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Photo to pixel art

Turn a photo into retro pixel art with Game Boy, PICO-8 or your own number of colours.

  • Free
  • No sign-up
  • Works on any device

About Photo to pixel art

The image is shrunk to a coarse grid, then every block is snapped to a limited palette: Game Boy green, PICO-8 colours or a number you choose. Fewer colours and bigger blocks give a more retro look. Simple subjects with clear shapes turn out best.

How to use Photo to pixel art

  1. Add the photo you want to pixelate.
  2. Choose a palette such as Game Boy or PICO-8, or set the number of colours yourself.
  3. Adjust the pixel size and save the pixel art.

Why use this tool?

Also known as

Frequently asked questions

How do I get cleaner pixel art from a photo?

Start with a simple subject on a plain background, use fewer colours and a larger block size. Detailed, noisy photos lose their shapes when reduced to a small grid.

What is the Game Boy palette?

It uses only four shades of green, like the original Game Boy screen. The PICO-8 palette has 16 fixed colours, so each one gives a different retro look.

How does the pixel size change the result?

A larger pixel size makes bigger blocks and less detail, which looks more retro. A smaller size keeps more of the photo. Try several sizes until faces are still recognisable.

Is Photo to pixel art free?

Yes. Photo to pixel art on Toolipedia is free to use, with no sign-up and no watermark.

Is it safe to use?

Yes. Everything is worked out in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent to our server.

Does it work on my phone?

Yes. It works in any modern browser on Android and iPhone, as well as on tablets and computers. There's nothing to install.

Do I need an account?

No. Just open the page and use the tool. There's no sign-up and no email needed.

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