Icons and tiny UI assets
Use 16x16 when the image needs to stay compact and simple. Keep shapes bold because tiny details disappear quickly.
Tool
Convert images into pixel art online
Upload one or many images, choose a target size such as 16x16, 32x32, or 64x64, then export pixel-ready PNG files directly in the browser.
Quick Answer
How to convert an image to pixel art
To convert an image to pixel art online, upload the image, choose an output size such as 16x16, 32x32, or 64x64, select the best fit mode, then export the result as a PNG. For most sprites, 32x32 with Contain and a transparent background is the safest starting point.
Converter
Batch pixel art converter
Batch Upload
Drop images here
or click to select multiple files at once
You can also paste an image from the clipboard with Ctrl/Cmd + V
Results
Converted images
Add images to preview your 32x32 pixel outputs here.
How To
Convert images to pixel art in four steps
- Upload one image or batch-upload multiple files into the converter.
- Choose a target size. Start with
32x32for general sprites,16x16for tiny icons, and64x64for larger readable shapes. - Pick
Containto preserve the full subject,Coverto fill the square more tightly, orStretchonly when you accept distortion. - Use a transparent background for game assets, run the conversion, then download the PNG results.
Best Settings
Choose the right output for your asset type
Sprites and characters
32x32 is the best default for many pixel sprites because it balances clarity, scale, and export size.
Larger objects and portraits
Choose 64x64 when you need more readable silhouettes, bigger props, or stronger visual detail after downscaling.
If you are unsure, start with 32x32, Contain, and a transparent background. That combination is usually the most flexible for later steps such as spritesheet assembly or map placement.
Fit Modes
Contain vs Cover vs Stretch
Contain
Best when you want to keep the full subject visible. This is usually the safest choice for sprites, icons, and imported artwork.
Cover
Best when you need the square fully filled and can accept cropped edges. It works better for centered portraits and close-up objects.
Stretch
Best only when exact square fill matters more than natural proportions. Use it carefully because it can warp characters and item shapes.
If the image has one clear subject, start with Contain. Switch to Cover only when the empty margins are more distracting than light cropping. Use Stretch last.
Common Mistakes
Avoid the most common pixel conversion errors
- Do not start with a source image that has too many small details. Clean silhouettes convert better than busy compositions.
- Do not choose
16x16when the subject needs facial detail, props, or readable outlines. Move up to32x32or64x64. - Do not use
Stretchwhen proportion matters. It is the fastest way to make sprites feel distorted. - Do not export with a solid background if the asset will later go into a spritesheet, interface, or map with transparency.
Best For
Who should use the Pixel Art Converter
Game developers
Useful for quickly preparing sprite candidates, props, icons, and tile-ready artwork before moving into sheets or maps.
Pixel artists and hobby creators
Helpful when you want to test how a regular image reads at a smaller retro scale before redrawing or refining by hand.
UI and asset designers
Good for making small retro-style badges, avatars, profile art, and compact visual elements for themed interfaces.
Tool Choice
When to use Pixel Art Converter vs Image Resizer
Use Pixel Art Converter
Choose this tool when the goal is a pixel-art look, square sprite-style outputs, and settings such as fit mode and transparent export.
Use Image Resizer
Choose the Image Resizer when you only need fixed width and height values without focusing on a retro pixel-art result.
Use both in sequence
Resize first when source assets need consistent dimensions, then convert to pixel outputs when you want a more game-ready visual style.
In short, Image Resizer standardizes dimensions, while Pixel Art Converter standardizes a pixel-style output. They solve related but different jobs.
Use Cases
What you can make with the Pixel Art Converter
Sprites and characters
Turn source artwork into compact sprite candidates for platformers, RPG assets, enemies, NPCs, and small animated objects.
Icons and avatars
Create retro-style profile images, badges, item icons, ability markers, and themed interface elements with a smaller pixel footprint.
Tiles and props
Prepare environmental pieces, decorative props, and tile-like assets before arranging them into sheets or testing them in a map layout.
Next Step
What to do after converting images
- Use the Spritesheet Generator when the converted images need to become animation frames in one PNG atlas.
- Use the 2D Tile Map Editor when the converted outputs are meant for tile placement, environment building, or layout testing.
- Use the Image Resizer first on future batches when your source files need consistent dimensions before pixel conversion.
More Tools
Continue with the rest of the toolkit
Related Guides
Learn when and how to use pixel conversion
FAQ
Common questions about the Pixel Art Converter
What does the Pixel Art Converter do?
It turns uploaded images into fixed-size pixel art outputs such as 16x16, 32x32, and 64x64 PNG files directly in the browser.
Which fit mode should I choose?
Contain is the safest default because it keeps the
full image visible. Cover fills the square more
aggressively, and Stretch can distort the image.
Can I convert multiple images at once?
Yes. The tool supports batch upload and batch export, which makes it useful for preparing many assets quickly.
How do I convert an image to pixel art online?
Upload the image, choose a target size, set the fit mode and
background, then convert and download the PNG result. For most
use cases, 32x32 with Contain is a good
default.
What size should I use for pixel art sprites?
16x16 works for tiny icons and compact tiles.
32x32 is a practical default for many sprite assets.
64x64 gives larger shapes more room and keeps them
easier to read.
Should I use a transparent background?
Yes, in most sprite and game-asset workflows. Transparent exports are easier to place into a spritesheet, UI, or tile map without needing to remove a flat background later.
When should I use Cover instead of Contain?
Use Cover when filling the whole square matters more
than keeping every edge visible. Use Contain when you
want to preserve the full subject without cropping.
Can I use this before making a spritesheet?
Yes. Converting images into consistent pixel outputs is often a good preparation step before arranging frames in the Spritesheet Generator.
What is the difference between Contain, Cover, and Stretch?
Contain keeps the whole image visible.
Cover fills the square more tightly and may crop the
edges. Stretch forces the image into the output size
and can distort the result.
What are common mistakes when converting images to pixel art?
The most common mistakes are choosing an output size that is too
small, converting cluttered images, using
Stretch too early, and exporting a solid background
when transparent PNG output is needed later.
When should I use Pixel Art Converter instead of Image Resizer?
Use the Pixel Art Converter when you want a retro pixel-style
result with square outputs such as 16x16,
32x32, or 64x64. Use the
Image Resizer
when you only need to change width and height values.
Who is this tool best for?
It is best for game developers, pixel artists, UI designers, and hobby creators who need fast browser-based sprite, icon, or retro-style asset preparation.
What can I make with the Pixel Art Converter?
You can make pixel-style sprites, icons, avatars, props, simple tiles, and retro-themed UI assets from regular images, especially when you want a fast browser-based starting point.
What should I do after converting images to pixel art?
Move the outputs into the Spritesheet Generator for animation sheets or the 2D Tile Map Editor for tile-based layout work, depending on the workflow.