Video to ASCII Converter

Drop your video, choose a frame and download it as ASCII text art.

How to convert video to ASCII

  1. Add your video. Drag and drop an MP4, MOV, WebM, AVI, MKV or other video into the box above, or tap Choose video.
  2. Set the options. Adjust the capture time and width in characters. The defaults already work well for most ASCII conversions.
  3. Convert and download. Press Convert to ASCII, watch the progress bar, then download your image. Click Convert another to do the next file.

What is ASCII and why convert video to ASCII?

ASCII art recreates an image using text characters. This tool takes a frame from your video and turns it into a block of text you can paste anywhere.

With this free video to ASCII converter you can:

  • Add retro art to a README or terminal
  • Post text art in chats and forums
  • Make a fun code comment or banner

Pro tip: Wider output (150+ characters) shows more detail; view it in a monospace font.

Features of our ASCII converter

100% private

The video to ASCII conversion runs inside your browser with WebAssembly. Your file is never uploaded to a server.

No signup, no watermark

Use the ASCII converter as often as you like. There is no account, no email and no logo stamped on your file.

Works on any device

Convert on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iPhone and iPad in Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari.

Fine control

Change the capture time and width in characters before converting.

All input formats

Open MP4, MOV, MKV, WebM, AVI, FLV, WMV, 3GP and most other video types.

Fast and free

No queue and no waiting for uploads, so short clips finish in seconds.

Why use our video to ASCII tool?

Most online converters make you upload your video, wait in a queue and then download the result from their server. That wastes time and puts private footage on someone else’s computer. Our video to ASCII converter does the work right in your browser, so it is faster for short clips and nothing is stored anywhere. When you close the tab, the file is gone.

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Video to ASCII FAQ

How do I convert a video to ASCII?

Drop your video into the converter at the top of this page, adjust the capture time and width in characters, press Convert to ASCII and download the result. It takes three steps and no account.

Is this video to ASCII converter free?

Yes. The converter is completely free with no signup, no watermark and no daily limit.

Is it safe? Are my videos uploaded?

No upload happens. The conversion runs locally in your browser using ffmpeg compiled to WebAssembly, so your video never leaves your device.

What is ASCII used for?

ASCII art recreates an image using text characters. This tool takes a frame from your video and turns it into a block of text you can paste anywhere. People commonly use it to add retro art to a README or terminal.

Which video formats can I convert to ASCII?

You can convert MP4, MOV, MKV, WebM, AVI, FLV, WMV, 3GP and most other common video files to ASCII.

Is there a file size limit?

Large files work, but because everything runs on your device, very big videos (over 500 MB) need more memory and time. Trim long videos first for the fastest result.

Can I convert video to ASCII on iPhone or Android?

Yes. The tool works in mobile Safari and Chrome. On iPhone the download goes to the Files app; on Android it goes to your Downloads folder.

Any tips for the best ASCII result?

Wider output (150+ characters) shows more detail; view it in a monospace font.