Workflow guide

Dithering for Game Assets

Updated May 2026 · 5 min read

Retro dithering adds texture and color depth to pixel art, sprite sheets, and UI mockups. Diffused Editor runs entirely in your browser — your source files never upload to a server.

Why dither in the browser?

Most image tools require desktop installs or cloud uploads. For indie game workflows, a browser tool means you can process assets on any machine without syncing source art to third-party servers. Diffused Editor uses Web Workers and the Canvas API locally.

Recommended workflow

1. Upload your sprite or texture (PNG recommended, up to 10 MB free / 15 MB Pro).
2. Pick a palette — try Game Boy, NES, or C64 for authentic retro color.
3. Choose an algorithm — Atkinson and Ordered Bayer work well for crisp pixel art; Floyd-Steinberg for smoother gradients.
4. Tune intensity and pattern size until the dither reads at your target resolution.
5. Export — free tier gives 50% JPEG; Pro unlocks full-resolution PNG/WebP for production assets.

Algorithms for game art

• Atkinson — Classic Mac look; great for portraits and UI with limited colors.
• Ordered Bayer — Regular dot grid; ideal for tileable textures.
• Blue Noise — Organic grain on photographs used as texture sources.
• Burkes / Jarvis-Judice-Ninke (Pro) — Finer error diffusion for hero assets.

Dither image for Game Boy and retro consoles

To dither an image for Game Boy aesthetics, start with the built-in Game Boy or Game Boy Pocket palette, set color count to 4, and try Atkinson or Ordered Bayer for crisp pixel-friendly patterns. For NES-style 16-color art, switch to the NES palette. For C64 demos, use the Commodore 64 palette with Floyd-Steinberg for smoother gradients on converted photos used as texture sources.

• Game Boy / Pocket — 4 greens; Atkinson for authentic 1-bit-adjacent looks
• NES — 16 colors; Ordered Bayer for tileable sprite dithering
• C64 — 16 colors; Floyd-Steinberg when source art has gradients

When to upgrade to Pro

Free tier is enough to explore and preview. Upgrade when you need print-ready or engine-ready exports at 100% resolution, lossless PNG/WebP, saved presets for consistent style across a sprite sheet, or custom palettes synced to your account.

Frequently asked questions

Can I dither game sprites in the browser?

Yes. Diffused Editor processes sprites and textures client-side. Use Game Boy or NES palettes with Atkinson or Ordered Bayer for authentic retro game looks.

What export format should I use for game assets?

Free tier: 50% JPEG for previews. Pro: full-resolution PNG or WebP with transparency-friendly workflows for Unity, Godot, or pixel pipelines.

Is dithering good for Game Boy-style art?

Yes. Set the Game Boy palette, 4 colors, and Atkinson or Ordered Bayer. Diffused Editor includes curated palettes matching original hardware constraints.