What is pixel art?

Pixel art is a digital art style where images are created using individual square pixels, giving them a distinctive blocky, retro look. It became popular in early video games because consoles of the time had limited graphics capabilities. Classic titles like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Sonic the Hedgehog all used pixel art to create characters, worlds, and animations. Today, it remains a beloved style in indie games, mobile apps, and nostalgic design projects.

If you’re drawn to that raw, early computer/arcade era charm, you can try creating your own pixel art using QuillBot’s AI pixel art generator.

Image tools: Other interesting questions

Is JPG good for web pages?: Although you can use JPG/JPEG images on a website, it can affect load times, and this in turn can harm the ranking of your site. It is much better to convert your images to the faster .webp format.

The easiest way to do this is with a converter like QuillBot’s free online JPG converter.
What is an AI sketch generator?: An AI sketch generator turns your written ideas into hand-drawn-style sketches. It’s handy for content creators, writers, or casual creators who want to see characters, animals, objects, or simple scenes come to life from text prompts. You can experiment with different prompts using QuillBot’s free AI sketch generator to get a feel for how your ideas translate visually.
How do I create a sketch from text?: You can create a sketch from text using an AI sketch generator. Start with a clear description of what you want to see, including the subject, style, and any important details. Generate the sketch and then refine it by adjusting one element at a time—like posture, expression, or props—until it matches what you imagined. QuillBot’s AI sketch generator, for example, is free and lets you experiment with different prompts easily.
What are some examples of prompts to generate Thanksgiving images?: Image generation tools like QuillBot’s free AI image generator are a great way to create customized festive images. Use the prompts below for inspiration as you create your own designs!

Create a watercolor illustration of a cornucopia. Use soft fall colors and show a variety of harvest vegetables spilling gently out of the cornucopia. Include light ink detail only where needed and keep the image clear and simple.

A wreath of fall leaves and foliage and show it hanging on a wooden door. In the centre of the wreath, write “Happy Thanksgiving” in script. Warm, photorealistic style.

A pop art print with a 4×4 grid design featuring a turkey. Write “Happy Thanksgiving” underneath in funky, modern font. Use bold, bright colors.
How do you remove a white background from an image in Google Slides?: To remove a white background from an image in Google Slides, select the image, choose “format options,” then “image editing,” and then “remove background.” This option may not be visible to all account types.

You can also remove the white background from your image using QuillBot’s free background remover tool, download the new image, and upload it to Google Slides.

When using images, make sure you have the right to use them and that you don’t infringe on the rights of others by doing so.
Is the QuillBot background remover free?: Yes, QuillBot’s background remover is free to use.

When you’re logged in, you can use it up to five times a day for free. If you’re a Premium QuillBot user, you can use it as many times as you want.
Can you remove the background from a picture in PowerPoint?: You can remove the background from a picture in PowerPoint if you’re using a paid Microsoft 365 version.

PowerPoint for the web—the free online version that you can use when you’re logged in to your Microsoft account—doesn’t have this functionality.

But it’s easy to remove the background from a picture that you’re using in PowerPoint for the web by uploading the original image file to a free online background remover tool like QuillBot’s free background remover.

Once you’ve removed the background from your picture using the tool, download it as a PNG to preserve the transparency and then import it into PowerPoint for the web by selecting Insert Picture.
What are some character design tips?: Some character design tips are:

Start with a clear idea of your character’s role, personality, and story

Focus on aesthetic styles, color schemes, and fashions that reflect who they are

Test different variations until the design feels consistent and believable

Use digital tools to help you experiment

You can use QuillBot’s free AI character generator to quickly visualize a character design and iterate until you find one that you like.
What is a bad character design?: A bad character design is one that is forgettable, confuses the audience, or fails to reflect the character’s role or personality. Common issues include:

Cluttered details

Inconsistent proportions

Lack of originality

Elements that don’t align with their story

For example, a female archaeologist who travels to digs in a business suit and heels would probably be bad character design (unless this design is well-explained by her story).

