jp2a is a command-line utility that converts JPEG images into character-based artwork. It analyses the source image and represents different levels of brightness using text characters of varying visual density.
The resulting images can be displayed directly in a terminal or saved for use in documentation, messages and other text-oriented environments. High-contrast photographs and illustrations with well-defined shapes are particularly suitable for conversion.
jp2a provides controls over the dimensions and appearance of generated artwork. Adjusting the output size and character mapping can significantly affect how recognisable the converted picture becomes.
The application is deliberately focused on JPEG conversion rather than providing a general-purpose image editor. Its straightforward command-line interface also makes it suitable for scripts that need to generate text-based representations of pictures.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Converts JPEG images into ASCII character artwork.
- Controls the width and height of generated images.
- Supports custom character sets for representing brightness.
- Allows the character mapping to be inverted.
- Provides brightness and contrast adjustments.
- Supports grayscale image conversion.
- Generates plain-text and HTML output.
- Processes remote images when compiled with network support.
- Controls the aspect ratio of converted artwork.
- Supports command-line processing of multiple image sources.
Website: github.com/cslarsen/jp2a
Support:
Developer: Christian Stigen Larsen
License: GNU General Public License v2.0
jp2a is written in C. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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