Image to ASCII Converter
Convert images and photos to ASCII art text or downloadable ASCII image output with character, color, and scale controls.
Image to ASCII Converter
Convert images and photos to ASCII art text or downloadable ASCII image output with character, color, and scale controls.
Input Preview
Image
Upload an image to start conversion.
ASCII Text Output
Read-only
ASCII Image Output
Preview
Generate output to preview ASCII image.
How to use
- Upload an image file.
- Choose mode, columns, render mode, background, and scale, then press Generate.
- Copy the ASCII text or download the text/image output.
Recommended Settings
- Fast Preview: Mode = Simple, Columns = 80-120, Scale = 1
- Balanced Quality: Mode = Complex, Columns = 120-180, Scale = 1-2
- High Detail: Mode = Complex, Columns = 180-260, Scale = 2-3
What Each Setting Does
- Character Mode: Simple is cleaner and faster; Complex has more symbol density for detail.
- Columns: Higher columns increase detail but produce larger outputs and slower rendering.
- Render: Grayscale uses one tone; Color paints each character with source image colors.
- Background: Choose black for terminal-like look or white for document-friendly exports.
- Scale: Controls output character size; larger values make the final image bigger.
Quick Tips
- For portraits, start with Columns around 140-180 to preserve facial detail.
- For logos/icons, use Simple mode to keep edges crisp and readable.
- If text output looks too dense, lower Columns or switch to Simple mode.
Supported Image Formats
This tool supports the following web-compatible image formats:
- JPEG (.jpg, .jpeg)
- PNG (.png)
- WebP (.webp)
- AVIF (.avif)
- SVG (.svg)
Note: Camera RAW formats (.CR2, .NEF, .ARW, etc.) and animated formats (GIF) are not supported. Please convert to JPEG or PNG first.
Image to ASCII FAQ
How do I convert an image to ASCII art?
Upload an image, adjust columns, character density, color mode, and scale, then generate ASCII text or an ASCII image output.
Can I download both text and image output?
Yes. You can copy the ASCII text, download a TXT file, or export the rendered ASCII artwork as a PNG image.
Which settings improve ASCII detail?
Higher column counts and the complex character set usually preserve more detail, while lower values create simpler, more readable output.