QuillBot’s free AI character generator can help you experiment with clearer, more cohesive designs.
How do you design a character?: To design a character:

Define your character’s goal, backstory, and journey

Describe their traits (both appearance and personality)

Explore visual references that connect to their story

Sketch or generate visuals to experiment with different variations on the design until it aligns with your vision

Work on the final design

Check with an expert that you are not infringing on anyone else’s rights

Want to bring your character concepts to life instantly? Use QuillBot’s AI character generator to brainstorm, experiment, and iterate.
Is QuillBot’s character generator an AI anime character generator?: Yes, QuillBot’s AI character generator is an AI anime character generator. You can include details in your prompt that tell the AI you want an anime style, and you can also choose “anime” as the style setting.

Some other styles you can choose when working with QuillBot’s character generator are “artistic,” “cinematic,” “fantasy,” and “realism.”
What is a drawing prompt?: A drawing prompt is a simple idea or instruction designed to inspire creativity and help artists get started with a drawing. It can be a word, phrase, or short description that guides what to draw, encouraging experimentation and overcoming creative blocks. Prompts are useful for artists of all levels to practice skills, explore new themes, and keep their creativity flowing.
For quick, fresh ideas, try QuillBot’s AI art prompt generator—it helps you get inspired and start drawing faster.
Where can I find daily drawing prompts to practice regularly?: Finding fresh drawing prompts every day can keep your creative skills sharp and your motivation high. You can create your own daily prompts by mixing subjects, actions, and settings, or use tools designed to generate new ideas automatically.

QuillBot’s AI art prompt generator is a useful tool that creates varied prompts from your input, helping you keep a regular drawing habit without spending all your time on brainstorming.
What’s the difference between lossy and lossless compression?: File size and image quality are the main differences between lossy and lossless compression.

Lossy compression makes an image file smaller by deleting data that isn’t essential. It reduces image quality in a way that isn’t noticeable to everyday users.

Lossless compression reduces an image’s file size by reorganizing the data instead of permanently deleting any of it, so the quality stays the same.

An image file format that supports lossless compression is AVIF, which isn’t universally compatible. When you need to convert AVIF to a more compatible format, QuillBot’s AVIF converter is completely free to use.
Can I convert AVIF to JPG without losing quality?: You can convert AVIF to JPG without losing quality that’s noticeable to an everyday user. JPG uses lossy compression, so very small quality losses may occur. If you want to preserve all details, converting to a lossless format like PNG or WEBP is a better option.

QuillBot’s free AVIF converter supports several image formats, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
How can I come up with flyer ideas?: Start by considering the purpose of your flyer and the audience you want to reach. Think about the main message, visuals, and any special offers or events you want to highlight. Tools like QuillBot’s AI flyer generator can help you turn these ideas into a basic layout, giving you a starting point to refine and develop your flyer.
What is the difference between JPEG and PNG?: JPEG and PNG are both raster-based image formats, meaning they consist of pixels rather than resizable shapes or vectors. The main difference between these two formats is how they handle compression—the process that reduces file size.

JPEGs reduce file size by removing some image data. This is OK for photographs or web images where fine detail isn’t essential, but it can make text, graphics, or sharp edges blurred or pixelated.

PNGs use lossless compression, so no image data is lost when the file is saved. File sizes are larger than JPEGs, but PNG is a better format for logos, icons, or graphics with text.

PNGs also support transparent backgrounds, making them useful when you need to place an image on top of another background.

Use QuillBot’s free online JPEG converter if you need to convert a JPEG to a PNG.
Where can I find a GIF to JPG converter?: QuillBot’s GIF converter is a GIF to JPG converter. To convert a GIF to JPG, follow these three steps:

Upload the GIF

Select “JPG” as the output type

Click “Convert” to automatically download the JPG file

This tool is browser-based and free to use. It also doesn’t require any sign-up before use, which means you can convert your GIF to JPG right now.
How do AI art generators work?: AI art generators create images by analyzing your prompt and converting it into visual elements—shapes, colors, textures, and styles—based on patterns learned from large datasets. The model interprets your description, predicts what the image should look like, and renders it from scratch rather than copying existing artwork.

