Dither and halftone image converter — error diffusion and print screens
Give a picture a dotted or limited-colour look. Compare a fine dither pattern with larger halftone dots, then save the version that suits your design.
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Processing uses a working copy capped at 1600 pixels on its longest edge. The resolution slider adjusts that copy; larger PNG exports enlarge its pixels rather than recover original detail. Small halftone spacing may be raised to limit the number of dots. Check the output dimensions before downloading. Images up to 50 megapixels (about 8000 × 6000). Larger files are refused rather than risking the tab being closed by the browser.
How to use
- Add an image. Choose or paste a picture with a clear subject. Keep the original for other edits.
- Choose Dithering or Halftone. Dithering uses small colour patterns; Halftone makes a visible dot or line screen.
- Adjust the look. For Dithering, try Method, Palette and Contrast. For Halftone, change Dot spacing, Dot size, Screen angle and Dot shape.
- Inspect and save. Use Preview zoom to inspect the texture. PNG 1× saves the working result; 2× and 4× enlarge its existing pixels.
Questions
Which method should I try first?
Floyd–Steinberg is a useful starting point for shaded photos. Atkinson often looks lighter and crisper. Bayer makes a regular repeating pattern. None uses the nearest palette colours without a dither texture; compare the result rather than looking for one best setting.
How do I avoid losing a face in the dots?
Try a tighter crop and smaller Dot spacing, then adjust Dot size so the dark areas do not merge. In Dithering mode, try more palette colours or a gentle change to Gamma. The tone sliders currently affect Dithering, not the Halftone rendering.
Does 100% Resolution mean the full original?
Not for a large image. The working copy is capped at 1,600 pixels on its longest edge, and the result is made from that copy. Resolution can reduce it further. A 4× export enlarges the pattern; it does not recover source detail.
Why is Dot spacing raised automatically?
A very dense halftone requires too many shapes to draw comfortably. The tool raises the spacing for the current image and shows the value. If processing is slow, use a smaller source or a coarser pattern.
Is this ready for professional halftone printing?
It produces a PNG visual effect, including an optional cyan, magenta and yellow screen effect. It is not a calibrated print-separation workflow. Ask your printer for their resolution, screen and colour requirements before preparing production artwork.
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