PICO-8 image converter
Convert images to the 16-color PICO-8 fantasy console palette with dithering. Free online tool for pixel artists and game devs.
About the PICO-8 palette
PICO-8 is a "fantasy console" with a fixed, carefully designed 16-color palette that has become a favourite among pixel artists well beyond the console itself.
Converting an image to the PICO-8 palette gives it bright, saturated, instantly recognisable indie-game colors. Use a pixel size of 4–8 px for sprite-ready results.
Colors
Best for
- Pixel art references
- Indie game assets
- Colorful retro posters
How to dither an image
- Add your image. Click Upload image, drag a file onto the preview, or paste with Ctrl/⌘+V. JPG, PNG, WebP and GIF work.
- Pick an algorithm and palette. Error diffusion (Floyd–Steinberg, Atkinson…) for photos, Bayer for a retro crosshatch.
- Tune it. Raise pixel size for chunkier pixels; adjust brightness and contrast to control which tones become dark or light.
- Download. Export a lossless PNG at up to 8× with crisp nearest-neighbour scaling.
FAQ
What is PICO-8 palette dithering?
PICO-8 is a "fantasy console" with a fixed, carefully designed 16-color palette that has become a favourite among pixel artists well beyond the console itself.
When should I use PICO-8?
PICO-8 works best for: pixel art references, indie game assets, colorful retro posters.
Is DitherImage free?
Yes. DitherImage is completely free with no sign-up, no watermark and no usage limits.
Are my images uploaded to a server?
No. All processing happens locally in your browser using JavaScript and the Canvas API. Your images never leave your device.