Image Converter

Turn any photo or image into a counted cross-stitch chart.

Some features on this page require the Full Version.

The image converter previewing a photo as a counted cross-stitch chart

Overview

The image converter turns a photograph or any image file into a counted cross-stitch chart. It reduces the image to a grid of stitches, matches every cell to the closest DMC thread using CIEDE2000 color science, and builds a complete pattern with a color legend and chart symbols. Open it from Convert Image in the navigation bar.

A live preview updates as you work, so you can see how the photo translates to stitches before you commit to a conversion.

Loading an Image

There are several ways to load a source image. Drag a file onto the drop zone, paste an image from your clipboard, or click the drop zone to browse for a file. Common formats such as JPEG, PNG, and WebP are supported, up to a file size of 10 MB.

Grid Size

The grid size sets how many stitches wide and tall the finished pattern will be. Use the width and height sliders, or click the value to type an exact number. A larger grid captures more detail but takes longer to stitch and uses more fabric.

On the Free version the grid is capped at 75×75 stitches. The Full Version raises the cap to 250×250.

Color Count

The color count limits how many distinct thread colors the converter may use. Fewer colors give a simpler, bolder result that is faster to stitch; more colors capture subtle shading and gradients. Every color is matched to a real DMC thread, so the finished chart is always stitchable.

The Free version allows up to 30 colors. The Full Version allows up to 100.

Adjustments

Before generating the chart, you can fine-tune the source image:

• Contrast and brightness - Adjust the tonal range so the conversion picks up detail in shadows or highlights that would otherwise be lost.
• Crop - Focus the pattern on part of the image and set the aspect ratio of the result.

Pixel Art

If your source image is already pixel art, enable Pixel art mode. Instead of resampling the image, the converter maps each existing pixel directly to one stitch, preserving crisp edges and exact colors. The width and height you have typed are kept when you toggle this mode on and off.

Dithering

Dithering blends colors by scattering stitches of neighboring shades, which can smooth gradients when you are working with a limited palette. Dithering is a Full Version option.

Editing the Result

After conversion, the pattern opens in an editor where you can review and refine it before saving. You can change any color's chart symbol with the symbol picker, toggle gridlines and symbols, and make changes with the full set of drawing tools. The trace tool can also load the original photo as a low-opacity underlay so you can stitch detail back in by hand.

Saving the Pattern

When you are happy with the result, save it. The converted pattern joins your saved patterns and behaves exactly like any other pattern: you can open it in the Pattern Viewer, track stitching progress, estimate thread with the Materials Calculator, and export it in any supported format.