img2txt

Set output column count to a specific value

$ img2txt --width=[10]

$ img2txt --height=[5]

$ img2txt --font-width=[12]

$ img2txt --font-height=[14]

$ img2txt --brightness=[2]

img2txt [options] <image_file>

-w width
    Sets the width of the output ASCII art. The height is adjusted automatically to maintain the aspect ratio.
Example: img2txt -w 80 image.jpg

-h height
    Sets the height of the output ASCII art. The width is adjusted automatically to maintain the aspect ratio.
Example: img2txt -h 60 image.png

-d
    Dither the image before converting to ASCII art.

-f font_file
    Specifies a custom font file to use for the ASCII art generation.

The `img2txt` command is a simple utility that converts image files into ASCII art. It's a fun way to represent images using text characters within a terminal environment. The program reads an image file, resizes it (optionally), and then maps the color or grayscale values of each pixel to a corresponding character. The resulting ASCII art can then be displayed in the terminal or saved to a text file. The quality and detail of the ASCII art depends on the resolution of the original image, the chosen scaling factor, and the character set used for the conversion. It's often used for decorative purposes, creating thumbnails, or simply for demonstrating the artistic possibilities of text-based rendering. While not designed for precise image reproduction, `img2txt` provides a visually interesting and lightweight alternative to displaying images directly, suitable for environments where graphical interfaces are limited or unavailable.

The output quality is limited by the character set used. Color information is typically lost unless a color-capable terminal is used and the program is configured to output appropriate color codes. Performance can be slow for large images, especially without resizing.

The output is typically directed to standard output (stdout). To save the ASCII art to a file, redirect the output using the `>` operator:
Example: img2txt image.jpg > output.txt

Most implementations require image processing libraries like ImageMagick or similar libraries to decode and process the image data.

The exact origins of `img2txt` are difficult to pinpoint, but it's likely been developed and evolved as a personal project or as part of larger graphics utilities. ASCII art conversion has been a niche interest for a long time, with various implementations emerging over the years. Early versions were likely simpler, while more modern implementations may incorporate more sophisticated dithering or color handling techniques.

asciiview(1)