Dither any image into retro pixel art
Free online dithering tool with 13 algorithms and classic palettes — 1-bit, Game Boy, PICO-8, CGA and more. Everything runs locally in your browser; your images are never uploaded.
What is dithering?
Dithering is a way to fake colors you don't have. When an image is reduced to a small palette — say black and white — dithering scatters the available colors in fine patterns so that, from a normal viewing distance, your eye blends them into smooth gradients and in-between tones.
It was born out of necessity on early computers, newspapers and printers, and today it's a deliberate aesthetic used in pixel art, indie games, album covers, zines and experimental web design.
How to dither an image
- Add your image. Click Upload image, drag a file onto the preview, or paste with Ctrl/⌘+V. JPG, PNG, WebP and GIF work.
- Pick an algorithm and palette. Error diffusion (Floyd–Steinberg, Atkinson…) for photos, Bayer for a retro crosshatch.
- Tune it. Raise pixel size for chunkier pixels; adjust brightness and contrast to control which tones become dark or light.
- Download. Export a lossless PNG at up to 8× with crisp nearest-neighbour scaling.
Dithering algorithms
- Floyd–SteinbergPhotos and portraits
- AtkinsonRetro Mac / MacPaint style
- Jarvis–Judice–NinkeSmooth gradients and skies
- StuckiDetailed photographs
- BurkesLarge images
- SierraNatural, film-grain texture
- Two-Row SierraEveryday photo dithering
- Sierra LiteE-ink and microcontroller displays
- Bayer (Ordered)Retro game graphics
- Random NoiseGritty photocopy look
- ThresholdStencils and screen printing
Pixel art converter
Want clean, flat pixel art instead of dither noise? The pixel art converter with grid picks the best colors from your image (or uses your own hex palette), sets big pixel sizes and overlays a pixel grid for bead, cross stitch or sprite references.
Retro palettes
- Black & WhiteE-ink / e-paper displays
- Game BoyRetro game mockups
- PICO-8Pixel art references
- CGA80s DOS game aesthetic
- Commodore 648-bit computer nostalgia
- SepiaVintage photo effects
- Custom DuotoneBrand-colored graphics
Guides
- What is dithering? A complete visual guideDithering is the art of faking colors you don't have. Here is how it works, where it came from, and how to choose the right method for your image.
- How to convert images for e-ink displaysE-paper panels can only show a handful of shades. Here is how to prepare photos so they look sharp and detailed on 1-bit, 4-gray and color e-ink screens.
- How to prepare photos for laser engravingA laser either fires or it doesn't. Dithering turns your photo into a pattern of dots the laser can burn — here is how to get crisp, detailed results.
- How to print photos on a thermal printerReceipt and label printers print only black dots. Here is how to size and dither images so they come out sharp instead of as a muddy black rectangle.
- Floyd–Steinberg vs Atkinson ditheringThey are the two most popular error-diffusion algorithms, and they look surprisingly different. Here is a side-by-side comparison to help you choose.
- How to make a Game Boy style photoFour shades of green, a chunky low resolution, and the right dithering. Here is how to turn any photo into authentic-looking Game Boy art.
- Dithering for screen printingA screen can only print ink or no ink, so every gradient on a T-shirt or poster is an illusion made of dots. Dithering is one way to make those dots — here is when to choose it over halftones and how to size it so it survives the mesh.
Frequently asked questions
What is image dithering?
Dithering is a technique that simulates colors or shades a display or printer cannot show, by arranging pixels of the available colors in patterns. From a distance the eye blends the pattern into an intermediate tone — so a black-and-white image can still show smooth grays.
Is DitherImage free?
Yes. DitherImage is completely free with no sign-up, no watermark and no usage limits.
Are my images uploaded to a server?
No. All processing happens locally in your browser using JavaScript and the Canvas API. Your images never leave your device.
Which dithering algorithm should I use?
Floyd–Steinberg is a great all-round default for photos. Atkinson gives a crisp, high-contrast classic-Mac look. Jarvis–Judice–Ninke and Stucki produce the smoothest gradients. Bayer ordered dithering creates the retro crosshatch pattern and is best for animation.
How do I make pixel art from a photo?
Upload your photo, raise the pixel size to 4–8 px, choose a limited palette such as PICO-8 or Game Boy, and pick Bayer or Floyd–Steinberg dithering. Then export at 4× or 8× to keep the pixels sharp.
What file format does it export?
PNG, which is lossless and keeps every dithered pixel exact. You can export at 1×, 2×, 4× or 8× scale with nearest-neighbour scaling so pixels stay crisp.