Art

Mezzotone – convert images into ASCII art

Mezzotone is a terminal-based application for converting images and animated GIFs into ASCII and Unicode artwork. It provides an interactive interface for choosing source media, configuring the rendering process and examining the generated result.

The program is written in Go and uses the Bubble Tea framework for its terminal interface. It is intended for users who want more direct control over image conversion than a command-line tool with a fixed collection of options.

Mezzotone supports several character representation modes. These produce different visual effects by using ordinary ASCII characters, Unicode symbols and other patterns to reproduce the source image.

The generated artwork can be displayed within the application or exported in different formats. Its support for animated GIFs makes it useful for both static illustrations and moving character-based graphics.

This is free and open source software.

Key Features

  • Converts PNG, JPEG, BMP, WebP, TIFF and GIF images.
  • Supports ASCII, Unicode, dots, rectangles and bars rendering modes.
  • Provides optional colour rendering.
  • Allows output text size and font aspect ratio to be adjusted.
  • Supports contrast and edge threshold controls.
  • Includes an interactive file picker.
  • Provides a terminal preview of generated artwork.
  • Supports scrolling and fullscreen viewing.
  • Exports converted artwork as TXT and PNG files.
  • Exports animated artwork as GIF files.
  • Copies generated artwork to the clipboard.
  • Supports playback and export of animated GIFs.
  • Cross-platform support – runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Website: github.com/JoaoHeitorGarcia/Mezzotone
Support:
Developer: João Heitor Garcia
License: MIT License

Mezzotone
Click image for full size

Mezzotone is written in Go. Learn Go with our recommended free books and free tutorials.


Related Software

ASCII Art Tools
gif-for-cliConvert media to animated ASCII art
ASCIIQuariumEmbrace marine life from the terminal with beautiful ASCII art
CalligraphyConverts short texts into large, imposing banners
CMatrixTerminal based “The Matrix”
DiagonTransforms markdown-style expression into an ascii-art representation
AewanAscii-art Editor Without a Name
Steam LocomotiveC program written in 295 lines. It's harmless fun
boxesASCII box drawing
DurdrawASCII, Unicode and ANSI art editor
FIGletMake large letters out of ordinary screen characters
pipes.shAnimated pipes terminal screensaver
jp2aConvert JPEG images to ASCII
asciifyTurn images into attractive ASCII art
lolcatRainbows and unicorns
ArtemConvert images to ASCII art
TOIletSimilar in many ways to FIGlet with additional features
textdrawDraw geometric figures and text
PyBonsaiGenerates procedural ASCII art trees
No More SecretsRecreates the data decryption effect seen in the 1992 film Sneakers
LetterpressConverts your images into a picture made up of ASCII characters
drawSimple drawing tool for the terminal
ASCII Art ConverterConverts images into ASCII art
cbonsaiGenerate bonsai trees
cadubiCreative ASCII drawing utility
cacafireColor ASCII Fire
cowsayGenerates ASCII pictures of a cow with a message in a speech bubble
MezzotoneConvert images into ASCII art
img2asciiCommand-line tool for converting images to ASCII art
gtiTypo-based curio inspired by Steam Locomotive
ctreeChristmas tree on your terminal
ASCII DrawSketch anything using characters
catspeakLike cowsay but catty

Read our verdict in the software roundup.


Best Free and Open Source Software LinuxLinks helps you discover the best free and open source software for Linux. Explore our extensive collection of recommended applications, including alternatives to popular proprietary software.

We also publish software reviews, Linux tutorials, hardware reviews, free programming books and articles covering the wider open source community. Browse our Linux resources to discover more.

Know a useful free and open source Linux application we haven't covered? Suggest a program for inclusion.

Has your software been featured on LinuxLinks? Display one of our Featured on LinuxLinks badges on your website or GitHub README.
Subscribe

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.

Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted