Posterize Image Online Free
Runs 100% in your browser — your files never leave your device.
Create a retro poster look, a screen-printed aesthetic, or bold flat-color art for social posts. Each channel is snapped to a small set of levels you choose, trading smooth gradients for graphic punch. The effect is applied entirely on your device.
How it works
- 1
Add your image
Drop a JPG, PNG, or WebP into the box or click to browse. Nothing is uploaded.
- 2
Posterize it
Tune the control until the effect looks right on your image.
- 3
Download the result
Click to apply and download the edited image in its original format.
About this tool
How posterization works
Posterize snaps each color channel to a small number of fixed levels — you choose between 2 and 8. Smooth gradients become visible bands of flat color, which is exactly the screen-printed, retro-poster look. Fewer levels mean bolder, more graphic results.
When to reach for it
Use it for gig posters, streetwear graphics, stencils, and any design that wants flat color instead of photographic gradient. It also shrinks perceived detail, which makes busy images usable as bold backgrounds behind text.
Tips for the best result
Portraits flatter at 5–6 levels; landscapes can drop to 3–4 before faces and shapes break up. If the bands look ragged, add a touch of blur before posterizing — the bands follow smoother transitions more cleanly.
Frequently asked questions
What level count should I start with?
Six is a reliable default: enough levels to keep subjects recognizable, few enough to read as a poster. Drop toward 2–3 for bold graphics, rise toward 8 for a subtler, almost-photographic effect.
Will the original file change?
No — the posterize effect is applied to a working copy in memory. Your original file stays untouched on your device, and the download is a brand-new file.
Which formats and sizes work?
JPG, PNG, and WebP files up to 50 MB. The result downloads in the original format with dimensions unchanged.
Does posterizing reduce the file size?
Usually, yes — flat color bands compress far better than smooth gradients, especially in PNG. The effect predates that benefit, but smaller files are a welcome side effect.