What is ASCII? Browser-Based ASCII Art Converter

ASCII converts images, videos, and webcam feeds into ASCII art directly in your browser — no installation, no sign-up, and no files uploaded to a server.

ASCII is a free, browser-based tool that converts images, videos, and webcam feeds into ASCII art in real time. You open it in any modern browser, load your source, and the result renders instantly — no installation, no account, no server. The entire tool is a single HTML file that runs locally in your browser.

ASCII requires no account and nothing to install. Open it, load an image, and you’re done.

What makes ASCII different

Most ASCII art tools require you to upload files to a remote server or install desktop software. ASCII does all processing locally in your browser using the Canvas API. Your files never leave your machine.

• No installation — works in any modern browser
• No sign-up — open the tool and start converting
• Single file — the entire application is one self-contained HTML file
• Real-time rendering — output updates as you adjust settings
• Settings are persisted — your last configuration is automatically restored on your next visit

Core features

Inputs — Load a source from a local file (drag and drop, paste from clipboard, or use the file picker), a video file (MP4 or MOV), or your device’s webcam for a live feed.

Color modes — Choose from nine modes including full source color, saturated source boost, classic white-on-black, green/amber/blue terminal palettes, gradient ramp, and retro palettes (CGA, EGA, C64, Game Boy, PICO-8).

Dithering — Apply Floyd-Steinberg, Atkinson, or ordered Bayer 4×4/8×8 dithering to add tonal depth at large cell sizes.

Post effects — Combine bloom, scanlines, vignette, chromatic aberration, and film grain to style the final output.

Export — Save your artwork as PNG (1×, 2×, or 4×, with optional transparent background), SVG, ANSI escape-code file (.ans), plain text (.txt), or an animated GIF from a parameter sweep or video timeline.

Live tool

You can access ASCII at https://rdsciv.github.io/ascii/.

What’s in these docs

These docs cover everything you need to go from a blank canvas to a finished export. Start with the quickstart to load your first image and export it in under a minute. Then explore the input types, color modes, and export formats in depth.

Quickstart

Load an image, apply a preset, and export your first ASCII artwork.

Inputs

Learn how to load images, videos, and webcam feeds.

Color modes

Explore all nine color modes and when to use each one.

Export formats

Save your artwork as PNG, SVG, GIF, ANSI, or plain text.