Reduce image colors by channel

Useful for pixel art, graphic experiments and images that need fewer tonal steps for a compact or poster-like appearance.

Limit color levels in each channel to produce a smaller, stylized palette with cleaner bands and a deliberately simplified look overall.

How to use

Open a PNG, JPEG or WebP image up to 20 MB to reduce its color palette.
Set the number of levels per channel to limit the values available in each color component.
Watch the preview: smooth gradients may turn into more visible bands.
Change the value until you reach the level of simplification that matches your intended style.
Run the processing step, then download the reduced image or clear it to start again.

Example

To give a photo a poster-like feel, lower the levels per channel so color bands become noticeable. Gradients look harder and the palette becomes simpler. Pay close attention to faces and skies, where a strong reduction can create harsh transitions.

Limits and formats

The reduction works per channel; it does not let you pick an exact custom palette of specific colors.
A very low value can create obvious bands and make smooth transitions look rough.
The source image must match the accepted formats and stay below the displayed size limit.

Where processing happens

The color simplification is calculated in your browser. The image is read from your device, its per-channel levels are reduced in memory, and the resulting file is offered for download. Nothing is uploaded, and the source is not retained after processing.

Frequently asked questions

What do levels per channel mean?

Each red, green and blue channel is divided into a limited number of steps. Fewer steps make gradients more visible and give the picture a simplified, retro or graphic appearance.

Is this the same as reducing colors for a GIF?

Not exactly. Here the reduction is based on channel levels, which limits possible values without building a custom indexed palette the way a specialized GIF converter might.

Where should I check the result most carefully?

Inspect skin, skies, shadows and smooth gradients in the preview. If bands look too harsh, raise the number of levels or choose a different image that tolerates this stylized treatment better.