Import Workflow

How to Import Images into Tomodachi Life

Tomodachi Life does not accept a direct image upload from this tool. The practical workflow is to convert your picture into a clean pixel grid, export a numbered pattern, and copy the design manually in Palette House or another in-game drawing surface.

Open the Grid Maker

Step-by-Step Workflow

Choose a simple source image. Start with a picture that has a clear subject, strong outline, and limited background noise. Cropped character art, icons, logos, and simple objects are easier to rebuild than detailed photos.
Convert the image into a grid. Open the grid maker, upload your image, and choose 32x32 for most artwork. Use 48x48 only when the design needs more detail and you have time to copy more cells.
Clean up the pattern. Use the brush, fill, eraser, picker, and zoom tools to remove stray pixels and simplify color regions before you export.
Export a numbered guide. Download the numbered pattern so every cell maps to a palette swatch. Keep the clean PNG nearby as a visual reference for the final image.
Recreate the design in-game. Copy the pattern row by row. Work from outlines to large color blocks, then add small highlights and accents last.

Best Images for Pixel Grid Import

The best source images are readable at small sizes. If the subject disappears when you zoom out, it will usually become messy after conversion.

Before uploading, crop around the important subject and remove unnecessary background detail. A tight crop gives the grid more room for the part of the image you care about.

Why Numbered Patterns Matter

A numbered pattern is easier to copy than a plain image because every grid cell points to a specific palette color. This reduces guesswork when two shades are close together.

For larger designs, copy one row or block at a time. The numbers make it easier to pause and resume without losing your place.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Living the Grid send an image directly into Tomodachi Life?

No. It creates a reference pattern that you recreate manually. The export is a guide, not a direct game import file.

What grid size should I use first?

Start with 32x32. It keeps most designs readable without making the copy process too slow.

Do I need to upload the image to a server?

No. The conversion runs locally in your browser, and downloads are generated from your current session.