Free Pixel Art Maker — Turn Any Image into Pixel Art
Upload a photo and turn it into pixel art in seconds. Our pixel art maker gives you a full grid editor — pick a 16x16, 32x32, 64x64 or 128x128 canvas, limit yourself to a real bead palette, and export a clean PNG or a printable PDF grid. No sign-up, no watermark, no software to install.
Pixel Art Maker
Private canvas
Grid size
0px - 0px (0 px)
Pet Avatar0 × 0px · PNG 1×
Real conversion examples
See the same image before and after conversion
Each pair uses a WebP source from the sample folder and the same block-sampling approach as the converter.
640px WebP · 22px blocks
Make a Perler bead QR code
Use your own brand and color codes to create a QR bead chart, with counts and printable downloads.
Create a QR bead patternHow to Make Pixel Art in 4 Steps
1.Upload your image.
Upload a JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF or SVG image up to 10 MB. Photos, drawings, logos and AI-generated pictures are processed locally in your browser.
2.Pick your grid.
Choose 16x16 for tiny icons, 32x32 for classic sprite art, 64x64 for detailed characters, or 128x128 for large scenes. The lower the grid, the more abstract the result.
3.Lock the palette.
Keep full color, or snap every pixel to a real bead brand like Hama, Perler, Artkal, Nabbi or Pyssla so the result can actually be built with beads you own.
4.Export and build.
Download a crisp PNG for digital use, or a printable PDF grid with row and column numbers for building by hand. The color list tells you exactly how many beads of each color you need.
A Pixel Art Generator Built for Real Projects
True pixel grid, not a blur filter
Every pixel is a cell you can edit with the brush, transparent eraser or color picker. Undo and redo let you revise your changes before exporting.
Real bead palettes, not just RGB
Match your image to Hama, Perler, Artkal, Nabbi or Pyssla palettes and use the listed color codes. Nabbi and Pyssla identifiers follow this site’s reference color charts.
Six grid sizes from 16x16 to 128x128
Choose 16x16, 32x32, 48x48, 64x64, 96x96 or 128x128. Fit the whole image with transparent padding or use a center crop. Switch sizes without re-uploading and pin a result for side-by-side comparison.
Palette limiting and dithering
Create a custom palette with up to 24 colors, or limit the result to 8, 12 or 24 colors. Choose Off, Ordered or Floyd–Steinberg dithering when using a palette or color limit.
PNG, PDF and color list export
Download PNG at 1x, 4x or 8x, or a printable PDF with numbered rows, columns, a color legend and bead quantities. PDF supports up to 256 colors and a 256x256 grid. Copy the color list as a materials checklist.
Works on mobile, no install
The editor runs in your browser on phone, tablet and desktop. Nothing to download, no account, no watermark, and it stays free.
Private by default
Your image is converted locally in your browser and is not uploaded for processing. Custom palettes are saved in your browser’s local storage so you can reuse them.
From Pixel Art to a Perler Bead Pattern
A pixel grid is only half the job when you want to build the picture with beads. Once your pixel art is ready, this tool turns it into a buildable project:
- Each non-transparent pixel represents one bead. Plan the full grid across 29x29 or 50x50 pegboards and see the board count. Check your boards’ peg spacing and connectors before building.
- Choose Hama, Perler, Artkal, Nabbi or Pyssla and export the listed color codes. Nabbi and Pyssla use this site’s reference identifiers rather than verified manufacturer product codes.
- The material list totals the exact number of beads per color, so you can buy once instead of guessing.
- The printable PDF grid is numbered on both axes, so you can follow it row by row the way you would follow a cross-stitch chart.
New to beads? Start with our color charts, or browse finished patterns in our perler bead pattern gallery.
What Is Pixel Art?
Pixel art is an image built from a small number of large, visible squares. Each square — a pixel — is one color, and the artist controls the picture by choosing which color goes where on a fixed grid. The style comes from early 8-bit and 16-bit consoles, where hardware limited both the palette and the screen resolution, and it survived because a good sprite reads instantly at any size.
Which Grid Size Should You Use?
- 16x16
- Icons, tiny charms, single small items
- 32x32
- The classic sprite size; characters, plants, food, most perler bead projects
- 48x48 to 64x64
- Characters with detail, logos, small scenes
- 96x96 to 128x128
- Portraits, landscapes, large panels that need several pegboards
As a rule: the smaller the grid, the more the subject has to be simplified. Build your subject from a few strong shapes rather than fine detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this pixel art maker really free?
Yes. Converting, editing, previewing and exporting are free, with no account and no watermark. There is no daily export cap.
How do I turn a photo into pixel art?
Upload the photo, pick a grid size, and choose whether to keep full color or snap to a bead palette. The tool averages each grid cell into one color, so reducing the grid is what produces the pixel look. Most photos look best between 32x32 and 64x64.
What is the difference between a pixel art maker and a pixel art generator?
Nothing functional — both turn an image into pixel art. A generator usually means one-click automatic conversion; a maker means you can also edit the grid pixel by pixel afterwards. This tool does both, so you can generate first and adjust by hand.
Can I convert an image to pixel art without Photoshop?
Yes. Everything happens in the browser: upload, set the grid, adjust the palette and export. No plugins, no install, and it works the same on a Chromebook, phone or tablet.
Can I make Minecraft-style pixel art?
Yes. Choose 16x16 or 32x32 and limit the palette to the shades you want; the result reads like a Minecraft block texture or a classic game sprite. Upload a skin or item sprite to convert it back into a clean grid.
Can I export a grid I can print and follow by hand?
Yes. PDF export includes row and column numbers, a color legend and bead counts. Large grids are split across A4 pages. PDF supports up to 256 colors and a 256x256 grid; choose a color limit if needed.
Can I use my own colors instead of a brand palette?
Yes. Open Palette, select the Create tab and save a custom palette with up to 24 colors. You can also extract colors from the image or import a compatible palette. Previously saved palettes remain available.
Does it work with AI-generated images?
Yes. You can upload an AI-generated image and convert it to a real, editable pixel grid. This page does not generate images with AI.
Can I use the result commercially?
You own what you make from your own images. For fan art of characters you do not own, treat it as personal use only. For commissioned work, check the terms of the original artwork.
Can I turn my pixel art into a perler bead pattern?
Yes — that is what makes this tool different. Pick a bead brand, and the export gives you the color codes plus the number of beads per color, along with a printable numbered grid. See our pattern library for examples: Perler bead patterns