Frequently asked questions

Open Diffused Editor at diffusededitor.com, upload your image (drag-and-drop, click, or paste), choose an algorithm or click Auto-Tune, adjust settings with live preview, then download. All processing runs in your browser — your image is never uploaded to a server.

Diffused Editor is a free browser-based image dithering tool with 13 professional dithering algorithms (9 free, 4 Pro), Auto-Tune for automatic settings, Quick Presets, and complete client-side privacy. No account is required for free 50% JPEG exports. It supports Floyd-Steinberg, Atkinson, Blue Noise, Ordered Bayer, Clustered Dot, Riemersma, Sierra, Stucki, Diffusion Dots, and more.

Yes. Diffused Editor processes images entirely in your browser using JavaScript and HTML5 Canvas. Your photo never leaves your device — no server upload, no cloud storage, no network transmission of image data. This makes it safe for private, client, and unreleased creative work.

Image dithering is a technique that reduces the number of colors in an image while maintaining the appearance of color depth by arranging pixels in patterns. It's used to create retro computer graphics aesthetics, vintage printing effects, halftone patterns for artistic purposes, reduce file sizes, create pixel art styles, and achieve nostalgic 1-bit or low-color aesthetics popular in vintage computing and early digital art.

Not sure? Click Auto-Tune and the editor analyses your image and picks the best algorithm and settings automatically. If you prefer to choose manually: Floyd-Steinberg (Error Diffusion) is best for photographs with natural, balanced results. Atkinson gives a light, airy retro Mac aesthetic. Ordered (Bayer Matrix) creates geometric halftone patterns for poster art. Blue Noise produces unstructured, film-grain-like dithering with no visible pattern. Sierra, Burkes, Stucki, and Jarvis-Judice-Ninke are variations on error diffusion with different smoothness and detail levels. Diffusion Dots creates an authentic bitmap halftone printing effect.

Yes, absolutely. All image processing happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript and HTML5 Canvas. Your images are never uploaded to any server, never stored anywhere except your own device, and never transmitted over the internet. The application works completely offline after the initial page load. This ensures complete privacy and security for your images.

The dithering tool accepts JPEG, PNG, and WebP files for upload (up to 10 MB). You can export your dithered image as PNG (lossless, best quality), JPEG (smallest file size), or WebP (modern format, excellent quality-to-size ratio). Choose your format from the footer bar before downloading. The tool works with images of any resolution, though very large images may take a moment to process.

Colors (2-64) controls the number of colors in the dithering palette — 2 gives a bold 1-bit look, higher values produce subtler photographic effects. Intensity (0-300%) controls the strength of the dithering effect. At 0%, you see the original image. At 100%, you get pure dithering. Above 100%, error amplification creates more dramatic, stylized effects. Threshold (0-255) controls the brightness cutoff point. Lower values create darker images, higher values create brighter images. 128 is neutral. These settings work together to achieve your desired aesthetic.

Yes, the dithering tool itself is free to use for any purpose, including commercial projects. However, you are responsible for ensuring you have the rights to the images you process. The dithered output belongs to you, and you can use it however you wish. The tool applies no watermarks and places no restrictions on the output images.

This tool offers several advantages over Photoshop: no subscription required, 13 dedicated dithering algorithms vs Photoshop's limited options, Auto-Tune that analyses your image and picks the best algorithm and settings in one click, Quick Presets with live thumbnail previews, an A/B drag-comparison divider to compare the original and dithered result side-by-side, smart median-cut palette extraction that pulls optimal colors from your actual image, 7 authentic retro palettes (Game Boy, C64, CGA, NES, Sepia, Mac Plus), perceptual LAB color matching for highest quality output, real-time preview with zoom and pan, and complete client-side privacy with no software installation needed.

To create classic black and white dithered images: 1) Upload your image. 2) Open the Color tab in the inspector and enable the Grayscale toggle. 3) Open the Style tab, select Atkinson or Floyd-Steinberg as the algorithm. 4) Set Intensity to 100–120%. 5) Open the Adjust tab and try a Threshold of 140 for brighter results. 6) Increase Contrast by +15 to +30 for more dramatic results. 7) Keep Pattern Size at 1 for crisp detail. Alternatively, click Auto-Tune to get great results automatically. The result will be a high-contrast black and white image reminiscent of early Macintosh graphics or vintage newspaper printing.