What is the best block size for a photo?

For a recognizable portrait or pet photo, start at 8 blocks across and raise it if the subject holds. Logos and simple shapes read well at 24-32, detailed scenes at 48-64.

What kind of photo converts best?

One clear subject, a simple background, and strong contrast convert most reliably. Faces, pets, and single objects keep their silhouette; busy scenes turn into noisy blocks.

Will pixel art from a photo look like a mosaic?

Not necessarily. With dithering enabled, a limited palette like 8-bit (PICO-8) recreates gradients with color mixing instead of harsh bands — the classic retro pixel-art look rather than a mosaic.

/ photo to pixel art

Photo to pixel art

Drop a photo and turn it into pixel art in seconds. Pick the right block size for your subject, choose a palette, and export a sharp PNG — entirely in your browser.

photo inputPNG outputno upload

Images stay on this device; analytics record tool actions, never image contents or file names.

workflow

1. Upload a photo from your device.

2. Choose block size, palette, and dithering.

3. Download a sharp pixel-art PNG.

/ open tool

Drop an image, tune the blocks, export PNG.

local canvasno upload

input JPG, PNG, WebP

output crisp PNG

privacy local image processing

tips

Photo to pixel art by subject

The right settings depend on what is in the photo. Portraits keep their likeness at 8-16 blocks wide — start with the 8-bit (PICO-8) palette and dithering on, which recovers shading in the face without muddying the pixels. Pets convert well because fur reads as chunky texture; a block size of 8 hides messy fur detail while keeping the animal readable. Landscapes and skies need dithering most: smooth gradients band badly under plain quantization, and Floyd-Steinberg error diffusion is what keeps a sunset looking like a sunset.

workflow

From photo to finished pixel art in three steps

First, choose a photo with one clear subject and a simple background — it will always convert better than a busy scene. Second, set the block size by the detail you want: small blocks preserve features, large blocks read as bold pixel art. Third, pick a palette that fits the mood — full color for realism, retro 16-color for 8-bit charm, Game Boy greens for handheld nostalgia. JPG and WebP photos work identically; use the JPG or WebP converters for format-specific tips, and the Minecraft planner if the pixel art is destined for a block build.

portrait

Faces read best at 8-16

A small block size keeps eyes and jawlines recognizable; dithering restores skin shading.

pet

Fur becomes texture

Furry subjects convert beautifully — blocky fur reads as intentional pixel texture.

scenery

Gradients need dithering

Skies and sunsets band without error diffusion; toggle dithering for smooth transitions.

faqs

Quick answers

Practical notes about privacy, exporting, and getting cleaner pixel art from real photos.

What is the best block size for a photo?: For a recognizable portrait or pet photo, start at 8 blocks across and raise it if the subject holds. Logos and simple shapes read well at 24-32, detailed scenes at 48-64.
What kind of photo converts best?: One clear subject, a simple background, and strong contrast convert most reliably. Faces, pets, and single objects keep their silhouette; busy scenes turn into noisy blocks.
Will pixel art from a photo look like a mosaic?: Not necessarily. With dithering enabled, a limited palette like 8-bit (PICO-8) recreates gradients with color mixing instead of harsh bands — the classic retro pixel-art look rather than a mosaic.