Image Dithering
Apply Floyd-Steinberg, Atkinson, or Ordered dithering to images. Classic retro effect, adjustable levels, instant preview.
Drop an image or click to browse
JPEG, PNG, WebP supported
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What Is Image Dithering?
Dithering is a technique that simulates a wider range of tones using a limited color palette by distributing quantization errors across neighboring pixels. The result is a stylized, retro-looking image that appears to have more shades than it actually uses. This tool supports three classic algorithms: Floyd-Steinberg (error diffusion, most natural), Atkinson (lighter, high-contrast look used in early Macs), and Ordered / Bayer 4×4 (regular pattern, pixel-art style).
How to Use
- Upload a JPEG, PNG, or WebP image
- Choose a dithering algorithm
- Adjust the Levels slider (2 = pure black/white, higher = more gray shades)
- Preview the dithered output next to the original
- Click Download to save the result
Features
- Three dithering algorithms: Floyd-Steinberg, Atkinson, Ordered (Bayer 4×4)
- Adjustable quantization levels (2–16)
- Real-time before/after side-by-side preview
- Works on any image size
- 100% browser-based — your image never leaves your device
FAQ
Which algorithm should I use?
Floyd-Steinberg produces the most natural-looking dithering and is the most widely used. Atkinson gives a starker, high-contrast look popular in early Apple Macintosh graphics. Ordered (Bayer) creates a visible regular dot pattern, great for pixel art or retro aesthetics.
Why does the output look grayscale?
This tool converts the image to grayscale first and then applies dithering to create an authentic dithered look. Full-color dithering is more complex and produces less recognizable results.
What does the Levels slider do?
Levels controls how many distinct gray values are used. At 2, you get pure black and white only — the classic dithered look. At 4, you get black, dark gray, light gray, and white. Higher values produce subtler dithering effects.