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PNG / JPEG to ZX Spectrum (SCR / TAP / WAV) Converter

Convert PNG or JPEG images to SCR / TAP / WAV • LOAD ON A REAL SPECCY

A ZX Spectrum SCR file is a raw 6912-byte dump of the Speccy's screen memory — 6144 pixels plus 768 colour attributes — bound by the machine's famous 8×8 attribute clash (only two colours per character cell). This converter reduces any PNG, JPEG, BMP or GIF to that format and also exports a ready-to-load .TAP (for emulators) and .WAV (to load on real hardware via the EAR port). It runs entirely in your browser — no install, and your image is never uploaded.

📁
DROP YOUR IMAGE HERE
or click to browse • PNG, JPG, BMP, GIF
ZX Spectrum SCR conversion preview
Conversion options
RESIZE
→ 256×192
BRIGHT
per 8×8 cell
NAME (TAP/WAV)
10 chars max
Initializing...
⏳ CONVERTING...
How to use

💾 .TAP — Recommended for emulators

Standard virtual tape with a SCREEN$ header block + data block. Universal compatibility — this is the easiest way to test the result.

  • Fuse, ZEsarUX, Speccy, RVM: drag & drop the .tap into the window
  • JSSpeccy / Qaop/JS (browser): load the .tap via their open-file menu
  • On the Speccy, type LOAD "" SCREEN$ — the tape autoloads the image into VRAM
  • DivMMC / DivIDE / ZX-Uno / ZX Spectrum Next: copy the .tap to SD card, browse with esxDOS / NextOS

📂 .SCR — Raw VRAM dump (specialised tools)

6912 bytes (6144 pixels + 768 attributes), exactly the Speccy's VRAM from $4000 to $5AFF. No magic bytes, no header — pure raw dump. Useful for asset pipelines, paint tools, and demos that load with LOAD ""SCREEN$ CODE 16384.

⚠ Heads-up: most emulators don't accept a standalone .SCR via drag & drop — that path is reserved for snapshots, tapes, and disks. To test the image quickly, prefer the .TAP above. Use the .SCR with the tools below.

  • ZEsarUX: File › Load Binary File › Load Screen ($4000)
  • MultiPaint, ZX Paintbrush, BMP2SCR: open as native SCR
  • Asset workflows: include the raw 6912 bytes directly in your game/demo binary

📻 .WAV — Real Spectrum via cassette/jack 🎧

The .tap rendered as mono 44.1kHz audio, ready to play into the Speccy's EAR port. No extra hardware required beyond a 3.5mm male-to-male jack cable (or a DIN adapter for Speccy +2/+3).

  • Plug your audio output (phone, PC, MP3 player) into the Spectrum's EAR port
  • On the Speccy, type LOAD "" SCREEN$ and press ENTER
  • Play the .wav at max volume (the Speccy is forgiving — better too loud than too quiet)
  • You'll hear the pilot tone (high pitch) then the famous data screech — the image appears after ~10 seconds
  • Tip: if it won't load, lower the volume slightly, or try a different player (overly bass-heavy outputs can be problematic)

FAQ

What is a .SCR file?

A raw 6912-byte dump of the Spectrum's screen memory (6144 pixels + 768 attributes).

How do I load the image on a real ZX Spectrum?

Use the .WAV into the EAR port, or the .TAP via a DivMMC / divIDE / SD solution; then type LOAD "" SCREEN$.

.TAP vs .SCR vs .WAV?

.TAP for emulators (universal), .SCR raw for paint/asset tools, .WAV to load on real hardware over audio.

Are my images uploaded to a server?

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

Working with 16-bit too? Try our PNG to Amiga IFF converter, or browse all RetroVault tools.

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

Compatible ZX Spectrum 16K / 48K / 128K / +2 / +3 / Next