ASCII Art Text Generator
Type your text and pick a font to instantly generate a FIGlet-style ASCII banner. Copy as raw text, a // code comment, or a # script comment. Nothing uploaded.
Output
Learn more: FIGlet ASCII art, terminal standards, and use cases
What is FIGlet ASCII art?
FIGlet is a program that generates text banners using large letters made out of ASCII characters. It was originally released in 1991 and has been used for decades to create CLI tool banners, README headers, and terminal splash screens. FIGlet fonts define how each character is drawn using ASCII characters like slashes, underscores, pipes, and other symbols.
ASCII banners in CLI tools and documentation
A recognisable ASCII art banner at the top of a CLI tool's help output makes the tool memorable and gives it a professional identity. In README files, large ASCII text headings are visible when the README is viewed as raw text in a terminal. Many CI/CD build logs use ASCII banners to make stages visually distinct in scrollback. The generator includes a copy-as-comment feature that prefixes each line with JavaScript or Python comment syntax automatically.
Terminal width and the 80-column standard
80 columns became the standard terminal width from the IBM 3278 terminal in the 1970s, itself based on the 80-column IBM punched card from 1928. Most modern terminals default to 80 columns and terminal-based tools typically wrap or truncate at this width. The generator respects this limit with presets for 40/60/80/120 columns so your ASCII art fits correctly on the target terminal.
Font choice: Standard vs Block
Standard fonts are lighter and more intricate - good for logos and banners that need visual interest. Block fonts are heavier and easier to read at smaller terminal windows. Both are bundled locally so the generator works completely offline with no external dependencies.
FAQ
What is FIGlet ASCII art?
FIGlet is a program that generates text banners using large letters made out of ASCII characters. It was originally released in 1991 and has been used for decades to create CLI tool banners, README headers, and terminal splash screens.
How do I add an ASCII banner to a README?
Generate your ASCII art and use the Copy raw button to get the plain text. In a GitHub README, wrap it in a code block (triple backticks with text type) to preserve monospace formatting. Many developers also use it in console.log() statements at the top of CLI tools.
Why is 80 columns the default terminal width?
80 columns became the standard from the IBM 3278 terminal in the 1970s, based on the 80-column IBM punched card from 1928. Most modern terminals default to 80 columns. The generator respects this limit with the 80-column preset.