What you need
Choose one authorised JPEG, PNG, or WebP still image up to 20 MB and 12 million decoded pixels. Animated frames are not processed.
Image Tools / Local studio
Image Error Diffusion Dither
Quantize luminance to black or white and propagate the residual through Floyd-Steinberg neighbor weights in scan order.
Runs locallyNo image upload to Nirmion
Step 1 / Source
Choose one image
Drop your image here
Or browse for a JPEG, PNG, or WebP image that you own or are authorised to edit.
One file · up to 20 MB · maximum 50 megapixelsStep 2 / Output
Image Error Diffusion Dither method
This workflow uses one fixed, documented method so repeated runs on the same decoded pixels are comparable. Processing stays in this browser tab.
Create the one-bit error-diffusion PNGThe source is not overwritten. Export creates a separate one-bit error-diffusion PNG.
Keep this page open until the download begins.01No server upload
The selected image is decoded and re-encoded inside this browser tab.
02Working copy released
After download, the preview URL, decoded bitmap, canvas, and selected source reference are cleared.
03Your download remains
Nirmion cannot remove the finished file from your device or browser download history.
Workflow guide
Use image error diffusion dither with an inspectable review path
Each luminance value is quantized to black or white, then its error is distributed to four unprocessed neighbors using Floyd-Steinberg weights. Compare the result with the untouched source before using it downstream.Social-ready choices
Prepare a two-level display preview where dispersed tonal detail is preferable to the repeating pattern of ordered dithering.
What you receive
Download a separate one-bit error-diffusion PNG; the original file on your device remains unchanged.
Decision guide
What image error diffusion dither measures or changes
Each luminance value is quantized to black or white, then its error is distributed to four unprocessed neighbors using Floyd-Steinberg weights.
Scan-order error diffusion can create directional texture and does not simulate a specific display, ink process, printer profile, or final viewing distance. Browser-local processing avoids a Nirmion file upload, but it cannot remove copies stored elsewhere.
MDN Canvas pixel manipulationUseful checks for image error diffusion dither
- Prepare a two-level display preview where dispersed tonal detail is preferable to the repeating pattern of ordered dithering.
- Create a bounded review derivative while retaining the original for comparison, correction, or a different method.
- Test representative flat areas, gradients, edges, text, transparency, and high-frequency texture before accepting the output.
Good to know
Important image boundaries
- Why might a PNG not become smaller?
- PNG is lossless and browsers do not expose a quality control for it. Choose WebP or JPEG when reducing file size matters more than exact lossless pixels.
- Are animated images supported?
- No. The workspace accepts still JPEG, PNG, and WebP files. Re-encoding an animated source would otherwise keep only one frame.
- What does clearing the file mean?
- Because processing is local, there is no Nirmion server copy to delete. The tab releases its working references after success; your downloaded output remains on your device.
Questions answered
Frequently asked questions
Does Image Error Diffusion Dither upload my image?
No. For supported JPEG, PNG, and WebP inputs, decoding, pixel inspection, transformation, and export run in your current browser tab. Nirmion does not send the selected image to its API for this workflow. The result is a separate derivative or report, while the original file on your device remains unchanged and should be retained for comparison.
How does Image Error Diffusion Dither work?
Each luminance value is quantized to black or white, then its error is distributed to four unprocessed neighbors using Floyd-Steinberg weights. Existing alpha values remain available to the documented operation. The method does not infer subjects, restore missing detail, calibrate a display, or develop raw camera data. Compare fine edges, gradients, text, texture, and transparent pixels with the original before relying on the result.
What are the limits of Image Error Diffusion Dither?
Scan-order error diffusion can create directional texture and does not simulate a specific display, ink process, printer profile, or final viewing distance. The workspace accepts one supported still image up to 20 MB and caps this pixel-intensive operation at 12 million decoded pixels for predictable browser memory use. Results depend on browser decoding and encoding support. Animation, raw development, ICC calibration, layer editing, and batch processing are outside this tool's verified scope.