Pixelisation
Reduce resolution, keep the pixel structure visible and export at the scale the next stage needs.
Project 03 · Graphics and imaging
iPhone / iPad
Image processing
Pixator
Turn photographs into editable pixel-art foundations with a pipeline you can see, reorder and control.
- Input
- Photographs and artwork
- Output
- Pixel art and colour palettes
- Control
- Detail, colour, palette and dithering
01
From photograph to a workable pixel-art base
Pixator is an experimental image-processing app for stylising photographs or preparing an underpainting for future artwork. The result is not a one-tap filter: each processing stage remains visible and adjustable.
Reduce detail, extract or apply a palette, change colour priorities and add dithering. Export the result and continue working in another tool when the foundation is ready.
Break the image into decisions, not just pixels
02
A small graphics laboratory
Detail control
Simplify local detail while preserving edges and colour clusters for broader, more readable shapes.
Extract colours
Build a palette from the source and export it as ASE, TXT, GPL or PAL.
Apply a palette
Create colour swatches and choose whether lightness or chroma should guide the mapping.
Dithering
Trade spatial noise for the perception of additional colour and finer tonal detail.
Visible pipeline
Processing stages are arranged in order, so the path from source to result stays understandable.
Editable result
The app prepares a useful foundation rather than pretending the first output must be final.
Portable colour
Extracted palettes can leave the app and continue into a wider creative workflow.
Try the tool
Make the pixels yours
Download Pixator or join the Discord server to share feedback about the workflow.