Photo to pixel
Turn a photo into pixel art
Sample a local photo from the center into 16×16, then hand-edit and export it.
No upload · center sample · every result cell is editable
16 × 16 · Live canvas
Photo sampling canvas
Choose a photo to begin. It will not be uploaded.
Brush & source
Fewer pixels, stronger identity
Export crisp PNGKeeps sharp edges when enlarged. No watermark.
Methods & limits
Not a filter: a photo compressed into 256 decisions.
The browser reads the image, takes the largest centered square, and reduces it to 16×16. Crop first if the subject is away from the center.
Direct sampling preserves many near-colors. For traditional pixel art, repaint the background, outline, and highlights with a palette of five to eight colors.
Flow: local image → center square → 16×16 sample → hand edit → nearest-neighbor PNG.
FAQ
Turn a photo into pixel art · FAQ
Is the photo uploaded?
No. The browser reads it locally and samples it in a temporary Canvas; there is no image upload API.
Why is the face off-center?
The tool takes the largest square at the photo center. Crop first or correct the imported result by hand.
Does GIF animation survive?
No. The browser reads the first frame into static pixel art and exports PNG.