Convert text to ASCII art instantly
← devnestioWider text → larger canvas → finer detail. Reduce width for bolder output.
Click Generate or type to see output…
ASCII Art Generator converts text into large ASCII art using a selection of fonts and styles. Enter any text and choose from fonts like Block, Banner, Figlet, 3D, and Slant — the generator outputs the text rendered in that style using only printable ASCII characters. Output can be copied for use in README files, terminal banners, code comments, or CLI help screens.
ASCII art has roots in the 1960s-70s teletypes and early computer output devices that could only print characters, not graphics. The art form evolved through BBS (bulletin board systems) culture in the 1980s-90s, where artists created elaborate logos and illustrations using ASCII characters. Today, ASCII art is used in: GitHub README banners, package.json 'start' messages, CLI tool splash screens, code section dividers, and retro-aesthetic design.
FIGlet (Frank, Ian, and Glen's Letters) is the de facto standard ASCII art font format. FIGlet has over 500 fonts in its official collection. Each character is stored as a grid of ASCII characters with height defined by the font — the classic 'Standard' font is 6 lines tall. This generator implements the most popular FIGlet fonts in-browser, with no server round-trip needed.
Generate a README banner
Result: Text: 'devnestio' in Block font → 8-line tall block letters suitable for GitHub README
CLI tool start message
Result: Text: 'Hello!' in Standard FIGlet → paste into startup script with echo -e or console.log
Code section divider
Result: Text: 'CONFIG' in Small font → paste as comment block to visually separate code sections
What are FIGlet fonts?
FIGlet is a program that generates text banners in ASCII art. Its font format (.flf files) defines how each character is drawn as a grid of ASCII chars. The font format has been implemented in many languages: figlet (C, the original), pyfiglet (Python), figlet.js (Node.js), toilet (color extension). This generator includes the most popular FIGlet fonts implemented in JavaScript, running entirely in-browser.
What characters can be used in ASCII art?
Standard ASCII art uses printable characters in the ASCII range 32-126: letters, digits, punctuation, and symbols like |, /, \, _, -, ~, *, ^, #, @. Extended ASCII art uses box-drawing characters (│, ─, ┐, └) and block characters (█, ▓, ▒, ░) available in Unicode but in the original ASCII-only tradition. FIGlet itself uses only 7-bit ASCII characters.
How do I add ASCII art to a GitHub README?
Wrap ASCII art in a code block using triple backticks: ``` code here ```. This preserves whitespace and uses a monospace font, making the art display correctly. Without a code block, GitHub Markdown collapses whitespace and breaks the art. For a header effect, use the largest font that fits in 80 columns (GitHub's default code block width).
What is the maximum width for terminal ASCII art?
Traditional terminals are 80 columns wide (based on 80-column punch cards). Modern terminals default to 80 or 132 columns and can be resized. For maximum compatibility, keep ASCII art under 80 characters wide. The 'width' setting in most FIGlet implementations limits output to a given column count and uses 'smushing' rules to fit characters within the constraint.
Can ASCII art be used in code comments?
Yes, and it's common for marking sections in configuration files, marking the top of a module, or for fun. In Python: # ████╗ (triple backtick not needed in code). In C: /* ████╗ */. Keep it reasonable in professional codebases — ASCII art comments are fine for main entry points and major sections, but can be noise if overused. Some style guides prohibit ASCII art entirely.