🖼
Drop image or click to upload
Upload an image to preview dithering
About this tool
Dithering Tool reduces color information while using pixel patterns to simulate missing shades. It is useful for retro graphics, print-inspired artwork, pixel-art workflows, and controlled image reduction where a normal blur or compression pass would lose the intended aesthetic.
When to use it
- •Create Game Boy, early Mac, or newspaper-like texture from modern photos.
- •Reduce an image to a limited palette while keeping perceived detail.
- •Prepare visuals for pixel art, lo-fi posters, or low-color displays.
Best for
- •Retro design experiments and pixel-art studies.
- •Artists comparing classic algorithms such as Floyd-Steinberg, Atkinson, and Bayer.
- •Designers who want stylized color reduction instead of generic compression.
Output and privacy
- •Outputs a transformed image using the chosen dithering algorithm and color settings.
- •Runs locally in the browser, so source images are not sent to a server.
- •Useful for quick visual testing before exporting assets into another editor or engine.
Limitations
- •Fine gradients and skin tones can become harsh if the palette is too limited.
- •Different algorithms favor different tradeoffs, so there is no single best mode for every image.
- •Dithering is a style choice, not a restoration technique, and it intentionally introduces visible patterns.
Example use cases
- •Use Atkinson on a portrait to get an old-Mac black-and-white look.
- •Apply Bayer to a graphic with flat colors for a grid-based retro poster aesthetic.
- •Test 1-bit versus 4-color output before producing a limited-palette artwork series.
Related tools
- •Use ASCII Art Generator if you want text characters instead of raster pixels.
- •Use Halftone Generator when you want dot-based print texture rather than algorithmic pixel diffusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this image dithering tool do?
This tool applies classic dithering algorithms to an image so it can simulate missing tones with patterned pixels. It is commonly used to create retro computer graphics, limited-palette artwork, and stylized black-and-white output.
When should I use dithering?
Use dithering when you want deliberate texture and visible pixel patterns after reducing colors. It works especially well for retro visuals, pixel art references, and images that need character rather than smooth gradients.
What dithering algorithms are available?
Floyd-Steinberg, Atkinson, Bayer (ordered), Jarvis-Judice-Ninke, Stucki, and Sierra. Each produces a different visual pattern and level of detail.
Which algorithm should I choose?
Floyd-Steinberg is the most popular all-around choice. Atkinson (used in early Mac) preserves more contrast. Bayer gives a structured grid pattern. Experiment to find what suits your image.
Can I control the number of colors?
Yes. Reduce color depth to simulate 1-bit (black and white), 2-bit, 4-bit, or custom color palettes.
Is this dithering tool private?
Yes. Image processing happens in the browser and your files are not uploaded to Hartool servers.
Is this tool free to use?
Yes. Completely free, no signup, no upload, everything runs in your browser.