Generate Avatars with Initials From Name in JavaScript

This JavaScript code helps you to generate avatars with initials from the name. It works by taking your first and last name as input and generating a unique avatar based on the initials. This code is helpful for creating custom avatars for users on websites or applications.

You can use this code in user profile sections of websites and apps to provide personalized avatars. Plus, it simplifies the process of creating avatars with initials, saving development time.

How to Generate Avatars with Initials From Name In JavaScript

1. First, create the HTML structure as follows. This code sets up a simple form for entering the first and last names and an empty img tag for displaying the generated avatar.

 <div class="inputs">
      <form action="">
        <label for="firstname">Firstname:</label>
        <input type="text" id="firstname" />
        <label for="lastname">Lastname:</label>
        <input type="text" id="lastname" />
        <button type="submit" id="generateAvatar">Generate Image</button>
      </form>
    </div>
    <div class="outputs">
      <img id="img" />
    </div>

2. Apply CSS styles to make your form and avatar look attractive. This is an example of some basic styling, but you can customize it to your liking.

* {
  margin: 0;
  padding: 0;
  box-sizing: border-box;
  font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;
}
body {
  display: flex;
  height: 100vh;
  width: 100%;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
}
 
input[type="text"] {
  padding: 0.5rem;
  border-radius: 0.3rem;
  border: none;
  margin: 10px 0;
  display: block;
  background: #e9e9e9;
}
img {
  border: 2px solid #f4f4f4;
  border-radius: 50%;
}
.inputs,
.outputs {
  padding: 0.5rem 1rem;
}
#generateAvatar {
  padding: 0.5rem;
  width: 100%;
  border-radius: 0.5rem;
  border: none;
  background-color: #7070ff;
  color: #f4f4f4;
  cursor:pointer;
}
@media screen and (max-width: 560px) {
  body {
    flex-direction: column-reverse;
  }
}

3. Finally, let’s add the JavaScript code to your project. This code will handle user input, generate the avatar, and display it on the page.

// selecting components
let firstname, lastname, generate, avatar, ctx, color;
firstname = document.getElementById("firstname");
lastname = document.getElementById("lastname");
generate = document.querySelector("form");
 
//creating canvas
avatar = document.createElement("canvas");
avatar.width = avatar.height = "200";
ctx = avatar.getContext("2d");
ctx.font = `${avatar.width / 2}px Arial`;
ctx.textAlign = "center";
 
//generating color
color = [
  "#5050ff",
  "#50ff50",
  "#ff5050",
  "#ff5000",
  "#ff0050",
  "#0050ff",
  "#00ff50",
  "#50ff00",
  "#5000ff",
];
 
//functions
//function to get name initials
function getInitials() {
  if (lastname.value == "") {
    let Initials = firstname.value[0].toUpperCase();
    return Initials;
  } else {
    let Initials = (firstname.value[0] + lastname.value[0]).toUpperCase();
    return Initials;
  }
}
 
//function to create avatar
function createAvatar(Initials) {
  let random = Math.floor(Math.random() * color.length);
  //clear canvas
  ctx.fillStyle = "#ffffff";
  ctx.fillRect(0, 0, avatar.width, avatar.height);
 
  //add background
  ctx.fillStyle = `${color[random]}60`;
  ctx.fillRect(0, 0, avatar.width, avatar.height);
 
  //add text
  ctx.fillStyle = color[random];
  ctx.fillText(Initials, avatar.width / 2, (65 / 100) * avatar.height);
 
  //generate as Image
  let dataURL = avatar.toDataURL();
  document.getElementById("img").src = dataURL;
}
//Event Listener
generate.addEventListener("submit", (e) => {
  e.preventDefault();
  createAvatar(getInitials());
});
 
// Preloaded avatar for example
createAvatar("KG");

That’s all! You’ve successfully implemented an avatar generator using JavaScript. You can further enhance and customize this code to suit your specific project requirements. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to comment below.

Asif Mughal

I code and create web elements for amazing people around the world. I like work with new people. New people new Experiences.
I truly enjoy what I’m doing, which makes me more passionate about web development and coding. I am always ready to do challenging tasks whether it is about creating a custom CMS from scratch or customizing an existing system.