PixaTool is described as 'You can use PixaTool to get 8bit / Pixel style images or videos, optimize your PixelArt or game assets just adding some cool effects. Also PixaTool is able to convert images into ASCII/ANSI art exported in images(.PNG)' and is an app. There are more than 10 alternatives to PixaTool for Windows, Mac, Linux, Web-based and SaaS. The best PixaTool alternative is Ditherista, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like PixaTool are Pixelator, PixelArtWorkshop, SLK_img2pixel and Ditherdragon.
This tool beats all others in this category for me. Runs on Linux & Windows, open-source, the creator is very responsive to feedback, full 256 color palette supported unlike PixaTool's 192 color limit and simplicity of GUI and tool use.