The clearer your prompt, the more accurately the AI can match your vision. If you want to see this in action, try creating an image with QuillBot’s AI art generator and adjust your prompt to explore different results.
What styles can AI art generators create?: Most AI art generators can produce a wide range of styles—from realistic and cinematic to watercolor, anime, pixel art, impressionist, and minimalist line art. You can usually combine styles directly in your text prompt, such as “watercolor with ink outlines” or “cinematic lighting in a painterly style,” to create a more tailored look.

If you’re unsure which style fits your idea, try experimenting with a few variations in QuillBot’s AI art generator to see how each one changes the mood and feel of your image.
What file formats can I convert SVG files into?: SVG files can be converted into popular image formats like PNG, JPG, WEBP, and GIF. Using an online converter tool like QuillBot’s free SVG converter makes this process quick and easy—no software installation needed.
Can I change the words in my word cloud?: Some word cloud generators, like QuillBot’s free word cloud generator, allow you to change the words in your word cloud by excluding and adding particular words in the settings options.
How can I show a word cloud in the classroom?: The easiest way to display a word cloud in the classroom is to download it as an image file and display or project it using your classroom’s screen or video projector. You can insert the image into a presentation slide deck or simply open it with your computer’s default image viewer.

QuillBot’s free word cloud generator lets you download word clouds as PNGs or SVGs, two widely supported file formats.
What are some word cloud gift ideas?: Word cloud gift ideas span many types of personalized wall art, such as:

Personalized name word clouds: Create a custom print that includes a person’s name surrounded by words that describe their personality, interests, or achievements.

Family-themed wall art: Design a piece featuring family members’ names, favorite activities, meaningful places, and shared memories. This type of word cloud works beautifully as living-room wall art or a housewarming gift.

Pet word clouds: Use your pet’s name, nicknames, traits, and favorite activities to create a heartwarming print shaped like a paw, bone, or animal silhouette.

QuillBot’s free word cloud generator can help you bring your word cloud gift ideas to life.
How do you make a PNG transparent?: To make a PNG transparent, you have to remove the image’s background. PNG is a file type that supports transparency, so remove the background, save the image, and you’ll have a transparent PNG.

The easiest way to remove a PNG’s background is with QuillBot’s free online background remover.
Can beginners use an AI pixel art generator?: Yes, AI pixel art generators are designed to be beginner-friendly and require no artistic or technical skills. Simply describe what you want in plain text, and the AI will create the pixel art for you. This makes it an ideal starting point for anyone interested in game development, digital art, or retro design, without needing to learn traditional pixel art techniques or specialized software.

If you’re ready to create pixel art inspired by classic games, try QuillBot’s beginner-friendly AI pixel art generator and bring your ideas to life.
What’s the tool emoji?: “Tool emoji” could refer to any emoji that represents a tool, like:

The hammer emoji 🔨

The wrench emoji 🔧

The screwdriver emoji 🪛

The clamp emoji 🗜️

The axe emoji 🪓

The hook emoji 🪝

The pick emoji ⛏️

The nut and bolt emoji 🔩

The hammer and pick emoji ⚒️

The hammer and wrench emoji 🛠️

The toolbox emoji 🧰

Find these tool emojis and more using QuillBot’s emoji tool.
What’s a random emoji picker?: A random emoji picker shows you a random emoji. This is different from a regular emoji picker—like QuillBot’s emoji tool—that lets you browse and select the emoji you want.

For a random emoji, try telling QuillBot’s AI Chat, “Show me a random emoji.”
What are backgrounds used for?: Digital backgrounds are used for presentations, social media images, thumbnails, and other visual designs.

QuillBot’s free AI background generator makes it quick and easy to bring your creative background ideas to life.
What are some examples of AI image prompts I can use?: The possibilities are endless, but here are some ideas you can use with the QuillBot AI image generator. In each case the prompt is followed by the style of the image and the format ratio.

