Why does the PGN contain SetUp and FEN?

A PGN without them is assumed to start from the initial array. SetUp "1" plus a FEN tag tells a database, Lichess, ChessBase or the PGN viewer that the game starts at your position.

What counts as an invalid FEN?

The placement needs eight ranks of eight squares, the side to move must be w or b, each side needs one king, a pawn cannot stand on the first or eighth rank, and the side that has just moved cannot be in check. The message names which of these failed.

Can I add moves from the position?

Yes. Drag a piece, or tap a piece and then its destination. Promotions ask which piece. The moves are written into the same PGN. This records the line you enter. It does not look up a move for you.

Where do I get a FEN from a picture?

From the board image scanner, including a diagram in a chess book you own. One board image costs one credit. Correct the position, set the side to move, then paste the FEN here.

Does the opening position work?

Yes. You still get SetUp and FEN, so the file states the start position explicitly. An en passant square that is not legal is dropped when the FEN is normalized.

FEN to PGN Converter

Free tool · No account needed

Paste a FEN and get a PGN that starts from that position. Runs in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.

Have a screenshot or photo of this position? Scan it and the board sets itself up.

Scan an image Try the free example

Paste a position and this page writes a PGN with [SetUp "1"] and a [FEN] tag, the standard way to store a game that does not start from the opening array. Play further moves on the board and they are added to that PGN, numbered from the position's move number, including when Black is to move. A FEN that is missing a rank, has no side to move, or leaves a king in check is refused with the reason. Use it for a diagram you scanned from a book you own, or for a position you set up yourself. It does not suggest a move in a game you are playing.

What this tool does

SetUp and FEN on every file

The header is written even for the opening array, so the file states where it starts instead of leaving a reader to assume the initial position.

Add the moves that follow

Drag pieces on the board. The movetext is appended to the same PGN. Undo removes the last move.

A reason for a bad FEN

Eight ranks, a side to move of w or b, one king each, no pawn on the first or eighth rank, and the side that has just moved must not be left in check.

Nothing is uploaded

Validation and the PGN are produced in the browser. No account is required.

How to turn a FEN into a PGN

1
Paste a FEN. When the position is legal, the board shows it.
2
Copy the PGN. It starts with the seven-tag roster, then SetUp and FEN.
3
Optional: play the moves that follow on the board. A Black-to-move position is numbered as Black's move.
4
Replay the file in the PGN viewer, or check a move that will not play in the PGN validator.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the PGN contain SetUp and FEN?: A PGN without them is assumed to start from the initial array. SetUp "1" plus a FEN tag tells a database, Lichess, ChessBase or the PGN viewer that the game starts at your position.
What counts as an invalid FEN?: The placement needs eight ranks of eight squares, the side to move must be w or b, each side needs one king, a pawn cannot stand on the first or eighth rank, and the side that has just moved cannot be in check. The message names which of these failed.
Can I add moves from the position?: Yes. Drag a piece, or tap a piece and then its destination. Promotions ask which piece. The moves are written into the same PGN. This records the line you enter. It does not look up a move for you.
Where do I get a FEN from a picture?: From the board image scanner, including a diagram in a chess book you own. One board image costs one credit. Correct the position, set the side to move, then paste the FEN here.
Does the opening position work?: Yes. You still get SetUp and FEN, so the file states the start position explicitly. An en passant square that is not legal is dropped when the FEN is normalized.

The FEN is a diagram in a book you own

Photograph the diagram and ScanChess reads the position into a FEN. One board image costs one credit. Then bring it back here for a PGN.

Scan a board image

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