If you want pixel art that feels clean and unified across a set, this guide walks through the full workflow. From grid selection to palette control, you’ll get results that are crisp, repeatable, and share the same style.
Why Pixelate
Pixel art isn’t only nostalgia. It’s a visual language built on clarity, charm, and simplified form. With Scenario’s Pixelate tool, you control the two elements that matter most: the pixel grid and the color palette. Tools like noise cleanup and background removal complete the process, giving you a fast way to generate sprites, icons, avatars, posters, and UI assets that match.
How it works
Open any image in Scenario and select Pixelate from the three-dot menu, or go through Create → Pixelate. You can also jump directly: Open Scenario.
Pixelate turns the image into a grid, then maps colors to a palette. How retro or detailed the output feels depends on your grid and palette choices.
Your first conversion
Start with a clear, high-resolution source (1024×1024 or higher). Upload from your Library or drag it in. Then choose the grid:
● 16 – 32 pixels: bold, game-sprite look
● 64 pixels: balanced middle ground
● 128 – 256 pixels: more detail while staying pixelated
Grid size has the biggest impact on the overall look.
Next, refine the palette. Pixelate can extract colors automatically, which is a good baseline. To keep a unified style across many assets, switch to a custom palette. Add swatches with the picker or paste hex codes, then save it.
General guidance:
● 8 -12 colors: classic retro feel with strong separation
● 16+ colors: more shading and texture
Finish with cleanup.
Remove Noise smooths stray pixels on busy inputs.
Remove Background isolates the subject for transparent assets.
Click Pixelate to generate. Review, adjust the grid, tweak the palette, toggle cleanup. A few iterations is usually enough to reach a style worth keeping.
What successful results look like
For game assets, a 32-pixel grid, 8-color palette, and background removal give neat, drop-in sprites.
For posters or social visuals, a 64-pixel grid with a bright 16-color palette offers texture and punch.
For portraits and avatars, a 128-pixel grid with a brand-aligned palette and noise removal keeps features readable while still stylized.
Consistency is key: once you’ve found a look you like, reuse those settings.
If you’re producing a full batch – tiles, icons, character frames – keep the same grid size and palette across all assets. Save the palette, note the grid, stick to it.
Conclusion
Pixelate gives control where it matters: grid size and palette discipline.
With a few deliberate choices, you can turn any input into reusable pixel art, from sprites to marketing visuals, and maintain the same style across a whole project.
Ready to make your set? Start Pixelating.
FAQs
What grid size should I start with?
Begin at 64 pixels per cell. Move to 32 for a stronger retro feel, or to 128 for more detail.
How many colors should I use?
8 -12 for a retro style.
16+ for smoother gradients or richer detail.
When should I use Remove Noise?
Use it on busy photos or detailed textures. It clears stray pixels and makes shapes read better.
Can I keep a consistent look across a large set?
Yes. Save your palette, record your grid size, and reuse those settings for every asset.
