The shortest path on AniPixel is one loop: open Pixelize, upload a picture, choose a preset, generate, then download a PNG. Settings, VIP options, and free tools sit around that loop — they do not replace it.

For product positioning (AI redraw vs mosaic filters), see What AniPixel is.

What are the three steps from upload to download?

Upload a JPG, PNG, or WEBP on Pixelize.
Choose a preset (start with Redraw) and leave defaults for the first try.
Generate, then download the PNG. Each image costs 1 credit; failed images refund.

Details for each step follow. Optional cleanup tools come after download and do not spend credits.

1. Upload

On Pixelize, drop a JPG, PNG, or WEBP (up to 20MB), browse for a file, or paste with Ctrl+V / Cmd+V. Prefer a clear subject — faces and characters usually work better than busy full scenes. Only upload images you own or have permission to use.

If faces keep turning mushy later, fix the source or crop before spending more credits — better source images.

2. Choose a preset and settings

Presets steer the kind of result: Redraw, Chibi, Side, Portrait, Icon, or Scene. Then adjust colors, crop, aspect, background, and how many images to generate in one run.

Practical defaults for a first try:

Preset: Redraw
Images: 1
Everything else: leave at defaults

Change the preset when the kind of look is wrong; change settings when the kind is right but framing, palette, or background needs a tweak. Details: choosing a preset and settings explained.

3. Generate and download

Press Generate. Each result costs 1 credit; the button shows the total before you commit. Failed images refund automatically.

When a result is ready:

Download the PNG.
Regenerate if you want another take with the same setup.
Or change one setting / preset and try again.

Signed-in runs also land in History so you can come back later.

Optional cleanup after download

You do not need these for every image. Use them when the export needs finishing:

Flat or messy backdrop → Remove Background (free, local).
Looks pixelated but the file is huge / soft when scaled → Fix Pixel Grid (free, local).
Full generate → cutout → sharp scale path → image to pixel art workflow.

What this loop is not

It is not “apply mosaic and export.” Pixelize redraws with AI.
It is not a guaranteed identical copy of the source on every run.
Free local tools never spend credits; only Pixelize does.

That’s the whole product loop. For a first-time walkthrough with screenshots in order, read Getting started with Pixelize.