About this tool
Converts images to retro 8-bit or 16-bit style, reducing the color palette and applying the pixelated look typical of old games. Useful for creating avatars and icons with nostalgic aesthetic, turning photos into NES or SNES-style art, preparing graphics for retro game projects, or just for fun seeing your images as pixel art.
How to use
- Upload the image.
- Choose the reduction level (8 or 16 bits defines palette size).
- Adjust the resulting pixel size.
- Preview and download the result.
Frequently asked questions
- What distinguishes 8-bit from 16-bit?
- The number of colors in the palette. 8-bit limits to 256 colors, giving the typical look of NES and Game Boy games. 16-bit allows more colors (up to 65536), closer to SNES and Mega Drive. Fewer colors mean a more marked retro style, but also more detail loss.
- What kind of images work best?
- Images with clear shapes and well-defined colors work best. Photos with many fine details or smooth gradients lose recognisability. For portraits, pick well-lit, high-contrast images. For landscapes, prefer simple compositions.
- Can I adjust the palette manually?
- This tool generates the palette automatically from the image's dominant colors. For full palette control (choosing specific colors, simulating real console palettes), consider tools dedicated to pixel art.