Photo to pixel art converter
Turn a photo or illustration into pixel art. Choose the number of pixels and colors, then save it as a PNG. Your photo is processed only in this browser and is never sent anywhere.
More settings
Choose a photo and your pixel art will appear here.
Changing the pixel count or the number of colors resets your touch-ups.
How to use
- Choose a photo (one where the face or main subject is large works best).
- Adjust the pixels across and the number of colors. Fewer gives a retro game look; more stays closer to the photo.
- Download with “Save as PNG”. Use it for icons, stickers or greeting cards.
To make your pixel art with beads, press “Make it a fuse bead pattern”. Each pixel becomes one bead, and you get a pattern with color codes and bead counts. Tips for better pixel art are worth a read, too.
How the number of pixels changes the look
Original image
24 pixels, 8 colors: icon or retro game look
48 pixels, 12 colors: a good place to start
96 pixels, 20 colors: detailed, close to the original
The sample image converted with Illustration mode on. For photos, turn Illustration mode off for smoother color changes.
What to use pixel art for
- Icons and profile pictures for social media and games
- Sticker-style images and graphics for blogs or flyers
- New Year, Christmas and greeting cards
- Charts for cross-stitch embroidery or mosaic art
- Fuse beads: one pixel becomes one bead
How big it comes out in fuse beads
| Pixels across | 2.6 mm beads | 5 mm beads (Perler, Hama) |
|---|---|---|
| 29 | About 7.5 cm (one pegboard) | About 14.5 cm |
| 48 | About 12.5 cm | About 24 cm |
| 64 | About 16.6 cm | About 32 cm |
| 96 | About 25 cm | About 48 cm |
One pixel is one bead. A 2.6 mm pegboard is 29 × 29 beads, so for anything bigger, put pegboards side by side.
FAQ
Is it free?
Yes, it is free, and you do not need an account. You can download your pixel art as a PNG.
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. Everything is converted inside your browser. Your photo is never stored on a server.
How many pixels should I use?
For an icon or sticker look, 32–48 pixels across works well; to keep the feel of the photo, try 64 or more. Photos where the subject is large, such as a close-up of a face, convert best.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes. It works in the browser on phones and tablets; there is no app to install.
What can I use my pixel art for?
Icons, sticker-style images, card designs and more. The rights to the original photo or illustration stay with its creator.
Can I make my pixel art with fuse beads?
Press “Make it a fuse bead pattern” to open it in the Pattern Maker. You will see how many beads you need of each color and can add those colors to your cart as single-color packs right away. One pixel is one bead; with 2.6 mm beads, 48 pixels is about 12.5 cm.
What is pixel art?
Pixel art is a picture made of small square dots, like the screens of old video games: blocky and charming.
Can I make black-and-white or retro-game pixel art?
Yes. Under “Color mood”, choose black and white, grayscale, or retro game (4 greens).
Can I save at an exact size such as 256×256?
Under “Save size”, choose actual size, 2×, 4× or 8×. For example, convert at 64 dots wide and save at 4× for a 256 px wide image. You can also convert at up to 256 dots across and save at actual size.
Can the background be transparent?
Yes. With “Remove background” the PNG is saved with a transparent background. It works best on photos with a plain background.
Can I make 16×16 or 32×32 pixel art?
Press 16 or 32 under “Common sizes” and turn on “Make it square” to get 16×16 or 32×32 pixel art, the usual sizes for icons and game sprites.
Can I fix single dots after converting?
Turn on “Touch up”, pick a color below the picture, then click (or drag over) dots to repaint them. The eraser makes dots transparent, and Undo takes a change back.
Can I add an outline around my pixel art?
Turn on “Add an outline” to surround the picture with one dark dot. Used together with “Remove background”, the outline follows the shape of the subject. The outline makes the picture 2 dots wider and taller.
What is the difference between bead colors and any colors?
“Fuse bead colors” picks from the 220 standard bead colors, so the picture can become a bead pattern with color codes. “Any colors (for pixel art)” picks from the colors of your image, so colors no bead has are kept.
Can I get a PDF with a grid?
Press “Save as PDF” for an A4 PDF with the grid, row and column numbers, and the colors used with their counts.