Effects — Retro
Dither + palette effect
Convert photos into retro pixel art with Bayer, Floyd–Steinberg, Atkinson or noise dithering and classic palettes like Game Boy, C64 and NES.
- Status
- Live
- Category
- Retro
- Settings
- 7
What is the Dither + palette effect?
Dithering simulates more tones or colours than a display can show by arranging the few available colours in patterns. Early computers and consoles with limited palettes relied on it, and the look is now a popular pixel-art aesthetic.
Graffa offers six dither algorithms. Bayer (sizes 2, 4 and 8) is an ordered dither with a regular crosshatch pattern, based on Bryce Bayer's 1973 matrices. Floyd–Steinberg (1976) and Atkinson are error-diffusion methods that spread the rounding error to neighbouring pixels for organic textures; Atkinson, created for the original Macintosh, keeps higher contrast. Noise dither uses random thresholds for a grainy look.
You can pick from ten fixed palettes (Mono 1-bit, Game Boy, CGA, PICO-8, C64, NES, ZX Spectrum, Apple II, EGA and Teletext) or build one from the photo itself with the From image option.
Dither + palette settings
- Algorithm
- Palette
- Pixel size
- Spread
- Auto colours
- Dark
- Light
Best photos for it
- Portraits and landscapes with clear shapes
- Game art, avatars and pixel-art posters
- Photos where you want a specific console look
Tips for better results
- Tip 01
Increase pixel size for chunky retro pixels; decrease it to keep detail.
- Tip 02
Use Bayer for even patterns, and Floyd–Steinberg or Atkinson for smoother, organic gradients.
- Tip 03
With From image, the palette follows your photo's colours, so it keeps a closer likeness.
Common questions
Which dither algorithm should I choose?
Bayer gives a neat, regular pattern that suits retro game art. Floyd–Steinberg gives smooth, natural gradients. Atkinson keeps contrast higher, and noise produces a grainy look.
Which palettes are included?
Mono 1-bit, Game Boy, CGA, PICO-8, C64, NES, ZX Spectrum, Apple II, EGA and Teletext, plus a From image option that builds the palette from your photo.
Similar effects
- PixelateTurn your photo into chunky pixel blocks. Adjust the pixel size and reduce the colour levels for a retro mosaic look.Available
- PosterizeReduce a photo to a few flat tone levels for a bold, screen-print-style look. One simple control: levels.Available
- Thermal receiptPrint your photo like a thermal receipt: coarse dots, streaks and a faded ink look. Adjust dot size and streaking.Available
Also searched as: Dithering filter, Pixel art converter, Game Boy filter, 8-bit effect.
Console and computer names (Game Boy, Commodore 64, NES, ZX Spectrum, Apple II and others) are trademarks of their respective owners and are used only to describe the colour palettes. Graffa is not affiliated with them.