Dithering algorithms

16 ways to turn grey into black and white dots, each on its own page with the kernel and a live demo. For the trade-offs in one table, read Dithering algorithms compared. To use one on your own photo, dither an image online with the Dither style, or convert an image to 1-bit.

Threshold

One fixed cut. No dithering, just the baseline.

Threshold Good for stencils, logos and line art

Ordered dithering

Each pixel is compared with a tiled pattern. Fast, stable and crisp; the pattern decides the texture. How Bayer dithering works →

Bayer 2×2 Good for a deliberately chunky, digital look Bayer 4×4 Good for pixel art, sprites and tiles Bayer 8×8 Good for retro prints and games Bayer 16×16 Good for large prints with a retro texture Blue noise Good for pen plotters, lasers and animation

Error diffusion

Each pixel’s rounding error is passed to its neighbours. The most accurate tone; the kernel decides the texture.

Floyd–Steinberg Good for photos on screen and GIFs Atkinson Good for the retro Mac look and quick plots Jarvis–Judice–Ninke Good for photos on lasers Stucki Good for photos with fine detail Burkes Good for general use Sierra Good for photos Sierra two-row Good for general use Sierra lite Good for speed Ostromoukhov Good for photos for print, plotters and lasers Zhou–Fang Good for the default when you want error diffusion