How to Use the Dithering Image Converter
The Dithering Image Converter is a free browser-based tool that turns photos and images into 1-bit and low-color retro pixel effects. Choose from Floyd–Steinberg, Atkinson, or Bayer dithering, then adjust the color settings and pixel size to customize the result.
A dithering effect is applied to the sample image by default, so you can compare the settings before uploading your own image.
1. Upload an image
Choose the image you want to process under “Upload Image.”
PNG, JPG, JPEG, and WebP images are supported. Your uploaded image is processed entirely in your browser and is never sent to or stored on a server.
Once the image has loaded, the preview displays the dithered result.
2. Choose a dithering method
Under “Dithering Method,” choose from three algorithms.
- Floyd–Steinberg
- Atkinson
- Bayer
3. Choose a color mode
Under “Color Mode,” choose “1-Bit,” “Grayscale,” or “Color.”
“1-Bit” represents the image using only the selected “Dark Color” and “Light Color.” It works well for classic dithering and monochrome retro effects.
“Grayscale” reduces the image to a specified number of brightness levels. Use it to preserve more of the original tonal range than 1-bit mode without adding color.
“Color” dithers the image while reducing its original colors to a limited number of levels. It is ideal for low-color retro game and pixel-art effects that preserve the image’s overall color palette.
4. Change the 1-bit colors and threshold
When “1-Bit” is selected, you can freely change the “Dark Color” and “Light Color.”
The defaults are a nearly black dark color and a light cream color. Try combinations such as dark and light green, or navy and cream, to create palettes inspired by retro game systems and old displays.
“Threshold” controls whether each brightness value in the original image is assigned to the dark or light color. Lower values increase the amount of the light color, while higher values increase the amount of the dark color.
5. Adjust the levels
When “Grayscale” or “Color” is selected, use “Levels” to control the number of available tones.
Lower values use fewer tones or colors for a stronger low-color effect. Higher values retain more tones or colors for a result that looks closer to the original image.
6. Adjust the pixel size
“Pixel Size” controls the coarseness of the pixels that make up the dithering effect.
Lower values create finer dithering that preserves more detail and tonal variation. Higher values make the individual pixels more visible, creating a coarser effect similar to retro games and pixel art.
7. Compare Before and After
Switch between “Before” and “After” above the preview to compare the original and processed images.
8. Download the PNG image
Enter the width and height under “Output Image Settings.”
Turn on “Keep the image aspect ratio when changing the output size” to resize the image while preserving its original aspect ratio.
When you are finished, click “Download PNG” to save the processed image.
What Is Dithering?
Dithering is a technique for creating the appearance of colors or tones that are not actually available by arranging pixels of different colors in fine patterns.
For example, even when only black and white are available, changing the arrangement of the black and white pixels can create the appearance of intermediate gray tones when viewed from a distance.
Dithering was widely used on older computers and game systems with limited color capabilities. Today, it is also used intentionally to create retro textures in games, pixel art, web design, posters, and other graphics.
Differences Between Floyd–Steinberg, Atkinson, and Bayer
Floyd–Steinberg
Floyd–Steinberg is a well-known error-diffusion method that distributes color errors caused by quantization to neighboring pixels.
It preserves tonal transitions relatively naturally, making it well suited to photos and gradients.
Atkinson
Atkinson is also an error-diffusion method, but it distributes the error differently from Floyd–Steinberg.
Rather than smoothing every tonal transition, it tends to preserve stronger differences between light and dark areas. This creates a crisp dithering effect reminiscent of classic Macintosh computers and other retro systems.
Bayer
Bayer is a form of ordered dithering that arranges pixels using a predefined, regular pattern.
Unlike Floyd–Steinberg and Atkinson, it does not diffuse errors to neighboring pixels, so repeating patterns are more likely to appear.
It is a good choice for regular pixel patterns and geometric retro effects.
Differences Between 1-Bit, Grayscale, and Color
1-Bit
1-bit mode represents the image using only the selected “Dark Color” and “Light Color.”
Set them to black and white for classic monochrome dithering, or choose any two colors to create a duotone-style effect.
It is recommended for simple, high-contrast retro effects.
Grayscale
Grayscale mode reduces the original image’s brightness to the selected number of levels, using white, black, and intermediate shades of gray.
Use it to preserve a photo’s shading and depth without color, or to create a smoother monochrome effect than 1-bit mode.
Color
Color mode dithers the image while reducing its original colors to the selected number of levels.
Because it can use more colors than 1-bit mode, it preserves the image’s color and atmosphere while creating a low-color result.
It works well for retro game-style color images and pixel effects with a limited palette.
Differences Between Dithering and Halftone
Both dithering and halftone use limited colors or marks to represent tonal variation, but they work in different ways.
Halftone primarily represents brightness by changing the size or spacing of dots. It is well suited to dot patterns like those used in newspapers, comics, and pop art.
Dithering represents intermediate colors and tones by changing pixel colors and arrangement patterns. It is well suited to retro games, pixel art, and low-color graphics.
Tips for Creating Better Dithered Images
To preserve tonal detail in a photo
Choose Floyd–Steinberg and use a smaller pixel size.
When using “Color” mode, increase the number of levels slightly to preserve more of the original gradients and colors.
To create a stronger retro effect
Choose Atkinson and use a slightly larger pixel size to make the individual pixels more prominent.
Combining it with 1-bit mode makes it easier to create an effect inspired by old computer displays.
To emphasize a regular pattern
Choose Bayer to create dithering with a consistent repeating pattern.
It works especially well with simple gradients and images intended for use as background materials.
When the effect is too fine to see
Increase the pixel size.
When a high-resolution photo is displayed at a small size, a very small pixel size can make the dithering pattern difficult to see.
FAQ
Which should I choose: Floyd–Steinberg, Atkinson, or Bayer?
Choose Floyd–Steinberg to preserve natural tonal transitions, Atkinson for a crisp retro effect, or Bayer for a regular pattern. If you are unsure, start with the default Floyd–Steinberg setting.
What does 1-bit mean?
In this tool, 1-bit mode represents the image using only two colors. Change the “Dark Color” and “Light Color” to create a dithered image using any two colors you choose.
Can I dither an image while keeping its colors?
Yes. Select “Color” under “Color Mode” to reduce the number of colors while preserving the overall colors of the original image.
What happens when I lower the number of levels?
Lower values reduce the number of tones or colors, creating a stronger low-color retro effect. Higher values retain more tones or colors for a result that looks closer to the original image.
What is pixel size?
Pixel size controls the coarseness of the pixels used for the dithering process. Lower values create finer dithering, while higher values create a coarser effect with larger pixels.
Can I compare the image before and after processing?
Yes. Switch between “Before” and “After” above the preview to compare the original image with the dithered result.
Is my uploaded image stored on a server?
No. Your uploaded image is processed entirely in your browser and is never sent to or stored on a server.
Can I use the generated image commercially?
You may use the generated image for both personal and commercial purposes. If you upload and process an existing image, you must follow the original image’s license terms and copyright restrictions.
