Practical guide · 4 steps

How to pixelate an image online

Turn a photo into crisp pixel art in your browser. Follow these steps, then experiment with the controls until the result looks right to you.

Try the image pixelator ↗

A corgi photo used as a pixel art example

What you need

A photo in a format your browser can open, such as JPG, PNG or WebP. The tool accepts files up to 20 MB.

Where it runs

The converter processes your source image in your browser. It does not send that image to our server.

What you get

A PNG you can save and share. The generated image keeps its original proportions.

Choose your image

Open the studio and tap the upload area, or drag a file into it on desktop. You can also start with the example image to learn the controls.

Choose a photo from your device in the upload area.

Set the pixel size

Move the Pixel size slider. A smaller value keeps more detail; a larger value creates chunkier blocks. Start around the default and adjust by eye.

Pick your colors

Keep Original colors for a familiar look, try a built-in palette, or import a Lospec palette. Turn on Dithering if flat color areas need a textured transition.

Select a color palette; the selected option has a highlighted border.

Preview and download

The preview updates as you change settings. On mobile it appears directly below the upload area. When you like the result, press Download PNG.

Select Download PNG to save the finished image to your device.

ONE PHOTO, THREE PALETTES

See what a palette changes

All three results come from the corgi photo above: Original colors uses 16 px blocks; Lost Century and Game Boy use 12 px blocks. Dithering is off.

Corgi pixel art using Original colors — Original colors

Corgi pixel art using Lost Century · 16 colors — Lost Century · 16 colors

Corgi pixel art using Game Boy · 4 colors — Game Boy · 4 colors

Quick troubleshooting

My phone photo will not open

HEIC and some camera formats depend on browser support. Export the photo as JPG or PNG, keep the file under 20 MB, and select it again.

I cannot find the downloaded image

Check your browser download list or your phone’s Files app. The PNG may not appear in your photo library automatically; open the file and use the system save or share action.

The Lospec import fails

Use the specific palette detail page URL, not the palette list or an image URL. Check your connection. If a palette has been removed or is temporarily unavailable, try a built-in palette.

Keep exploring

Want a different mood? Learn how to use Lospec color palettes, or go straight back to the editor.