K2ImageLCD

K2ImageLCD is a professional tool designed to convert images into binary dot maps for low-resolution monochrome LCD screens. It transforms any image — photograph, logo or illustration — into on/off pixels that can be displayed on a real LCD.

The main challenge with small LCDs is that each pixel only has two states: on or off. Simple black-and-white conversions rarely produce good results. K2ImageLCD solves this with a system of independent zones called masks, which let you apply different parameters to each part of the image.

Instead of a simple conversion, K2ImageLCD uses a real-time rendering engine that analyses the image pixel by pixel to ensure the final result is readable on very low-resolution screens.

Dynamic Binarization Algorithm

El programa no se limita a convertir la imagen a blanco y negro. Utiliza un sistema de Umbralización por Rangos. En lugar de un punto de corte fijo, el motor analiza la luminancia de cada zona y permite definir una "ventana" de brillo. Solo los píxeles que caen dentro de ese rango de amplitud se activan en el LCD. Esto permite rescatar detalles en imágenes oscuras que otros programas simplemente convertirían en una mancha negra.

Intelligent Edge and Contour Analysis

For logos and vector graphics, the software implements a brightness-gradient algorithm that detects colour differences between adjacent pixels.

The typical process follows these steps. Order matters: some controls lock as soon as you move to the next phase.

1. Import the image — Load the source file (BMP, JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF).

2. Configure the LCD resolution — Set the actual width and height of your screen before doing anything else.

3. Adjust position, zoom and stretch — Frame the image within the LCD area. This step must be completed before creating masks.

4. Adjust colour (optional) — Correct brightness, contrast or hue if the image requires it.

5. Set the threshold — Define which tones are converted to lit pixels. Press Auto for an automatic starting point.

6. Create masks (if needed) — For images with problematic zones, create one mask per zone and adjust each threshold independently.

7. Add text (optional) — Overlay labels using any font installed on Windows.

8. Final manual editing (optional) — Touch up individual pixels. This step locks all other controls.

9. Generate code — Export the result as a data array ready for your firmware.

Go to File → Import image or press the Load button. Supported formats: BMP, JPG, PNG, GIF and TIFF. When importing, if you had unsaved changes in a previous project, the program will ask whether you want to save them.

The right panel can show the result with the exact colours of the target LCD. Access via Options → LCD Colour.

The Custom option lets you define the exact two colours of your screen using a colour picker.

These controls frame exactly which part of the image will appear on the LCD. They must be set before creating any mask, as once mask work has started these controls are locked.

These modify the image before the threshold converts it to black and white. Each mask has its own colour values, independent of the rest.

When the original image has lower resolution than the working area, scaling it up causes pixelation. The Smooth pixelation option applies interpolation to reduce it.

The brightness threshold is the main digitization control. It defines which image tones are converted to lit pixels. It works on a visual bar ranging from black (0) to white (255).

Level shifts the window towards dark or light tones. Amplitude controls the width: high amplitude activates more tones, low amplitude is more selective.

Threshold by LCD type

While the brightness threshold works with each pixel's luminance, the edge threshold is designed to extract contours and silhouettes, especially in logos and flat-colour graphics where no gradients exist.

A mask is a delimited zone of the image to which its own independent colour and threshold parameters are applied. The program supports up to 15 simultaneous masks, plus the background (main image), which always exists as the base layer.

Masks are the solution when an image has zones with very different lighting, contrast or colour conditions. Without masks, any adjustment that improves one zone worsens another.

Press Add mask to create a new one. Its shape can be defined in three ways:

Recommended strategies

Each mask can be configured with a fill type for its interior and optionally for its outer border.

Interior fill

Outer border

Each mask can have an outer border with its own fill type (ON, OFF or NOT) and adjustable thickness using the Increase/Decrease thickness buttons.

Each mask has its own colour and threshold controls, completely independent from the rest. This is the most powerful feature of the program.

Practical example: photographic portrait

Use with negative LCD

Text can be overlaid using any font installed on Windows. The text is converted to pixels in the same way as the image.

Adding and positioning text

1. Position the cursor over the right panel. The cursor changes to text shape.

2. Click where you want to insert the text. The editor opens.

3. Type the text, choose font, size and style (bold, italic).

4. Select the fill type and confirm.

Text fill types

Click and drag to reposition the text. Double-click to edit its properties again. The program supports up to 15 simultaneous text elements.

The Edit result button activates a mode in which the cursor becomes a pencil to modify individual pixels directly on the digitized result.

• The right mouse button toggles between generating ON (lit) and OFF (unlit) pixels.
• The brush size is adjusted with the mouse wheel.
• Ideal for removing small noise dots generated by the automatic algorithms.

Press Generate code to open the export dialog.

When you press Generate code, the result is automatically copied to the clipboard ready to paste into your IDE.

K2ImageLCD saves the complete work state in project files with the .K2Image extension: imported image, masks, colour and threshold parameters, text, LCD simulation and position.

Interface language

The interface is available in Spanish and English. Change the language from Options → Language. The preference is saved automatically for the next session.

1. Why is this software not digitally signed?

This software is a completely free, non-profit project. Obtaining and maintaining an official Microsoft digital signature involves a high annual cost that is unfortunately not viable for a free project.

2. How can I verify that the application is safe?

Transparency is our priority. Before running the installer, you can scan it on VirusTotal or any other external security tool. There you can verify, using dozens of antivirus engines simultaneously, that the file is 100% free of viruses and malware.

3. Windows is blocking the installation and won't let me continue — what should I do?

This happens due to a Windows 11 feature called Smart App Control. This tool automatically blocks any software that is not digitally signed, regardless of whether it is safe or not. As an independent developer, the system prevents installation by default.

To install the application, you can temporarily disable this feature by following these steps:

1. Open the Windows Security menu.

2. Go to the App & browser control section.

3. Click on Smart App Control settings.

4. Change the status to Off.