“Golden sunrise over a misty mountain valley” —Realism, 16:9

“Cyberpunk street musician with neon tattoos” —Digital Art, 9:16

“Futuristic skyline with floating cars and neon signs” —3D Scene, 16:9

“Abstract watercolor splash resembling a city skyline” —Artistic, 4:3

“Dragon flying above stormy mountains breathing fire” —Fantasy World, 16:9

If you need extra ideas, why not ask the QuillBot AI chat to help you out?
What size is a hero image?: A full-screen hero image is typically sized at 1280 × 720 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio, ensuring clarity on most screens. However, depending on your site’s design and target devices, you might opt for larger dimensions, such as 1600 × 900 pixels or 1920 × 1080 pixels, to maintain image quality on high-resolution displays.

Always test your image across various devices to ensure it loads quickly and appears sharp. You can use QuillBot’s AI Image Generator to create high-quality visuals that fit your design, then adjust them as needed.
Why do they call it a hero image?: The term “hero” comes from theater, where a hero prop is an object crafted in full detail because it will be seen up close and is central to the scene. In web design, a hero image plays a similar role: it’s the most prominent visual on your page, capturing attention, conveying your main message, and guiding visitors toward key content. You can use QuillBot’s AI Image Generator to create hero visuals that stand out and complement your brand identity.
How do you identify AI-generated images?: To identify AI-generated images:

Look for anomalies (e.g., distorted hands or garbled text)

Check for watermarks or hidden stamps

Analyze the image’s metadata

Use specialized detection tools

It may also help to keep up-to-date on creative ways people are using AI image generators and to try out such tools yourself. QuillBot’s AI image generator is free to try right now.

Want to test your eye for spotting AI creations? Take our Human or AI game and see if you can tell the difference.
How long does AI image generation take?: AI image generation takes anywhere between a few seconds and a few minutes. This depends on:

The AI model used

The hardware of the user’s computer

The AI’s server/platform load at the moment

The user prompt and level of detail

The image resolution requested

For example, QuillBot’s free AI image generator usually takes a few seconds to generate an image. However, when doing more creative things with the tool, it may take a little bit longer.
What is OCR scanning?: OCR scanning is the process of converting the words on an image into machine-readable, editable text.

An OCR (optical character recognition) scanner is a device that scans a physical document (e.g., a printed resume or a driver’s license), creates an image, and puts the words into a digital format.

Common uses for OCR scanning include digitizing patient records and depositing paper checks online.

OCR scanning is one of many ways to convert an image to text. QuillBot’s image to text converter is a web-based option, and it’s completely free to use.
Can an image to text generator read handwriting?: Yes, an image to text generator can read handwriting if it uses an AI model that has been trained on handwriting datasets. When converting handwriting to digital text, the following strategies can improve the accuracy of the output.

Neat and clear handwriting

Lined paper

Good lighting (when photographing the document)

QuillBot’s image to text converter can instantly convert a JPG or JPEG of a handwritten document into an editable .txt file.
How do you design social media posts?: To design social media posts:

Choose the right size for each platform and format

Decide what the goal of the post is

Make sure any photos and videos are in a high enough quality for the network

Choose colors, fonts, and visuals that align with your brand and/or goal

Proofread all copy (with Grammar Checker, for example)

Publish or schedule your post

If you want to design social media posts with an AI image generator, QuillBot’s AI image generator is free to try today!
How do you schedule social media posts?: To schedule social media posts, you can use scheduling tools (e.g., Buffer or Hootsuite) or native platform planners (e.g., Meta Business Suite).

First, create your visuals. Then upload them into the tool, set a date/time, and your posts will publish automatically.

It can be difficult to keep up with creating content to have enough to schedule to post. Try using an AI image generator for social media posts, like QuillBot’s free AI image generator.
How many images are in an Instagram carousel?: There are up to 20 images in an Instagram carousel. You can add fewer, but that is the maximum number of images you can add to one carousel.

If you want to try using an AI image generator for social media posts you can upload as an Instagram carousel, try QuillBot’s AI image generator.
What’s the meaning of leverage in business?: “Leverage” in business is the process of borrowing money, investing those funds, and planning for the future returns on investment to be greater than what it costs to repay the debt.

