Image to ASCII Art

Convert any image into ASCII art — the classic text-character rendering where each pixel is mapped to a character based on its brightness. Multiple character sets (classic, dense, blocks, emoji), adjustable resolution, colour or B&W, and copy-as-text or download-as-image output.

How it works

Each pixel (or block of pixels) is mapped to a character. Bright pixels get sparse characters (".", " "); dark pixels get dense ones ("#", "@"). At low resolution (40 chars wide), you get the chunky retro look. At high resolution (200 chars wide), recognisable photos emerge.

Character sets

• Classic ASCII: standard @%#*+=-:. ramp. Universal.
• Dense ASCII: 70-character ramp for fine detail.
• Block characters: Unicode block elements (▓▒░) for chunky pixel art.
• Braille: 2x4 dot patterns per character — very high resolution.
• Emoji: coloured emoji mapped to brightness/colour.

Output formats

1. Plain text: copy and paste into a terminal, code comment, README, or chat.
2. HTML: coloured ASCII as styled spans (preserves colour).
3. PNG image: the ASCII rendered as an image, useful for sharing.
4. SVG: scalable vector for posters or T-shirts.

Use cases

Retro computing aesthetic, terminal banners, README headers, demoscene-style intros, novelty prints. Pair with our Black and White conversion for cleaner output, since ASCII shines on high-contrast input.