What does pixelation mean?
Pixelation describes both the process of representing a digital image as a grid of individual square pixels and the blocky appearance that results when those pixels become visibly distinguishable. It commonly occurs when an image has too little detail for its displayed size, when it is enlarged substantially, or when video is repeatedly compressed or copied. In such contexts, pixelation is generally a defect: facial features may become difficult to recognize, straight edges may look jagged, and the image may resemble a collection of colored blocks. The word can also have a creative use, describing artwork that deliberately imitates the appearance of digital pixels. Although related to low resolution, pixelation is more specific because it focuses on the visible pixel grid rather than poor image quality in general. The term is especially common in digital photography, video production, computer graphics, and online image sharing.
nounPixelation is the conversion of an image into a grid of discrete square pixels, or the resulting low-resolution appearance in which individual pixels are visible. It may also refer to an intentional visual style that imitates digital pixels.
- The process by which a digital image is represented as a grid of individual square pixels.
- The blocky, low-resolution appearance resulting from insufficient image detail or excessive enlargement.
- An intentional visual style that recreates the appearance of digital pixels.
"Increasing the video's resolution reduced the pixelation that had made the footage appear blocky."
"The old video suffered from heavy pixelation after it was repeatedly copied."
"The artist creates striking portraits using deliberate pixelation and a limited digital palette."
The plural is grammatically standard but uncommon, since pixelation is usually discussed as an uncountable process or mass noun.
"The exhibition displayed several pixelations of city streets at dusk."
Zoom in far enough on a digital image and pixelation reveals the building blocks of the screen.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pixelation come from?
Pixelation was formed in English from pixel and the suffix -ation, which indicates a process or result. Pixel itself is a blend of picture and element, chosen to denote one of the discrete units into which a digital image is divided. The resulting family includes the verb pixellate, the adjective pixelated, and the British spelling pixellated.
Related word forms
How pixelation is actually used
Pixelation is common in computing, photography, film, and digital-image discussions. It usually describes a technical defect, although digital artists may use the term for an intentional aesthetic based on visible pixels.
Easily confused with pixelation
Aliasing refers more broadly to unwanted distortion or stair-stepped edges in digital images, whereas pixelation specifically emphasizes the visible grid of discrete pixels.