Some synonyms for leverage with this meaning are “use,” “utilize,” and “capitalize on.”

To learn more about leverage in business, ask QuillBot’s AI Chat.
What are some good logo fonts?: Good logo fonts are distinctive, scalable, and legible across different sizes and contexts. Choosing a font is one of the most important steps when you design a logo.

Popular fonts include sans-serifs (e.g., Futura, Helvetica) for clean looks, serifs (e.g., Bodoni, Didot) for elegance, and slab serifs (e.g., Rockwell, Museo Slab) for strength. Scripts (e.g., Pacifico, Satisfy) add creativity, while display fonts (e.g., Bebas Neue, Rift) make bold statements.

Try QuillBot’s AI logo generator to experiment with what fonts look good for your brand.
What size should a logo be?: Logos don’t have one fixed size; they should scale for different uses. When learning how to design a logo, you’ll find that this is one of the most important qualities of a logo.

A common size for a website logo is about 250–400 pixels wide by 70–100 pixels high. You can really design your logo in any size, but make sure you do so in vector format (e.g., SVG) so it looks sharp if you shrink or enlarge it.

QuillBot’s AI logo generator can help you experiment with different logo sizes.
What is a background?: A background for a presentation, social media post, web page, or other digital image is the foundational layer of a design that supports the main content in the foreground. It provides visual context, depth, and atmosphere while ensuring that text, images, or other focal elements remain clear and engaging.

QuillBot’s free AI background generator makes bringing your creative background ideas to life quick and easy.
What is an AI image prompt?: An AI image generator responds to the image prompt that you enter. You use the prompt to describe the image that you want the AI to produce. You can use both positive prompts (e.g., “A man working on a laptop computer”) and negative prompts (e.g, “Do not show his hands”).

The QuillBot AI image generator is an easy-to-use, free AI resource that delivers images in a number of styles and formats in a matter of moments. It’s perfect for trying out ideas for images.
How long does it take to generate an image with an AI generator?: In most cases, it takes from a few seconds to under a minute for an AI image generator to create a high-quality image from your image prompt. Some advanced tools may take slightly longer depending on:

The complexity of your prompt (e.g., intricate scenes or layered styles)

The resolution or aspect ratio you’ve selected

Server load or tool performance at the time you’re using it

If you’re refining your image through multiple iterations, allow a little extra time for edits and prompt adjustments.

Most advanced tools, like QuillBot’s AI image Generator, offer preset styles, aspect ratios, and prompt suggestions to help streamline the process and ensure your image is optimized right from the start.
How do AI image generators work?: AI image generators transform text-based prompts (i.e., what you describe) into visual images using machine learning models that have been trained on millions of images and descriptions.

When you input an image prompt (like “a trapeze artist walking across a tightrope”), the AI model interprets the words, identifies patterns based on its training data, and then generates a completely new image that matches your description.

This process involves the following steps:

Text understanding: The AI parses your prompt to understand key elements like subject, style, lighting, setting, and mood.

Pattern matching: It uses deep learning to reference visual patterns and styles it has seen during training.

Image rendering: The AI tool assembles those concepts into a new image.

Advanced tools like QuillBot’s AI image generator make this even easier by offering preset styles and aspect ratios that help guide the AI toward more accurate and creative results.

Now that you know how AI creates images, see if you can tell which ones are AI-made. Take our Human or AI quiz to test your detection skills.
How to use an AI image generator to create visuals?: Creating visuals with an AI image generator is quick and easy. All you need is a clear idea and a well-written prompt.

Here’s a simple step-by-step process:

Describe your image: Write a detailed image prompt including the subject, style, mood, and composition (e.g., “Cyberpunk city at night, wide-angle view, neon lights”).

Choose your settings: Select a style, aspect ratio, or use the automatic presets to guide the AI (tools like QuillBot’s AI Image Generator offer built-in options to simplify this step).

Generate and refine: Once you’re happy with your prompt and settings, click to generate. Most images are ready in seconds. If needed, tweak your prompt or use negative prompts to refine the result.

