How to turn a picture into Excel pixel art
- Add a picture. Logos, cartoons and portraits with clear contrast work best.
- Choose the width in cells (16–100) and the number of colours (2–24).
- Download the .xlsx and open it in Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice or Numbers.
How the file is built
- Square cells: columns are 2.14 characters wide and rows 15 points high, both 20 pixels at 100% zoom in Excel.
- Real fills, no macros: each cell has a solid fill colour, so the file opens without security warnings.
- Gridlines hidden so the picture looks clean; turn them on under View if you want to edit cell by cell.
- Ready to print: the print area and “fit to one page” are set.
Choosing size and colours
| Cells across | Good for |
|---|---|
| 16–24 | Icons, emoji, retro game style |
| 32–48 | Logos, cartoons, simple portraits |
| 64–100 | Detailed photos (zoom out to see them) |
Fewer colours give bolder, cleaner art and make the picture easier to recreate by hand. To make the picture an activity, use the mystery pixel art generator.
Frequently asked questions
Does it use macros or VBA?
No. The file is a normal .xlsx with coloured cells, so it opens without security warnings in Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice and Numbers.
How big can the picture be?
Up to 100 cells across; the height follows the picture’s shape. 32–64 cells across is a good balance between detail and a sheet that fits on screen.
Why are the cells square?
Columns are set to 2.14 characters wide and rows to 15 points, which are both 20 pixels at normal zoom in Excel, so pixels look square.
Can I make it an activity for students?
Yes. Use the mystery pixel art generator to add questions whose correct answers reveal the picture.
Are my pictures uploaded?
No. Everything happens in your browser, so your pictures never leave your device.
Last updated 2026-10-24.