pixel-art

Convert input images into retro pixel art using era palettes and export PNGs or MP4s.

Updated Apr 27, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/x-TheFox/Corvus --skill pixel-art-x-thefox
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: pixel-art
Source: https://github.com/x-TheFox/Corvus/tree/main/skills/creative/pixel-art
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/x-TheFox/Corvus --skill pixel-art-x-thefox

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

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

What problem does it solve?

Converts ordinary images into retro pixel art and animated assets, enabling easy creation of era-accurate visuals without manual pixel-by-pixel work.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Pixel-art conversion using hardware palettes (NES, Game Boy, PICO-8, C64, etc.) with controllable block size and contrast/color/sharpness adjustments.
  • Optional procedural animations (stars, rain, fireflies, leaves, etc.) that can be overlaid and exported as MP4 or GIF for use in games, posts, or promos.
  • A practical workflow for designers and hobbyists to generate retro visuals from photographs or illustrations for use in games, posters, social media, or avatars.

Quick Start

Run pixel_art on an input image to produce a pixel-art PNG, then optionally run pixel_art_video to generate an animated MP4.

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 into retro pixel art using specific hardware palettes?

Convert an image into retro pixel art by applying era-accurate hardware palettes like NES, Game Boy, PICO-8, or C64. The process uses Floyd-Steinberg dithering and downsamples the input to a controllable pixel grid to produce blocky pixel art PNGs.

What's the best way to generate pixel art animations from a static image?

Generate pixel art animations from a static image by overlaying procedural effects like stars, rain, or fireflies. You can run the included video script to export the animated pixel art output as an MP4 or GIF for games and social media.

Can I use custom color palettes instead of presets for pixel art conversion?

Yes, you can use custom color palettes for pixel art conversion instead of built-in presets like arcade or gameboy. This allows you to control block size, contrast, color, and sharpness adjustments to match your specific design requirements.

Do I need Python and Pillow to process images into pixel art?

Yes, you need Python and the Pillow dependency to process images into pixel art. The included Python scripts rely on Pillow to handle image processing, downsampling, dithering, and exporting the final PNG and MP4 files.

How does Floyd-Steinberg dithering work when creating pixel art from photos?

Floyd-Steinberg dithering works by diffusing quantization errors to neighboring pixels when creating pixel art from photos. This technique simulates continuous tones and color gradients within the strict limitations of your chosen retro hardware palette.

What are the limitations of converting high-resolution images to a pixel grid?

A key limitation of converting high-resolution images to a pixel grid is the loss of fine detail during downsampling. While contrast and sharpness adjustments help, complex backgrounds may become indistinguishable when mapped to limited retro palettes.