Let one color carry the shadows
Start with a deep blue or near-black tone. Look at the hair, eyes, and edges of the subject to see whether enough detail remains.
Duotone Image Maker
Turn a photo into a two-color image. Pick colors for shadows and highlights, compare with the original, and download a full-size PNG.
Make a duotone image
Open an image
JPG, PNG or WebP · up to 10 MiB and 24 megapixels
Free · processed in your browser
Opening image…
Your preview will appear here.
Choose two colors that keep the subject readable
Give the highlights room
A lighter peach or cream helps bright areas read clearly. For a poster, try a light color close to the page background.
Match a set of images
Note your two HEX values and reuse them on the next photo. Review the finished set together, since each photo starts with a different range of tones.
How it works
Open a photo
Choose a file or use the sample portrait.
Set both colors
Use Shadows and Highlights, then drag the divider to compare.
Download the image
Save the full-size PNG when the contrast feels right.
Frequently asked questions
What is a duotone image?
A duotone maps the darkest and lightest parts of an image to two colors. Middle tones blend between them.
Which color goes in Shadows?
Use the darker of your two colors there to keep the natural relationship between light and dark.
What happens if the colors are similar?
The image has less contrast. Use a lighter highlight or darker shadow to bring back separation.
Can I compare with the original?
Yes. Drag the divider or use the arrow keys when the comparison is focused.
Will the PNG keep transparency?
Yes. The PNG keeps the original transparency.
Does the result keep the original size?
The exported PNG keeps the original pixel dimensions. The on-page preview is scaled to fit.
What images can I open?
Choose a JPG, PNG or WebP up to 10 MiB and 24 megapixels.
Where is my image processed?
The tool processes your image in this browser. Your selected file stays on your device.