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27 DithX Algorithms

Dithering turns photos into black-and-white dot patterns for your laser. Each algorithm gives a different texture—smooth (error diffusion), retro (ordered), or natural grain (blue noise). Click a card below for details and tips.

Start with Floyd–Steinberg or Atkinson for most photos; Stucki or Jarvis for sharp detail; Sierra for smooth gradients (glass, mirrors). Compare at your DPI and material to find the best fit.

Error Diffusion Algorithms

These algorithms spread quantization errors to neighboring pixels, creating smooth, natural-looking gradients. Perfect for photographs and complex images.

Floyd–Steinberg

The best all-rounder.

Very Fast

Atkinson

High contrast, clean look.

Fast

Stucki

Sharp, detailed look.

Medium

Burkes

Fast and sharp.

Very Fast

Sierra

Smooth, high quality.

Slow

Sierra Lite

Fast Sierra variant.

Very Fast

Sierra Two-Row

Balanced diffusion.

Medium

Jarvis–Judice–Ninke

Aggressive, sharp diffusion.

Slow

Stevenson–Arce

Hexagonal distribution.

Slow

Ostromoukhov

Artistic, natural look.

Slow

Zigzag Floyd–Steinberg

Serpentine scan reduces worms.

Fast

Shiau–Fan

Optimized to reduce worms.

Medium

Filter Lite

Minimal computation mode.

Very Fast

Knoll

Artistic stipple texture.

Medium

Custom

User-defined parameters.

Variable

Custom Diffusion

Edit kernel weights.

Variable

Zuderhoff

Unique diffusion texture.

Medium

Nova

High-frequency modern diffusion.

Medium

Helix

Spiral-path diffusion.

Medium

Ordered & Pattern Algorithms

These algorithms use structured patterns and matrices to create distinctive visual effects. Great for stylized graphics and retro aesthetics.

Bayer (Ordered)

Classic cross-hatch matrix.

Instant

Blue Noise

Organic, film-grain look.

Fast

NeoMatrix

Complex ordered matrix.

Fast

DeltaGrid

Triangular grid pattern.

Fast

Zircon

Crystalline ordered texture.

Fast

Special Algorithms

Advanced algorithms with unique capabilities including content-aware processing, artistic effects, and specialized output formats.

Adaptive

Content-aware sharpening.

Medium

Dot Diffusion

Knuth's mezzotint-like dither.

Medium

Grayscale

No dithering (Depth Map).

Instant

About DithX

DithX is a free, privacy-focused image engine for laser engraving.

  • Local Processing: WASM-powered, runs in your browser.
  • Privacy: Images never leave your device.
  • Free: Built for the maker community.

Designed for Fiber, CO2, Diode, and UV lasers.