pixel-art

Name: pixel-art
Availability: InStock
Author: plaidmustache

Convert images into retro pixel art using dithering and era palettes.

Updated May 4, 2026

Search Tags:#animation #ffmpeg #palette #dithering #pixel-art #retro #image-to-pixel-art

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/Plaidmustache/hermes-nulab --skill pixel-art-plaidmustache

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: pixel-art
Source: https://github.com/Plaidmustache/hermes-nulab/tree/main/skills/creative/pixel-art
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Plaidmustache/hermes-nulab --skill pixel-art-plaidmustache

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires Pillow, and includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Converts images into retro pixel art using Floyd-Steinberg dithering and era palettes, enabling rapid creation of retro-styled graphics without manual redraws.

Core Features & Use Cases

Pixel-art conversion with presets and hardware palettes (NES, Game Boy, PICO-8, C64) for authentic looks.
Optional animation: generate short looping videos from pixel art using pixel_art_video with predefined scenes.
Python-based workflow: use pixel_art.py and pixel_art_video.py via CLI or import, with configurable palettes and block sizes.

Quick Start

Convert an image to retro pixel art using a preset (e.g., nes) and, if desired, create a short animated video with the video tool.

Frequently Asked Questions about pixel-art

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I convert an image to retro pixel art with a Game Boy or NES color palette?▼

The skill converts images to pixel art by applying color quantization and Floyd-Steinberg dithering to restrict colors to authentic hardware palettes like NES, Game Boy, or PICO-8. You can execute this via the Python CLI or by importing the script directly.

Can I generate pixel art animations from existing images using ffmpeg?▼

Yes, you can generate short looping videos from pixel art using the pixel_art_video component, which encodes the animation via ffmpeg. It applies predefined scenes to create simple animated overlays for social media assets or game art workflows.

What dithering algorithm is used for image-to-pixel-art conversion?▼

Floyd-Steinberg dithering is the core algorithm used for image-to-pixel-art conversion. It distributes quantization errors to neighboring pixels, enabling rapid creation of retro-styled graphics that accurately mimic era-specific hardware color limitations.

Do I need Pillow installed to run pixel art conversion scripts?▼

Yes, Pillow is required as the primary dependency for image processing in this workflow. The Python-based pipeline uses PIL to apply configurable block sizes, named palettes, and dithering effects when generating retro pixel art.

What are the limitations of using preset palettes for pixel art conversion?▼

Preset palettes like C64 or PICO-8 restrict your output to their specific historical color limits, which may not perfectly match modern images. The conversion relies on fixed color quantization, meaning highly detailed gradients might lose subtle visual data.