20 /
Use your grid for beads, cross stitch or knitting
One cell is one fuse bead, one cross stitch or one knitted stitch, so the same grid works for every craft. Open it in the Perler or cross stitch maker to get real brand colors and counts.
00 /Free · Draw or trace
Pixel Art Grid Maker — draw on a blank grid or trace a photo, then print it with numbers.
No photo handy? Try one:
JPG · PNG · WEBP · up to 20 MB
Converted on your device. Your photo isn't uploaded unless you choose an AI or cloud tool.
Converted on your device · No sign-up · PDF from $4.99
Materials
05 /Blank grid
Draw on a blank pixel art grid
Pick a size and start clicking. Drag to paint, mirror for symmetrical sprites, then print it with numbers or export a crisp PNG.
Grid size
Colors
10 /Quick answer
How to use the pixel art grid
A pixel art grid is a square grid where every cell is one pixel of your picture. Draw on the blank grid below, or upload a photo to trace it automatically, then print the grid with row and column numbers or download a crisp PNG — all free.
- 1
Choose a grid size
16 × 16 for icons, 32 × 32 for characters and small beads, 48–64 for detailed scenes.
- 2
Draw or trace
Paint cells by hand, or upload a photo and let the grid trace it with a limited palette.
- 3
Limit the colors
Pixel art reads best with 8–16 colors. Fewer colors means cleaner edges.
- 4
Print or export
Print with numbers for beads or stitching, or export a scaled-up PNG without blur.
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Pixel art graph paper
Pixel art graph paper is simply a blank grid with a bold line every 8 or 10 squares so you can count. Set the grid size above, leave it empty and download the PNG with numbered rows and columns — print as many as you like.
For a stitching grid at true fabric scale (11, 14, 16 or 18 squares per inch), use the printable cross stitch grid instead.
40 /
Pixel art on a grid vs. from a photo
Drawing pixel art on a grid gives you full control and crisp edges; converting a photo is faster for portraits and pets. Do both: convert a photo to pixel art first, then clean up details by hand.
50 /
Grid size cheat sheet
Pick the grid by what you are making.
| Grid | Good for | Cells |
|---|---|---|
| 16 × 16 | Icons, tiny sprites, keychains | 256 |
| 32 × 32 | Characters, one Perler board | 1,024 |
| 48 × 48 | Animals and portraits | 2,304 |
| 64 × 64 | Detailed scenes | 4,096 |
90 /FAQ
Questions people ask
Q.01What is a pixel art grid?
A pixel art grid is a square grid where each cell is one pixel. You fill cells with color to build an image, which also works as a pattern for beads, cross stitch or knitting.
Q.02What grid size should I use for pixel art?
Use 16 × 16 for icons, 32 × 32 for characters and 48–64 for detailed pictures. Smaller grids force simpler, cleaner pixel art.
Q.03Can I print a blank pixel art grid?
Yes. Pick a grid size, leave it blank and download the PNG or PDF with numbered rows and columns, free.
Q.04Can I turn a photo into pixel art?
Yes. Upload a photo and it is traced onto the grid with a limited palette; adjust the grid size and number of colors until it reads well.
120 /Other crafts
Also make it as…
Same photo, another craft. Your photo comes with you.
Cross stitchPhoto to DMC chart · PDF
Diamond paintingSquare or round drills
Needlepoint10, 13 or 18 mesh
Perler & fuse beadsSplit into 29×29 boards
Kandi & peyoteCuffs with bead lists
Crochet graphsC2C, tapestry, graphgan
Knitting chartsColorwork with float check
Latch hook rugsRug charts, knot counts
Filet crochet chartsBlocks & spaces from a photo
Free tools