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AI Game Generator

8-bit Photo Converter

Use classic palettes and dithering to get a true retro 8-bit feeling.

Recommended Settings

  • Algorithm: Floyd-Steinberg (good for photos)
  • Pixel size: 3–6 (more detail) or 6–10 (more chunky)
  • Palette: NES or PICO-8
Open Converter (NES 8-bit)Open Converter (PICO-8)More presets

Tip

If the result looks too noisy, reduce saturation slightly and try Ordered Dithering.

Prepare a photo that reads clearly at small sizes

Start with a close-up subject and a simple background. Crop your photo before opening the converter so the face, animal, or object occupies most of the frame. Fine hair, distant faces, and text disappear as the pixel size increases. A smaller pixel size retains more detail; a larger one produces larger visible blocks.

For a 400-pixel-wide photo, pixel size 4 creates a 100-column working grid. Pixel size 8 creates 50 columns. The downloaded image keeps its original dimensions, so these settings change the visual detail rather than the file width.

Choose the effect for your subject

  • Portraits: Start with NES, Floyd-Steinberg, and pixel size 4. If shadow areas look speckled, switch to Nearest Neighbor and compare the face in the preview.
  • Bright illustrations: Try PICO-8 and Ordered Dithering. Its repeated pattern gives broad gradients a visibly retro texture.
  • Keep the photo’s own color character: Choose Median Cut and use the adaptive color slider. This builds a limited palette from the image instead of a console palette.

Change one setting at a time. The preview updates automatically, and the comparison divider lets you check whether eyes, outlines, and important highlights remain readable.

Export for an avatar or a full-size image

Download PNG to keep sharp blocks and transparency. Use a quick square export for a profile picture or icon: the artwork is fitted inside the square without stretching. Transparent padding fills the unused space. JPEG uses a white background when the source has transparency.

This is a palette and pixelation effect, not a generative redraw. Your photo is processed on your device. For a closer look at dithering choices, see the algorithm guide.