# Artgen

> Browser art studio for AI images, pixel art, ASCII and print effects

- Category: [Image & Visual AI](https://finderatlas.com/categories/image-ai)
- Pricing: Freemium
- Website: https://artgen.net
- Platforms: Web, Chrome Extension, API
- API: available
- Last updated: 2026-10-25
- FinderAtlas page: https://finderatlas.com/tools/artgen-image-to-pixel-art

## Overview

Artgen is a browser-based creative workspace for making and converting images. It combines two kinds of tools. Free fixed effects turn an uploaded photo into pixel art, ASCII art, a risograph print, a cyanotype, pop art or a pointillism image using deterministic algorithms, so the same settings always give the same result. AI tools generate images from prompts or references in styles such as oil painting, watercolor, anime, line art and low poly, and also handle background removal, upscaling and text-instruction editing, using credits.

## Key features

- Image to pixel art
- Image to ASCII
- Fixed print effects
- AI image generation
- Image editing tools
- Video and audio tools
- Chrome extension
- API
- Credit transparency

## Pricing

- **Free** ($0): Six fixed image effects, free with sign-in.
- **Starter** ($10/month): A little space to explore.
- **Creator** ($25/month): For ideas that keep coming.
- **Studio** ($50/month): More room for a bigger practice.

## Best for

- Turning photos into pixel art or ASCII art for free, quick AI illustrations in named art styles, repeatable image effects

## Who uses it

- Designers
- Content creators
- Game and pixel-art hobbyists
- Developers
- Social media users

## Strengths

- Six deterministic image effects are free with sign-in and need no credits
- Credits never expire and roll over between months
- Wide catalog of 51 tools covering images, editing, video and audio
- Chrome extension and documented API alongside the web app
- Credit cost is shown before each AI run

## Limitations

- The site does not name the company or team behind it
- Even the free effects require sign-in
- Pixel art output is a single opaque 512 px-max PNG with no transparency or sprite sheets
- Individual credit pack prices were not visible on the pricing page
- Some video and audio features appear to be limited or still rolling out

## Not recommended for

- Sprite sheets or animation frames
- Editable 3D model export
- Users who want to know the operating company before paying

## FinderAtlas editorial scores (out of 10)

- Image Effects Quality: 7.6/10
- AI Generation Quality: 7.2/10
- Tool Breadth: 8/10
- Pricing Clarity: 7/10
- Ease of Use: 8.2/10

## Alternatives

- [FLUX by Black Forest Labs](https://finderatlas.com/tools/flux-ai): Image and video generation models with a pay-per-use API and open weights ([compare](https://finderatlas.com/compare/artgen-image-to-pixel-art-vs-flux-ai))
- [Adobe Firefly](https://finderatlas.com/tools/adobe-firefly): Generate images, video, audio and vectors with Adobe models and partner models ([compare](https://finderatlas.com/compare/adobe-firefly-vs-artgen-image-to-pixel-art))
- [FLORA](https://finderatlas.com/tools/flora): Infinite AI canvas that puts image, video and text models in one creative workspace ([compare](https://finderatlas.com/compare/artgen-image-to-pixel-art-vs-flora))
- [Canva](https://finderatlas.com/tools/canva): Browser-based design platform with templates, collaboration tools and built-in AI image and video generation ([compare](https://finderatlas.com/compare/artgen-image-to-pixel-art-vs-canva))
- [Ideogram](https://finderatlas.com/tools/ideogram): AI image generator for posters, logos and graphics with readable in-image text ([compare](https://finderatlas.com/compare/artgen-image-to-pixel-art-vs-ideogram))
- [Recraft](https://finderatlas.com/tools/recraft): AI image and vector design studio with brand styles, editing tools and SVG export ([compare](https://finderatlas.com/compare/artgen-image-to-pixel-art-vs-recraft))
- [Leonardo AI](https://finderatlas.com/tools/leonardo-ai): AI image and video studio with custom model training and a real-time canvas editor ([compare](https://finderatlas.com/compare/artgen-image-to-pixel-art-vs-leonardo-ai))
- [Dzine](https://finderatlas.com/tools/dzine): AI creative workspace for generating, editing and designing images and videos with layer-level control ([compare](https://finderatlas.com/compare/artgen-image-to-pixel-art-vs-dzine))

## FAQ

**Is the photo to pixel art converter free?**

Yes. It is one of six fixed image effects that are free with sign-in and need no credits. Browsing the site does not require an account.

**Does the pixel art tool use AI?**

No. It is a fixed algorithm, so the same image and settings give the same result. A separate AI reimagine mode in the tool uses credits.

**What file types and sizes can I upload?**

PNG, JPEG or WebP up to 5 MB. Images are scaled to at most 512 px on the longest edge, transparent areas become white, and the result downloads as a PNG.

**How do credits work?**

AI generation, editing and video tools use credits, with the cost shown before you run a task. Subscription and pack credits go into one balance that does not expire.

**Can Artgen make sprites or 3D models?**

Not directly. The pixel art output is one opaque PNG without animation frames or sprite sheets, and 3D-inspired styles produce flat images rather than editable 3D models.

**Does Artgen have an API?**

Yes. The docs describe server-side endpoints for creating and converting images with an API key from the dashboard.