Floyd–Steinberg dithering (1976) is the most widely used error-diffusion method and remains the default choice for many laser engravers. It spreads quantization error to neighbouring pixels in a fixed pattern, producing smooth gradients and a natural, granular look that suits most photographs, portraits, and general-purpose engraving. It is very fast and works well at 254–300 DPI on materials from light wood and anodized aluminum to cardboard and paper. If you are unsure which algorithm to pick, start with Floyd–Steinberg; it rarely disappoints.
Description
The most popular all-rounder. It creates smooth, natural-looking images by gently spreading dots. Great for almost any photo.
Best For
General purpose photography and complex images.
Visual Look
Classic granular look; nice balance of detail.
Recommended Materials
Light Wood, Anodized Aluminum, Cardboard, Paper.
Processing Speed
Very Fast
Pro Tips
Works well at 254-300 DPI. May show slight directional artifacts on large flat areas. Best for portraits and landscapes. Avoid on very dark materials where dot clusters might burn through.
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