Dither
The core dithering engine — 63 algorithms across seven families.
Dither
This is the heart of Ditheron. Choose an algorithm family, pick a specific style, then control how it interacts with your footage. There are 63 algorithms across seven families — don't be afraid to just scroll through them. Half the fun is discovering combinations you'd never plan.
Controls
| Parameter | Type | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Choice7 families | Grid | The algorithm family. Each has a distinct visual character — start here. |
| Style | Choice63 algorithms | Bayer 4x4 | The specific algorithm within the selected category. |
| Scale | Integer1 - 32 | 1 | Size of the dither pattern. 1 is pixel-level detail. Crank it up for a chunkier, more graphic look. |
| Strength | Float0% - 100% | 100% | Blend between the original image and the dithered result. Dial it back for a subtler effect. |
| Reactivity | Float0% - 500% | 0% | How much the dither pattern responds to edges and motion in the image. Higher values make the pattern warp along content boundaries. |
| Variance | Float0% - 200% | 0% | How much the dither pattern responds to brightness. Shadows thin out, highlights fill in. Makes the pattern feel content-aware instead of a uniform overlay. |
| Per-Channel Dither | Toggle | Off | Quantize RGB channels independently instead of luminance. Creates color variation between pixels for a grittier, more physical feel. Most visible with Color Depth 3+. |
Algorithm Families
Scatteral
13 error diffusion algorithms — the classic foundation of dithering. These spread tonal information across neighboring pixels, producing organic, film-like texture. Ranges from smooth and natural to grainy and raw. Includes both well-known classics and some proprietary variations.
Grid
11 ordered dithering algorithms built on repeating patterns. Clean, geometric, and scalable. From tight checkerboards to invisible film-grain noise. Includes temporal variants that shift per frame for flicker-free video dithering.
Pathfinder
8 algorithms that dither along mathematical curves filling space in elegant, continuous paths — producing textures that look organic, hand-drawn, or almost biological.
Modu
6 modulation-based algorithms that treat the image as a signal. Halftones, crosshatching, wave patterns, and direction-aware effects. Think printmaking, engraving, and analog broadcast.
Creative
7 stylized effects that go beyond traditional dithering. CRT emulation, scan lines, plasma, and temporal techniques that flicker between levels for extra perceived depth.
Glitch
10 algorithms that are intentionally broken. Digital artifacts as aesthetic — compression glitches, bit crushing, pixel sorting, channel shifting, and vintage tape degradation. If it looks like your footage got corrupted in the best possible way, it's probably in here.
8 algorithms inspired by physical printing and engraving techniques. These produce the kind of tangible, tactile texture you'd see in letterpress, copperplate etching, newspaper print, and industrial screen printing.
| Algorithm | Character |
|---|---|
| Halftone AM | Classic print dots — dot size varies with brightness. Newspaper, poster, pop art. |
| Line Engrave H | Horizontal lines whose width follows the image. Copper engraving, banknote feel. |
| Line Engrave V | Vertical version of the line engraving. |
| Crosshatch Engrave | Two-axis etching — horizontal lines always present, vertical lines emerge in darker areas. |
| CMYK Halftone | Four-color separation with traditional screen angles. Actual print process simulation. |
| FM Stochastic | Fixed-size dots at variable density. The "newspaper up close" look. |
| Stipple | Organic dot placement weighted by brightness. Hand-drawn illustration quality. |
| Mezzotint | Coarse, elongated grain with rich midtone variation. Fine art printmaking texture. |
Tips
- Start with Grid family for clean, classic pixel art looks
- Scatteral at Scale 1 produces beautiful, nearly invisible film-grain texture
- Pathfinder produces textures that feel alive — spend time here
- Reactivity makes the dither pattern warp along edges — try it on high-contrast footage
- Variance makes the pattern fade in shadows and fill in highlights — great for a more organic, content-driven look
- Per-Channel Dither adds subtle color fringing across all algorithm families — pair with Color Depth 3+ for best results
- Just experiment. Cycle through algorithms with the same settings and watch how drastically the look changes. Combine with Randomize to stumble into something unexpected.