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PNG / JPEG to Amstrad CPC Converter (SCR / DSK)

Convert PNG or JPEG images to CPC mode 0, 1 or 2 • DSK / SCR / PNG

The Amstrad CPC draws its screen from 27 hardware colours, but only a handful at a time: 16 in mode 0 (160×200), 4 in mode 1 (320×200) and 2 in mode 2 (640×200), shared by the whole picture. This converter searches the best set of inks for your image, dithers it, and writes the interleaved 16 KB screen as an AMSDOS .SCR plus a ready-to-run .DSK disk with a BASIC loader that sets the mode and colours. It runs entirely in your browser — your image is never uploaded.

📁
DROP YOUR IMAGE HERE
or click to browse • PNG, JPG, BMP, GIF, WEBP
Source image for Amstrad CPC conversion
Conversion options
MODE
RESIZE
DITHER
BRIGHTNESS
0
CONTRAST
0
SATURATION
0
FILE NAME
8 chars max (AMSDOS names)
⏳ CONVERTING...
How to use

💾 .DSK — Ready to run, recommended

A standard 178 KB DATA-format disk holding DISC (a BASIC loader that sets the MODE, BORDER and INK colours) and PIC.SCR. Press any key to return to BASIC.

  • Caprice32 / WinAPE / Arnold: insert the .dsk in drive A, then type RUN"DISC"
  • Real CPC 6128 / 664 / 464 + DDI-1: copy the .dsk to a Gotek (FlashFloppy), HxC or M4 board, then RUN"DISC"

🖥 .SCR — Raw screen

The 16384-byte screen memory behind a 128-byte AMSDOS header (load address &C000), for OCP Art Studio, demo makers and asset pipelines. Set the mode and the INK colours shown under the preview, then LOAD"NAME.SCR",&C000.

🎚 Tips

  • Mode 0 suits photos and colourful art; mode 1 keeps more detail with only 4 colours; mode 2 is for line art
  • The CPC has only one mid grey between black and white: raise contrast for grey pictures
  • Error diffusion gives smoother gradients, ordered dither the classic 8-bit texture

FAQ

Which CPC mode should I choose?

Mode 0 (160x200, 16 colours, wide pixels) for colourful pictures, mode 1 (320x200, 4 colours) for a balance of detail and colour, mode 2 (640x200, 2 colours) for line art and text.

How do I view the image in an emulator or on a real CPC?

Download the .DSK disk image, insert it in Caprice32, WinAPE or a real CPC with a Gotek or HxC, then type RUN"DISC". Press any key to return to BASIC.

What is the .SCR file?

The raw 16 KB screen memory with a 128-byte AMSDOS header, loadable with LOAD"NAME.SCR",&C000 once the right MODE and INK colours are set. The colours are listed under the preview.

Are my images uploaded to a server?

No, everything runs in your browser; nothing leaves your device.

Other 8-bit machines? Try the PNG to Commodore 64 converter or the PNG to ZX Spectrum converter, or browse all RetroVault tools.

Your image stays in your browser — it is never uploaded to our server

Amstrad CPC 464 / 664 / 6128 / Plus • 27-colour hardware palette • Caprice32 tested