Editable pixel pattern maker

Image to Pixel Art Converter

Turn a photo or illustration into a deliberate pixel grid and limited palette. Adjust the grid, colors, and dithering, refine individual cells, then export a PNG or printable pixel-pattern PDF.

One PNG, JPEG, or WebP · Up to 15 MiB · Up to 8192 × 8192 px and 40 megapixels

1. Choose an image

Drop an image hereor choose one PNG, JPEG, or WebP from your device

Maximum 15 MiB, 8192 px per side, and 40 megapixels.

One PNG, JPEG, or WebP · Up to 15 MiB · Up to 8192 × 8192 px and 40 megapixels

2. Build the pixel pattern

Grid width32 cells

Choose 16–128 cells across. Height follows the source image proportions.

Number of colors16

Choose 4–32 colors for the generated palette.

Dithering

Dithering mixes available colors to suggest intermediate tones. It can add texture to gradients.

Background

Transparency can be preserved from PNG or WebP sources. This tool does not remove backgrounds automatically.

Choose one image to begin.

Drop an image here

or choose one PNG, JPEG, or WebP from your device

Visual obscuring only — not secure redaction or guaranteed anonymization.

Turn an Image into Editable Pixel Art

A useful pixel-art conversion does more than shrink or blur an image. PixelArtNow maps the source onto a deliberate cell grid and limited palette, then lets you correct individual cells before export.

Choose one PNG, JPEG, or WebP image.
Set a grid width and color count.
Choose no dithering or Floyd–Steinberg dithering.
Create the pattern and inspect the grid.
Paint, pick, or erase cells, then export PNG or PDF.

Control the Grid, Palette and Dithering

Grid width

A smaller grid produces larger, simpler blocks. A larger grid keeps more of the source shape and detail. Start at 32 cells across, then adjust within the 16–128-cell range.

Number of colors

Fewer colors create a tighter, more graphic result. More colors preserve extra shading. Start at 16 colors and reduce the count when you want stronger separation.

Dithering

None produces cleaner color regions. Floyd–Steinberg distributes color error across nearby pixels, which can make gradients look smoother but may add visible texture.

Background

PNG and WebP transparency can be preserved or replaced with a solid background. PixelArtNow does not automatically cut out a subject or create transparency where none exists.

Refine and Export Your Pixel Pattern

Automatic conversion is a starting point. Use cell-aligned paint, color picking, and erasing to clean edges or simplify small details. Undo or redo up to 20 recent edit actions.

Choose PNG for a raster asset. Choose the printable PDF when you need a numbered grid and palette legend on paper.

Pixel Art for Sprites and Craft Patterns

The editable grid can help you prepare a small raster asset, study a palette, or print a reference pattern. PixelArtNow does not currently export sprite sheets, atlas data, vectors, bills of materials, or material quantities.

Current Tool Limits

One image at a time.
PNG, JPEG, and WebP input only; GIF, SVG, HEIC, AVIF, TIFF, and PSD are not supported.
Maximum 15 MiB, 8192 px per side, and 40 megapixels.
The editor changes grid-aligned cells; it is not a free-form illustration app.
The tool does not remove backgrounds automatically.
PNG is raster output. The PDF is a printable grid, not a vector or production specification.
Color appearance can vary by display, browser, printer, ink, and paper.
Unsaved work can be lost if you reset, refresh, close the page, or the browser stops.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I turn an image into pixel art?

Choose one PNG, JPEG, or WebP image, set the grid width and color count, choose a dithering mode, then create the pattern. You can refine individual cells before downloading PNG or a printable PDF.

What grid size should I use for pixel art?

Start with 32 cells across. Use fewer cells for a simpler, chunkier pattern or more cells to keep extra shape and detail; the current range is 16–128 cells across.

How do palette size and dithering change the result?

A smaller palette creates stronger color grouping, while a larger palette keeps more shading. Floyd–Steinberg dithering can suggest intermediate tones but may add texture; choose None for cleaner color regions.

Can I edit the generated pixels before exporting?

Yes. The current tool lets you paint, pick a palette color, erase grid cells, and undo or redo the 20 most recent edit actions.

Can I export the pixel art as PNG or PDF?

Yes. PNG provides a raster image. The printable PDF includes a numbered grid and RGB/hex palette legend, but it is not a vector file, bill of materials, material-quantity guide, or production-color guarantee.

Which image formats and sizes are supported?

The tool accepts one PNG, JPEG, or WebP up to 15 MiB, 8192 px per side, and 40 megapixels. GIF, SVG, HEIC, AVIF, TIFF, PSD, malformed, and zero-byte files are not supported.