette files compatible with pixilart.com and Paint.NET exports.

  • PNG download

    Save the current canvas as pxArt.png—ready after you turn a photo into pixel art.

How to turn an image into pixel art

Three steps for pixelart converter workflows—upload, tune the grid, download PNG.

  1. Upload or use the sample

    Start with the default sky photo or upload JPG, PNG, or other browser-supported images.

  2. Tune block size and effects

    Adjust block size for the pixel grid, enable palette or grayscale for 8-bit/16-color looks, and pick a palette from the dropdown.

  3. Download PNG

    When the preview looks right, click Download PNG to save pxArt.png to your device.

Tips for better pixel art from photos

Practical settings when you make an image pixel art or pixelate a picture.
  • 01

    Start around block size 7

    The default example uses block size 7 for balanced detail—raise it for a more retro, pixelated picture look.

  • 02

    Limit colors for 8-bit sprites

    Enable palette with a 4- or 8-color set when preparing assets for limited-color engines.

  • 03

    Use 16-color palettes for richer scenes

    Endesga 16 and similar sets approximate a 16 bit art style while keeping a small swatch count.

  • 04

    Resize large photos first

    Use max width or max height to hit 16×16, 128×128, or other targets without oversized canvases.

Who uses image to pixel art tools?

Common workflows for browser-based pixel art conversion.

  1. Indie game developers: Prototype sprite styles from reference photos before redrawing in Aseprite or LibreSprite.

  2. UI and brand designers: Create retro social assets or thumbnails with consistent 8-bit or 16-color limits.

  3. Educators and students: Demonstrate how resolution, block size, and color depth affect perceived image quality.

  4. Makers and hobbyists: Turn personal photos into pixel art avatars, profile pictures, or black-and-white 16×16 experiments.

Why use this pixel art converter on Uwarp?

Advantages of the in-browser Pixel It port.

  • No account required

    Open the page and convert immediately—no sign-up or watermarks.

  • Privacy-first processing

    Images never leave your browser during conversion—ideal for client photos.

  • Familiar Pixel It controls

    Same block size, palette, and API behavior as the MIT reference project on GitHub.

  • Free to use

    No subscription or export limits for PNG downloads.

Technical details

How the image to pixel art converter is implemented.
Algorithm
Canvas draw, downscale, and nearest-neighbor upscale based on giventofly/pixelit (MIT).
Palettes
Nearest-color matching in RGB space with optional custom palettes stored in localStorage.
Client-side only
100% browser Canvas 2D—no server-side image processing.

Sources & References

Authoritative references on pixel art rendering, nearest-neighbor scaling, and the Canvas API technology this converter uses.
  • “Pixel It is an open-source JavaScript library that converts images to pixel art using canvas-based downscaling, nearest-neighbor upscaling, and optional palette quantization.”
    — Pixel It (giventofly) — MIT License

    Pixel It — open-source pixel art converter: This tool is a port of the MIT-licensed Pixel It algorithm. The image is drawn to a canvas, downscaled by the block size, then scaled back up with nearest-neighbor interpolation to produce the pixel art effect. github.com/giventofly/pixelit

  • “Nearest-neighbor interpolation selects the value of the nearest pixel, producing a blocky, pixelated result that preserves hard edges without anti-aliasing.”
    — Wikipedia — Nearest-neighbor interpolation

    Nearest-neighbor interpolation: The block size slider controls how many source pixels are averaged into each pixel block. Nearest-neighbor upscaling ensures sharp, jagged edges characteristic of retro pixel art. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nearest-neighbor_interpolation

  • “Early game consoles and computers used hardware-limited color palettes. The NES used a 54-color master palette with up to 25 colors per screen; 16-color palettes like Endesga 16 are modern artist-designed sets.”
    — Wikipedia — List of color palettes

    8-bit and 16-color palettes in retro graphics: Built-in palettes (Vinik24, NES, Endesga 16, Aurora 4) snap pixel colors to the nearest match in the selected set, simulating the limited-color look of retro hardware. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_color_palettes

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about this tool—open a question to read more.