> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://rdsciv/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# ASCII: Browser-Based ASCII Art Converter

> Turn any image, video, or webcam feed into stylized ASCII art. Adjust color, dithering, and typography, then export as PNG, SVG, GIF, or text.

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.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quick Start" icon="rocket" href="/quickstart">
    Load your first image and export ASCII art in under a minute.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Color Modes" icon="palette" href="/using/color-modes">
    Choose from full color, terminal palettes, and retro chip palettes.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Export Formats" icon="file-export" href="/export/formats">
    Save as PNG, SVG, ANSI, plain text, or animated GIF.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Presets" icon="sliders" href="/presets/built-in">
    Start from Classic, Matrix, CRT Terminal, Game Boy, and more.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## How it works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open ASCII in your browser">
    Visit [rdsciv.github.io/ascii](https://rdsciv.github.io/ascii/) — no install required.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Adjust the look">
    Use the sidebar controls to set cell size, color mode, character set, dithering, and post-processing effects.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Export your artwork">
    Save as **PNG**, **SVG**, **ANSI**, **TXT**, or render an **animated GIF** with a parameter sweep.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## 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