Pixel ProjectionPixel Projection

Learn How to Make Images Into Pixel Art

Converting images into pixel art can be a fun way to blend photography skills with a retro aesthetic. It allows you to have fun with your camera roll, create pixel art drafts to fine tune on your own, or even create sprites for your game. When converting your images into pixel art, you have options. I will explain my two favorite approaches below.

Original image of a helicopter in the sky

Original image before conversion

METHOD 01

Automatic Conversion

For those who want the fastest start with advanced edge detection features built in, you can begin with an online conversion tool. Follow these steps to begin converting to pixel art completely free, no sign up required.

  1. Open Pixel Projection in your browser.
  2. Click "choose file" to upload a photo. Your image is processed in your browser and will not leave your computer.
  3. Adjust the settings and then hit the "Transform Image" button. I recommend using the default settings for your first conversion.
  4. Watch your image transform into pixel art.
  5. Press the "Download" menu button to download your image in any size.
Image of a helicopter in the sky pixelized via the automated method

Converted using Pixel Projection (automatic method)

METHOD 02

Manual Conversion

For those who want more control over their final product, you can manually pixelize your image with the free open source image manipulation program known as GIMP. You can install GIMP for free at https://www.gimp.org. Once you have GIMP installed you can convert your image to pixel art manually by opening GIMP and following these steps.

  1. Open your image in GIMP with File > Open > Select your image
  2. (optional) Resize your image with Image > Scale Image. This step is optional, but I have observed that resizing to roughly 512 x 512 pixels can produce both faster and better results.
  3. Apply the pixelize filter by clicking Filters > Blur > Pixelize. Set the "block width / block height" to your desired number. The higher you set this number, the larger your pixels will be. It serves the same role as the "pixelization factor" from Pixel Projection. Keep all other settings the same.
  4. You now have a pixelized image. Export your image via File > Export so that you can edit it further or use it as is.
Image of a helicopter in the sky pixelized via the manual method

Converted using GIMP (manual method)

Summary

You have options when looking to convert your existing images into pixel art. When choosing your method it is important to consider the tradeoffs between time and customizability. We recommend starting with a conversion tool such as Pixel Projection for a faster start with advanced processing automatically applied. If you find that you need more control you can then try the manual approach to pinpoint exactly what you need. Whichever method you try, both are completely free.

I personally prefer the crisp edges that I get using the first option. Notice how the helicopter propeller quickly changes from black to sky blue in the first conversion. But with the manual approach, blurred transition pixels appear between the propeller and the sky. Whichever method you choose, I wish you luck creating beautiful pixel art!