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

# 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.

<Note>
  ASCII requires no account and nothing to install. Open it, load an image, and you're done.
</Note>

## 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/](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.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quickstart" icon="rocket" href="/quickstart">
    Load an image, apply a preset, and export your first ASCII artwork.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Inputs" icon="image" href="/using/inputs">
    Learn how to load images, videos, and webcam feeds.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Color modes" icon="palette" href="/using/color-modes">
    Explore all nine color modes and when to use each one.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Export formats" icon="download" href="/export/formats">
    Save your artwork as PNG, SVG, GIF, ANSI, or plain text.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>