Algorithm guide

Stucki Dithering Online

Updated June 2026 · 5 min read

Stucki dithering online delivers some of the smoothest error-diffusion results available in a browser — ideal for portraits, skies, and subtle tonal work. Diffused Editor includes Stucki in the free tier with live preview and no server upload.

Quick answer: Stucki dithering online uses a wide 12-neighbor error diffusion kernel for very smooth gradients with strong detail retention — a free algorithm in Diffused Editor. Best for photographic dithering when Floyd-Steinberg feels too coarse.

What is Stucki dithering?

Stucki dithering is a high-quality error diffusion algorithm that distributes quantization error across twelve neighboring pixels in three rows. Like Floyd-Steinberg, it processes the image sequentially and carries rounding error forward — but the wider kernel produces smoother mid-tones and finer texture.

Diffused Editor implements Stucki with float-precision error buffers and serpentine scanning, matching desktop-quality output while running entirely in your browser.

Landscape with Stucki dithering online — smooth error diffusion on sunset gradients
Sunset with Stucki — smooth sky gradients with preserved detail.
Portrait with Stucki dithering online — fine tonal transitions on skin
Portrait with Stucki — subtle diffusion on faces and shadows.

Stucki vs Floyd-Steinberg and Jarvis-Judice-Ninke

Floyd-Steinberg uses a compact four-neighbor kernel — fast and balanced, the default for most photos. Stucki spreads error wider, reducing visible worm patterns in large smooth areas. Jarvis-Judice-Ninke (JJN) is similar in width but Pro-only in Diffused Editor; Stucki is the free alternative when you want JJN-like smoothness without upgrading.

How to apply Stucki dithering online

  1. Open diffusededitor.com and upload your image.
  2. Select Stucki from the algorithm menu in the Style tab.
  3. Set intensity to 100–110% and tune color count (8–32 for photos).
  4. Compare with the A/B divider, then download a free 50% JPEG or Pro full-resolution PNG.

See also our Floyd-Steinberg guide and the full image dithering guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is Stucki dithering?

Stucki is an error diffusion algorithm that spreads quantization error to twelve neighbors in three rows, producing very smooth gradients suitable for photographic dithering.

Is Stucki dithering free in Diffused Editor?

Yes. Stucki is included in the free tier alongside nine other algorithms. No account or server upload required.

When should I use Stucki instead of Floyd-Steinberg?

Use Stucki for large smooth areas, skies, and fine tonal work where Floyd-Steinberg shows visible error-diffusion artifacts. Use Floyd-Steinberg as the general default.

Try Stucki dithering now — free, private, live preview.

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Explore all algorithms in our image dithering guide.