What is Pixel Art Converter?

Pixel Art Converter is a tool for turning an image into a pixel-art style version. You can choose a conversion mode and block size, compare the original and converted image side by side, then save the result as PNG, JPEG, or WebP.

It is useful when you want to give photos a rough pixel look or test a retro-style treatment for illustrations and icons.

How to Use

1. Upload an image.
2. Choose a conversion mode.
3. Pick a block size between 2×2 and 16×16.
4. Compare the before and after previews.
5. Choose a download format and save the result.

The tool also supports fullscreen preview, which helps when you want to inspect the effect more closely.

Conversion Modes

Color Quantization

This mode fills each block with the most common color found inside that block. The result usually looks sharper and more clearly "pixelated."

• Often works well for illustrations and logos
• Makes colors feel more unified block by block
• Can flatten gradients and subtle color transitions

Shrink → Enlarge

This mode shrinks the image first and then scales it back up without smoothing. It tends to keep more of the original color flow while still creating a pixel-art effect.

• Often works well for photos or shaded artwork
• Preserves the overall color impression more easily
• Fine details can disappear during the shrink step

Block Size Guide

• 2×2 to 4×4: Better when you want to keep more detail
• 6×6 to 8×8: A balanced middle ground for many images
• 10×10 to 16×16: Better when you want larger, chunkier pixels

Larger block sizes simplify the image more aggressively, so edges and details become more abstract.

Output Example

For example, if you convert an 800 × 800 image using an 8×8 block size, the exported image still stays at 800 × 800. The visible change comes from how the image is grouped into larger pixel-like blocks, not from reducing the final canvas size.

Use Cases

• Testing retro-style visuals for a game or mockup
• Converting avatars or icons into a pixel-art look
• Adding a rough pixel texture to social graphics
• Quickly trying out pixel-based design ideas

Things to Keep in Mind

• The tool does not apply fixed palettes or dithering
• The final look depends heavily on the source image's colors and contrast
• Color Quantization is a good first choice for crisp graphics, while Shrink → Enlarge is often better for photos