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Image Dithering Studio

Transform photos into pixel-perfect retro artwork. Experiment with classic dithering, handcrafted color palettes, and crisp pixel sizing—all on your device.

12 algorithms8 curated palettesLocal processing

Creative workspace

Make it retro. Keep it yours.

Live preview

A realtime comparison of the source and dithering result.

Your next retro masterpiece starts here.

Import a photograph or try the built-in sample to see the dithering effect.

No source imageReady to create

Export your artwork

Export becomes available once your image has been rendered.

Nearest-neighbor output scaling stays sharp. Large sources may be reduced first to respect the 12 MP / 4500 px limit.

Palettes, your way

Start with curated retro colors, edit individual swatches or extract tones directly from your photo.

Preview vs export

The preview is reduced for speed; export reprocesses the source and can upscale with crisp nearest-neighbor pixels.

Local image processing

Image decoding, dithering and export run in your browser. The tool does not upload the selected image for processing.

LEARN THE TECHNIQUE

Retro art, without the guesswork.

What is image dithering?

Dithering places limited palette colors in patterns that approximate missing shades. The effect is popular in retro graphics, print-inspired art, and pixel art.

Which algorithm should I use?

Floyd–Steinberg produces detailed, natural textures; Atkinson produces a lighter retro look; Bayer matrices make neat repeated patterns. Compare them interactively to find your style.

Can I use my own colors?

Yes. Add, edit, or remove individual colors, import a GIMP GPL palette, or generate a palette from your source photograph.

Are uploaded images private?

Yes. Image decoding, dithering, and export happen in your browser. The tool does not require a backend or upload API.

Using Image Dithering Studio

Apply deterministic dithering algorithms and a reduced color palette to a still image, compare treatments, and export a bounded raster result or settings.

Workflow

  1. Open a supported image and select a deterministic dithering method
  2. choose or extract a palette of two to thirty-two colors and review alpha handling
  3. compare at final output dimensions and export PNG, JPEG or WebP with settings as needed.

Example

Compare ordered and error-diffusion treatments on a flat illustration, inspect gradients and transparent edges at the intended output size, then export the preferred raster.

Limits and data handling

The tool processes a decoded still frame, not an animation. Final output is capped at 12 megapixels and 4500 pixels per side; upscaling does not add source detail. Nearest-neighbor scaling preserves hard edges but does not recover detail. Alpha-aware processing differs from matte flattening. Check palette source and license terms before redistribution.

FAQs

Does it preserve animation in an uploaded image file?

No. It processes one decoded still frame.

Will enlarging the image add detail?

No. Scaling changes output dimensions but cannot recover information absent from the source.

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