What is pixelation?

Pixelating turns a picture into a grid of large squares, each filled with the average color of the pixels it covers. It gives photos the look of retro video game graphics, makes abstract backgrounds and mosaic art, and serves as a starting point for cross stitch, bead, and brick mosaic patterns, where every square becomes one stitch, bead, or brick.

Tool description

Pick a block size and the image turns into squares of that many pixels, starting from the top left corner. The Blocks field shows how many squares fit across and down, which helps when a pattern needs a set number of them. The download keeps the image's full size, with every block sharp.

Features

  • Square blocks aligned to the top left corner
  • Block count across and down
  • True average colors, mixed the way light blends
  • Runs in your browser, so the image never leaves your device

How it works

The image is split into squares of the block size from the top left corner. When the size doesn't divide the image evenly, the last column and row of blocks are cut short. Each block gets the average color of its pixels, mixed as light, the way the colors blend when you look from far away: a block that's half black and half white turns light gray rather than a dull mid gray. Transparent pixels don't add their hidden color to a block, and a block's transparency is the average of its pixels.

Tips

  • For a set number of blocks across, divide the image width by that number and use the result as the block size. The Blocks field confirms the count.
  • Download as PNG to keep the block edges perfectly crisp. JPG can smudge them slightly.