Pixforge
Image to Pixel Art Converter
Turn a photo, drawing or screenshot into pixel art in seconds. Pixforge runs entirely in your browser, so your image never leaves your device, and you can keep refining the result pixel by pixel in a full editor.
Free · No signup · Runs in your browser
How to convert an image to pixel art
- Open Pixforge and add your image. Drop a PNG, JPG or WebP onto the page, or use the upload button.
- Set the Cell Size. This is how many source pixels are merged into one pixel-art pixel. Larger values give chunkier, lower-resolution art.
- Press “Pixelate It!”. Pixforge shows the result of every conversion strategy side by side. Open any preview full screen to inspect the details before you choose.
- Optionally apply a retro palette. Choose one of 14 palettes such as Game Boy, NES or PICO-8 to unify the colors.
- Edit and export. Clean up stray pixels with the brush and eraser, then export a PNG (scaled up to 20×), a GIF or a spritesheet.
Four conversion strategies
Different images need different methods. Pixforge lets you compare them instead of guessing.
Direct (Raw)
No extra processing. Matches the live preview exactly, which makes it the natural starting point.
Most Frequent
Picks the most common color in each cell. Keeps flat areas clean and cartoon-like.
Average Color
Blends all pixels in a cell. Best for photos and smooth gradients.
Center Sample
Takes the middle pixel of each cell. Predictable, and it preserves thin lines.
Tips for better pixel art conversions
- Start with a clear, high-contrast image. Busy backgrounds turn into noise at low resolutions.
- Aim for a small final size. Pixel art usually reads best somewhere between 32 and 256 pixels wide.
- Use a palette to limit the colors and give the image a consistent style.
- Export with a larger scale: pixels stay sharp because Pixforge scales without smoothing.
- Finish by hand. A few manual pixels around eyes, edges and highlights make a big difference.
Why use Pixforge
- Free, with no signup and no watermark.
- Private: images are processed locally in your browser.
- Not a generative filter: the conversion is deterministic and you stay in control.
- A complete editor afterwards, with layers, animation frames, selections and shading.
Frequently asked questions
Does Pixforge use AI?
No. Pixforge converts images with deterministic algorithms (the same image and settings always give the same result), and every tool in the editor is manual. It is an independent project by TZK Studio and is not affiliated with AI image generators or other products with a similar name.
Is my image uploaded to a server?
No. The conversion happens locally in your browser. Your files never leave your device.
Which image formats can I convert?
Common image formats such as PNG, JPG and WebP. PNG files keep their transparency.
Can I use the result commercially?
You keep ownership of the art you create with Pixforge. Make sure you have the rights to the source image you convert.