Methods and systems disclosed herein relate generally to systems and methods for modifying pixel values of an image to improve the visibility of target pixel patterns. A pixel-simulation application accesses an initial image including an initial set of pixel values. The initial set of pixel values define, in an initial color space, a particular color of pixels that indicate a target pixel pattern. The pixel-simulation application generates, based on the initial set of pixel values, a simulated image including a modified set of pixel values that visually indicate another color of pixels in an intermediate color space. The pixel-simulation application generates a pixel map by identifying a difference between the initial set pixel values of the initial image and the modified set of pixel values of simulated image. The pixel-simulation application generates, for display, an output image based at least in part on the pixel map.