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Pixel Art Profile Picture

Turn your profile picture into a clean pixel-art PFP that looks consistent across platforms (X/Twitter, YouTube, Twitch, Discord).

For: Creators, streamers, indie devs, social media users

Scenario: You want a consistent retro identity across multiple platforms.

In this guide

Choose your “identity style”

Profile pictures are branding. A limited palette creates a recognizable look, and consistent settings make future images match.

  • Minimal: Game Boy / grayscale (strong identity)
  • Vibrant: PICO-8 palette (fun, game-like)
  • Neutral: Median Cut with 24–48 colors (keeps more realism)

Small-size readability tips

Most platforms show PFPs as tiny circles/squares. Prioritize a bold silhouette and simple background.

  • Avoid busy backgrounds (blur or crop tighter)
  • Increase pixel size if details become noise
  • Reduce max colors to make shapes clearer

Recommended Settings

  • Start with pixel size 8–10 for a balanced look across platforms.
  • Pick a palette for consistency (Game Boy for minimal, PICO-8 for vibrant).
  • If the face looks noisy, increase pixel size and reduce maxColors (16–32).

3-step tutorial

  1. Start with a clean source

    Front-facing and well-lit photos work best for pixel PFPs.

  2. Pick your look

    Choose pixel size 8–10 and a palette (Game Boy for minimal, PICO-8 for vibrant).

  3. Export PNG

    Download PNG for the sharpest result on most platforms.

Example

Pixel art profile picture example
Example: a profile-picture style pixel portrait (demo illustration).

FAQ

What pixel size is best for a PFP?

Usually 8–12. Smaller keeps more detail; larger looks more blocky and readable.

Can I keep the photo more realistic?

Yes—use Median Cut and increase maxColors (24–64).