Skip to content

Dithering algorithms

Open editor

17 techniques, each shown on the same specimen: a CRT terminal on a checkered table. Compare error diffusion, ordered, noise-based and halftone screen dithering before applying them in the editor.

Error diffusion

Each pixel is rounded to black or white and the rounding error is pushed onto the neighbors still to be processed. Organic and detailed.

Ordered

Each pixel is compared with a threshold matrix tiled across the image. Fast, parallel and deliberately textured.

Noise-based

Thresholds come from noise instead of a fixed pattern, trading structure for grain.

Halftone screen

A grid of dots or lines, turned to an angle like a print screen, grows with the tone. Screen size, angle and dot shape are adjustable.