Quick answer: To pixelate part of an image, open it here: the Pixelate effect is already selected. Set the Strength slider for larger blocks, drag a box over each face, plate or name, then save. The pixels are changed in the saved image, not hidden in a layer. For text and passwords, use a black box instead. Nothing is uploaded.
Hide a face, a number plate or a name before you post a photo. Drag a box over each area and it turns into coarse pixels; the rest of the picture stays sharp.
Pixelate image at a glance
| Price | Free, no sign-up, no watermark, no daily limit |
|---|---|
| Accepts | JPG · PNG · WebP · HEIC |
| Largest file | 50 MB per file |
| Where it runs | In your browser: files are never uploaded |
| Works on | Any modern browser on iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac and Linux |
| Send the result | Download it, or send it free with a link or by email (up to 20 GB) |
How to use the pixelate image
- Choose the photo or screenshot.
- Keep Pixelate selected and set the Strength slider high for large blocks.
- Drag a box over each face, plate or name; check that each is unrecognisable.
- Save the image as JPG, PNG or WebP.
Pixelate, blur or black box?
| Effect | Looks | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Pixelate | Coarse squares, clearly censored | Faces, number plates, people in the background |
| Blur | Soft, less distracting | Backgrounds, distracting details |
| Black box | Solid block | Text, passwords, account numbers, anything that must be unreadable |
Make the blocks big enough
Light pixelation can be undone more than people think: researchers have shown that small mosaics over printed text can be matched back to the original characters, and a face with small blocks may still be recognisable. Use large blocks, several per feature at most, and for text or numbers choose the black box, which leaves nothing to reconstruct. See also Blur image.
Also remove the hidden data
A photo can give away more than what is visible: the GPS location, the date and the camera are stored inside the file. Saving from this editor writes a new image without that metadata. To strip it from photos you are not editing, use Remove image metadata. Everything happens in your browser.
How this compares
| This tool | Online converters (e.g. TinyPNG, iLoveIMG or CloudConvert) | Desktop apps (e.g. Photoshop) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your file is uploaded | No | Yes, to their servers | No |
| Install or account | None | Account for some features | Install needed |
| Watermark or daily limits | None | Common on free plans | Depends on the app |
Plans of other services change; check their sites. More image tools.
Frequently asked questions
How do I pixelate a face in a photo?
Open the photo here, set a high strength, drag a box over the face, check it is unrecognisable and save.
Can pixelation be reversed?
The original pixels are replaced in the saved file, but light pixelation can sometimes be guessed back, especially for text. Use large blocks, or a black box for text.
Can I pixelate several areas?
Yes. Drag as many boxes as you need. Undo (Ctrl+Z, or the Undo button) removes the last one.
Does it work on screenshots?
Yes. Save screenshots as PNG to keep the rest of the text sharp.
Is my image uploaded?
No. It is edited in your browser.
Need to send a big file?
Send files up to 20 GB with a download link or by email. Free, no account needed, original quality.
Send large files free