How do i convert a picture into ASCII art?

There are three ways to go about doing this task...

[1] Programs:

    There are computer programs available which convert graphics files
    of a variety of formats (often .GIF) to ASCII art. They go by names
    such as ascgif, gifa, gifscii, and gif2ascii.  Do a Web search for
    any of these programs to find places where you can download them.
    One such place would be: http://www.jave.de/                      

    Many think that you just put a GIF into a converter program and
    out comes a perfect ASCII pic but that is hardly ever the case. 
    Here are some things you can do to improve the chances of getting a
    good conversion:

    o   Use an 8 bit grey scale or color image instead of a 2 bit B&W.
    o   Use an image with a wide, and even distribution of tones.
    o   Always keep it simple, like a face or close-up of an object.
    o   Avoid busy backgrounds. Also generally avoid bright backgrounds.
    o   Use an image that is very tightly cropped, without a lot of waste.
    o   Be prepared to quickly run through a series of conversions,
        you will probably not like 9 to 11 out of 12.
    o   It also helps to do touch-up work on the converted picture, try
        to concentrate on the focal points and important areas.

[2] Tracing:

    Another method is by tracing a picture, either onto clear-plastic
    and sticking it onto the screen then opening an editor to trace
    under or using an editor which allows the loading of a background
    image to trace over, a process known as 'water-mark'.

[3] Image to HTML:

    There are computer programs and web-servers available which convert
    graphics files of a variety of formats (often .GIF) to HTML colored
    TEXT art for use on web-pages. Do a quick search on your favourite
    web search-engine.