How does pixelation work here?

The image is scaled down to a small size and then scaled back up with image smoothing turned off. Each original block of pixels becomes one solid colour, producing the classic mosaic look. A larger block size means fewer, bigger blocks.

Is pixelation safe for hiding sensitive information?

Use a large block size for censoring, but be aware that light pixelation of text or faces can sometimes be partially reversed by determined attackers. For truly sensitive data, draw a solid block over it rather than relying on a mild mosaic.

Is my image uploaded anywhere?

No. The whole effect is computed on a canvas in your browser. The image is never sent to a server.

What format is the download?

The result is exported as a lossless PNG, which keeps the hard block edges crisp. PNG is the right choice for pixel-art style output.

What is the Pixelate Image Online?

Free online image pixelator. Upload an image and apply an adjustable blocky mosaic effect — great for pixel-art looks or censoring sensitive areas — then download the result as a PNG. Runs entirely in your browser; nothing is uploaded. It runs free in your browser on Gera Tools, with nothing uploaded.

Pixelate Image Online

Name: Pixelate Image Online
Creator: Gera Tools
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Pixelation turns an image into a grid of solid colour blocks — useful for a retro pixel-art aesthetic or for censoring a face, number plate, or sensitive detail. Upload an image, choose how large the blocks should be, and download the result.

How the effect is made

1. Draw the image onto a canvas
2. Downscale to  width / blockSize  ×  height / blockSize
3. Upscale back to full size with imageSmoothing = false

Turning off smoothing during the upscale is what produces the hard, blocky edges instead of a soft blur. A bigger block size means a smaller intermediate image and therefore chunkier blocks.

Pixel-art vs censoring

Pixel-art look: a moderate block size (8–16px) keeps the subject recognisable while giving a stylised, retro feel.
Censoring: use a large block size so individual features are fully dissolved. For anything genuinely sensitive, prefer a solid opaque box — mild pixelation of small text or faces is not guaranteed to be irreversible.

Everything runs locally in your browser, and the export is a lossless PNG so the block edges stay sharp.