Curious how realistic AI-generated visuals can look? Test your detection skills with our Human or AI game.
What are some good motifs for happy Halloween witches images?: If you’re using an AI tool, such as QuillBot’s free AI image generator, to help create happy Halloween witches images, you can try motifs like:

A witch flying in front of a full moon

A silhouette of a witch stirring a potion in a cauldron

A flying witch with a cat on their broomstick

A witch’s hat on a pumpkin
What are some good motifs for happy Halloween birthday images?: If you’re using an AI tool like QuillBot’s free AI image generator to help create happy Halloween birthday images for a birthday card or invitation, you can try motifs like:

A pumpkin with birthday candles on top

A friendly skeleton carrying birthday presents

A cute Halloween ghost family holding birthday balloons

A halloween scene with added birthday balloons
How can I make easy Halloween coloring pages?: If your prompt for an AI image tool, such as QuillBot’s AI image generator, is producing Halloween coloring pages that are too complicated, using the word “simple” in your prompt can produce images that are easier and more suitable for younger kids (e.g., “A simple Halloween coloring page”).
What makes a good Halloween coloring page?: When you’re creating Halloween coloring pages with the help of an AI image tool, such as QuillBot’s AI image generator, refine your prompt so the pages aren’t too intricate and difficult for the age of the kids (e.g., by prompting for “a simple coloring page for a four-year-old”), instruct the chatbot to include a fun title, and use words like “cute,” “adorable,” “friendly,” “happy,” and “cheerful” to describe the characters.
Does the QB AI art generator have any restrictions?: Like all AI tools, the QuillBot AI art generator has some restrictions:

There is a limit on the number of images you can generate based on the subscription plan you have.

Please ensure you use the tool in a way that does not infringe on others’ rights and complies with the Copyright Policy and Community Guidelines.

There may be some limitations with respect to what the tool can render, especially when you’re asking for a very complex or detailed image.
What’s the difference between an AI illustration and an AI photo?: The difference between an AI illustration and an AI photo is the style.

AI illustrations are stylized images that look like drawings, cartoons, or digital artwork.

AI photos (also called AI-generated images or photorealistic images) look like real-life photographs with natural lighting.

When you need to brainstorm ideas for an AI illustration, QuillBot’s AI Illustration Generator is completely free to use.

You can also put your visual detection skills to the test with our Human or AI game.
Is aspect ratio the same as pixels?: No, there is a difference between pixels and aspect ratio. A website or app might ask you for a certain pixel size (e.g., 400 x 400), which would be a 1:1 aspect ratio. But 800 x 800 pixels is also 1:1.

Whenever you upload something to social media or send it for printing or publishing on the web, it is important to pay attention to aspect ratio requirements and pixel size.

Using the right aspect ratio will make sure your image fits the shape of the available space, and using the right pixel size will make sure your image has enough detail but isn’t so large that it slows down the loading time for the page (very bad for search engine rankings).
What is Nano Banana?: Nano Banana is Google’s AI image generator and editor. This tool allows its user to create and transform photos using text prompts, with stunning results.

If you’re interested in trying this tool, try out some Nano Banana prompts to start bringing your ideas to life.
What makes good aesthetic wallpaper?: Good aesthetic wallpaper is usually subtle so it doesn’t compete visually with the icons on your screen. The best designs are simple and balanced, using gentle lighting, shading, or gradients to add depth and visual interest without distraction.

You can use an AI wallpaper generator like QuillBot’s free online AI wallpaper generator to help create your own aesthetic wallpaper designs.
How can I create a flyer for free?: You don’t need expensive software or design experience to make a flyer. Free online tools can guide you in putting together your text, images, and ideas. QuillBot’s AI flyer generator, for example, helps you develop your concepts and organize them into a clear flyer layout.

Paraphraser

Grammar Checker

AI Detector

Plagiarism Checker

AI Humanizer

AI Chat

Translate

Summarizer

Citation Generator

What is pixel art?

Image tools: Other interesting questions