Effects — Print
Stipple effect
Build your photo from thousands of tiny dots, like a pointillist ink drawing. Set density and dot size, and choose ink and paper.
- Status
- Live
- Category
- Settings
- 4
What is the Stipple effect?
Stippling is an illustration technique that uses dots alone to create tone: dense dots for shadows, sparse dots for highlights. It has long been used in scientific, botanical and tattoo-style illustration because it gives smooth shading without lines.
This effect converts the photo's tones into scattered dots. A high density with small dots reads like fine ink work, while large, sparse dots look bold and graphic.
Stipple settings
- Density
- Dot size
- Ink
- Paper
Best photos for it
- Portraits and animals
- Botanical, product and macro photos
- Tattoo-style or print illustrations
Tips for better results
- Tip 01
Increase density before increasing dot size to keep detail.
- Tip 02
Larger dots with lower density give a graphic poster look.
- Tip 03
Use a pale paper colour so the dots stand out.
Common questions
How is stipple different from halftone?
Halftone uses a regular grid of marks whose size varies. Stipple scatters dots at random positions, which looks more organic.
Similar effects
- HalftoneTurn photos into the dot patterns of newspapers and comics. Choose CMYK or mono, dot, square or line shapes, plus cell size and screen angle.Available
- MezzotintA grainy, velvety engraving look built from fine random noise. Adjust grain size and contrast, and pick your ink and paper colours.Available
- Cross-hatchShade your photo with pen-and-ink cross-hatching. Adjust spacing, line width and angle for sketchbook and engraving styles.Available
Also searched as: Stipple filter, Dotwork effect, Pointillism-style effect.