Chafa image conversion

In

Chafa is a command-line utility that enables users to print and display images directly within the terminal. It can also convert images into ASCII or colored character art, allowing them to be viewed in a text-based environment.

It can convert various image formats, such as JPEG, PNG, GIF, and BMP, into ASCII or colored character representations. It utilizes special characters and symbols to create an artistic representation of the image within the terminal.

Install

  • python

    1
    pip install chafa.py

  • nodejs

    1
    npm install chafa-wasm

Filters

ASCII Art

The tool can convert images into ASCII art, which is a technique where characters from the ASCII character set are used to represent different shades and patterns in an image. This allows users to view images using text characters, which can be useful in situations where graphical interfaces are not available or when working with text-based environments.

  • ASCII black and white.
    basic-ascii.sh
    1
    chafa -c none --symbols none --fill ascii /path/to/file

Colored Output

It supports various color modes:

  • ANSI 8-bit.

    8-bits.sh
    1
    chafa -c 8 /path/to/file

  • ANSI 24-bit true color.

    24-bits.sh
    1
    chafa -c full /path/to/file

  • grayscale.

    24-bits.sh
    1
    chafa -c nnone /path/to/file

Customization Options

Users can:

  • specify the width and height of the output.

    length-width.sh
    1
    chafa -w 9 full /path/to/file

  • adjust the character set used for rendering.

    monochome-braille.sh
    1
    chafa -c none --symbols braille /path/to/file

  • set the background and foreground colors.

    pixelated.sh
    1
    chafa -w 9 -c none --symbols braille --fg gray60 /path/to/file

  • apply various dithering and scaling algorithms to enhance the image quality

    pixelated.sh
    1
    chafa --symbols vhalf /path/to/file

  • apply blapinus Art! fonts.

    art-fonts.sh
    1
    2
    3
    sudo cp blapinus.pcf.gz /usr/share/fonts/misc/
    xterm -font -blap-*
    chafa -f symbols --glyph-file blapinus.pcf.gz --symbols imported /path/to/file

Terminal Compatibility

It is designed to work with a wide range of terminal emulators.

  • Basic rendering command.
    1
    chafa /path/to/file

Performance Optimization

It is optimized for performance to ensure efficient image rendering, even for large and complex images. It leverages multi-threading and parallel processing techniques to speed up the conversion process and provide real-time or near-real-time image display within the terminal.

  • Improve image rendering with small color palettes using dithering:

    dithering.sh:
    1
    chafa -c 16 --dither ordered /path/to/file

  • Teletext filter

    teletext.sh
    1
    chafa -c 8 --symbols legacy+space /path/to/file

Integration and Automation

  • It can be easily integrated into scripts and automated workflows.
  • It provides command-line options and supports standard input/output, allowing users to pipe image data and automate image conversion tasks.