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Dither

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Color

Applies dithering to reduce color banding using ordered (Bayer) or error-diffusion (Floyd-Steinberg, Atkinson) algorithms.

Dither reduces the number of colors in an image while using patterned or diffused noise to simulate smooth gradients. Five algorithms are available: Bayer 2x2, 4x4, and 8x8 produce structured ordered patterns at increasing grid sizes. Floyd-Steinberg and Atkinson use error diffusion to spread quantization error to neighboring pixels for a more natural look.

The color count controls how many colors the image is reduced to. In color mode, k-means clustering picks the best representative colors; in grayscale mode, the image is reduced to luminance levels. When a Palette is connected, dithering uses the palette colors directly, which is perfect for retro console or platform-specific color restrictions.

Parameters

Section titled “Parameters”

Dither

MethodChoice
Default: Bayer 4x4

Dithering algorithm

  • Bayer 2x2Smallest ordered dither pattern — visible grid, strong retro feel.
  • Bayer 4x4Medium ordered dither — balanced between pattern visibility and smoothness.
  • Bayer 8x8Largest ordered dither — smoother gradients, subtler pattern.
  • Floyd-SteinbergError-diffusion dithering — natural-looking results, no visible grid pattern.
  • AtkinsonClassic Macintosh error diffusion — slightly more contrasty than Floyd-Steinberg, with a distinct vintage look.
ColorsInteger
Default: 16 Range: 2–256

Number of output colors; k-means in color mode, luminance levels in grayscale. Disabled when palette connected

Strength %Number
Default: 100 Range: 0–100

Blend between dithered and original

GrayscaleToggle
Default: false

Dither to grayscale luminance levels instead of extracting colors from the image. Disabled when palette connected

Use PaletteToggle
Default: false

Auto-enabled when a Palette is connected; uses palette colors for dithering

Usage Tips

Section titled “Usage Tips”
  • Floyd-Steinberg produces the most natural-looking results for photographs.
  • Bayer dithering creates the classic retro/8-bit look with its characteristic cross-hatch pattern.
  • Connect a Palette node to dither to a specific set of colors, like retro game palettes.
  • Use the Strength slider to blend between the dithered result and the original for a subtler effect.
Section titled “Related Nodes”