For classic character-based art, run jp2a photo.jpg in a terminal. jp2a’s manual documents JPEG, PNG, and WebP input, along with controls for output dimensions, character selection, color, and background. If you want ANSI/Unicode character art or terminal graphics instead, use Chafa; if the photo needs preparation, resize or adjust a copy with ImageMagick first.
Convert a photo with jp2a
Install jp2a using the package manager for your operating system or the project’s installation instructions. There is no single installation command that applies across platforms, and package versions may differ, so check the instructions for your system.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Open a terminal in the folder containing the image, or provide its path.
- Run
jp2a photo.jpg, replacingphoto.jpgwith your image’s filename. The jp2a manual also documents PNG and WebP input. - Check whether the result fits your terminal and whether the subject is recognizable. Adjust the output dimensions or other rendering options if needed.
jp2a can also accept URLs, but a local image is the simplest starting point. Its options include --chars for choosing the character ramp, as well as controls for dimensions, color output, and background treatment. Consult the manual for the version you installed to confirm exact syntax and available flags.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Adjust the output when it is hard to read
Change the width or height
Character art has limited spatial resolution: each character occupies a relatively large area, so fine details in a photo may disappear. Try changing the output dimensions until the main subject is legible at the size where you plan to view it. A width that fits the intended terminal or display is a practical starting point, but there is no universally best size; the image, character cell proportions, and display all matter.
#1 Best Overall
Choose a different character ramp
The characters jp2a uses affect how light and dark parts of the image are represented. Use --chars to choose a ramp, and consult the installed manual for its syntax. A different ramp can change contrast and texture, so judge it by how clearly it renders the important shapes in your image.
Prepare a copy of the photo
If changing the rendering options is not enough, preprocess a copy of the image with ImageMagick. Its command-line tools document resizing and other image operations. For example, resize or otherwise adjust the copy, then pass that prepared file to jp2a. The useful adjustment depends on the photo and the result you want; keep the original unchanged so you can compare versions.
Choose a tool for the output you want
| Need | Tool | What it offers |
|---|---|---|
| Classic character-based ASCII from JPEG, PNG, or WebP | jp2a | Character selection, dimensions, color, and background options. |
| ANSI/Unicode character art or terminal graphics | Chafa | Terminal display output with format selection; default behavior depends in part on terminal support. |
| Resize or otherwise process the source image | ImageMagick | Command-line resizing and other image operations; use it to prepare an image, not as the character-art renderer in this workflow. |
| A shell wrapper combining conversion tools | Image2Term | A community project describing a workflow involving ImageMagick and jp2a or Chafa. Check its current repository for project status, dependencies, and usage. |
Pick based on the output destination and format you need, the controls you want, and what your terminal supports. jp2a is a direct route to classic character output; Chafa is an alternative for ANSI/Unicode character art or terminal graphics. Neither tool can be assumed to produce the best-looking result for every image or display.
Save or share the result
Output formats and save options differ between tools and versions. Check the current manual for the program you selected before using an output option or redirecting the result to a file. If you choose terminal graphics or colored output, confirm that the destination can display it; plain text, ANSI-colored characters, and terminal graphics are not interchangeable formats.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
