How to Draw Pacman Pixel Art: Easy 10-Step Guide

Ready to bring a retro gaming icon to life? This pixel art tutorial is perfect for ages 6 and up, using a simple grid method to teach spatial awareness and counting. All you need is a sheet of graph paper and a black marker or pencil to get started.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A vibrant, finished Pac-Man pixel art character on a grid background.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Establishing the Top Edge

Grid paper showing a horizontal row of six black squares representing the top of Pac-Man's head.

Start by drawing a row of six squares at the top of your grid. Tip: Use a light pencil first so you can easily adjust if your counting is off before committing with ink.

Step 2: Building the Side Profile

Adding vertical columns of squares to the side of the head to begin forming the circular shape.

From the edge, add two columns of two squares, followed by a vertical column of six squares. Tip: Keep your lines straight by following the grid lines exactly; precision is the secret to good pixel art.

Step 3: Rounding the Curve

Connecting small blocks at corners to create a smooth, pixelated curve for the character's back.

Continue the circular outline using vertical and horizontal pairs of squares. Tip: Think of this like building with LEGO bricks; ensure every corner touches perfectly.

Step 4: Defining the Bottom

Drawing the bottom section of the Pac-Man circle using connected block segments.

Create the base of the circle using segments of two and six blocks. Tip: Count your squares out loud as you draw to stay on track.

Step 5: Starting the Mouth

Outlining the beginning of the open mouth using diagonal square patterns.

Continue the circle and begin outlining the open mouth using diagonal segments. Tip: This is where the character starts to look like Pac-Man! Take your time with the diagonal angles.

Step 6: Shaping the Jaw

Continuing the mouth outline by changing the direction of the diagonal square path.

Connect segments of two blocks to define the open mouth. Switch your diagonal direction to trace the top lip. Tip: If you make a mistake, just remember that pixel art is very forgiving—you can always color in an extra square to fix it!

Step 7: Defining the Lip

Tracing the top lip and connecting it back to the main circular body.

Continue the top of the mouth and transition to a vertical segment to return to the circular face. Tip: Keep your hand steady to ensure the squares align cleanly.

Step 8: Closing the Circle

The completed circular outline of the Pac-Man character on grid paper.

Finish the circular shape by connecting the final single and double blocks. Tip: Double-check that your circle is fully closed before moving on to the details.

Step 9: Adding the Eye

Drawing the eye detail inside the Pac-Man circle using a small pixelated shape.

Draw a small 'plus' shape above the mouth, then add an 'L' shape to create the eye. Leave the 'V' shaped segment unshaded. Tip: This small detail gives Pac-Man his classic look, so take your time with the negative space.

Step 10: Bringing it to Life with Color

The finished Pac-Man pixel art character colored in bright yellow.

Fill in your outline with bright yellow. Tip: Use a felt-tip marker for a bold, retro arcade look, or colored pencils for a softer finish.