Skip to main content
ASCII is a free, browser-based tool that converts images and videos into ASCII art in real time. Drop in a file, point it at your webcam, and dial in your look with granular cell sizing, nine color modes, five dithering algorithms, and a full suite of post-processing effects. No installation, no sign-up — just open the page and start creating.

Quick Start

Load your first image and export ASCII art in under a minute.

Color Modes

Choose from full color, terminal palettes, and retro chip palettes.

Export Formats

Save as PNG, SVG, ANSI, plain text, or animated GIF.

Presets

Start from Classic, Matrix, CRT Terminal, Game Boy, and more.

​
How it works

1

Open ASCII in your browser

Visit rdsciv.github.io/ascii — no install required.
2

Load an image or video

Drag and drop a JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF, MP4, or MOV onto the page, paste from the clipboard, or click Start webcam for a live feed.
3

Adjust the look

Use the sidebar controls to set cell size, color mode, character set, dithering, and post-processing effects.
4

Export your artwork

Save as PNG, SVG, ANSI, TXT, or render an animated GIF with a parameter sweep.

​
Key features

  • Flexible inputs — images (JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF), video (MP4, MOV), live webcam, and clipboard paste
  • 9 color modes — from full source color to retro terminal and chip-palette styles
  • 5 dithering algorithms — Floyd-Steinberg, Atkinson, and Ordered Bayer matrices
  • Post effects — bloom, scanlines, vignette, chromatic aberration, and film grain
  • Animated GIF export — sweep any parameter (cell size, contrast, hue, and more) across frames
  • Shareable links — copy a URL that encodes all your current settings