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Open the Img Stop Image Dithering Tool, add your image and pick an algorithm such as Floyd–Steinberg, Atkinson or Bayer, and a palette like 1-bit black & white, Game Boy or auto colours. Adjust pixel size, strength and contrast, then download.
About the Image Dithering Tool
The Img Stop Image Dithering Tool reduces an image to a small set of colours and uses dot patterns to keep the look of shading and gradients. It is the classic look of early Macs, Game Boy screens, e-ink displays and lo-fi web design.
Choose Floyd–Steinberg, Atkinson, Jarvis-Judice-Ninke, Sierra Lite, Bayer 4×4 or 8×8 ordered dithering, or plain posterize. Combine it with palettes like 1-bit B&W, 4 grays, Game Boy, PICO-8, NES, C64, CGA, sepia, blueprint or auto colours, and process many images at once.
Key features
- Error-diffusion ditheringFloyd–Steinberg, Atkinson, Jarvis-Judice-Ninke and Sierra Lite.
- Ordered ditheringBayer 4×4 and 8×8 patterns, plus posterize.
- Retro palettes1-bit B&W, 4 grays, Game Boy, PICO-8, NES, C64, CGA, sepia, blueprint.
- Auto coloursBuild a palette from the image’s own colours.
- Pixel size, strength, contrastFine-tune the size and intensity of the pattern.
- BulkDither many images and download a ZIP.
How to use the Image Dithering Tool
- Add images Drop one or more images.
- Pick an algorithm Try Floyd–Steinberg, Atkinson or Bayer.
- Pick a palette Choose 1-bit, Game Boy, PICO-8 or auto colours.
- Adjust and download Set pixel size, strength and contrast, then save.
Image Dithering Tool at a glance
| Price | Free, no watermark |
|---|---|
| Algorithms | Floyd–Steinberg, Atkinson, Jarvis-Judice-Ninke, Sierra Lite, Bayer 4×4/8×8, posterize |
| Palettes | 1-bit, 4 grays, Game Boy, PICO-8, NES, C64, CGA, sepia, blueprint, auto |
| Controls | Pixel size, strength, contrast |
| Bulk | Yes – many images at once, ZIP download |
| Processing | In your browser – photos are not uploaded |
When to use it
- Create 1-bit art for websites, zines and posters.
- Prepare images for e-ink displays and thermal printers.
- Make retro game art in Game Boy, NES or PICO-8 colours.
- Give album covers and music visuals a lo-fi look.
- Shrink file sizes by using fewer colours.
Tips for the best result
- Atkinson gives the high-contrast look of classic Mac images.
- Bayer ordered dithering creates a regular crosshatch pattern.
- Increase the pixel size for a chunkier retro look.
- Raise the contrast before dithering photos that look flat.
Frequently asked questions
What is image dithering?
Dithering places dots of a few colours next to each other so the eye blends them into extra shades. It lets an image look detailed with very few colours.
Which dithering algorithm is best?
Floyd–Steinberg is the most natural for photos, Atkinson gives a crisp high-contrast look, and Bayer creates a regular retro pattern. Try each in the Img Stop tool.
How do I convert an image to 1-bit black and white?
Choose the 1-bit B&W palette and an algorithm like Floyd–Steinberg or Atkinson, then download.
Can I dither with the Game Boy palette?
Yes. Choose Game Boy, or PICO-8, NES, C64 or CGA, from the palette list.
Is the dithering tool free?
Yes, it is free with no watermark and runs entirely in your browser.
Learn more
- Halftone – the printing technique behind many photo effects
Made and maintained by the Img Stop team.