How to force Dither Boy to break an algorithm and then exploit the glitchy result

Effect Setup and How It Works:

This effect works using our "Beehive" ordered dithering algorithm, which is set up to create a grid of cells that the ordered dither then forms around.

In Dither Boy we try to expose as many controls as we can, so we leave the cell size a separate control from the actual scale of the dither.

Leaving these two controls separate lets you force the algorithm to attempt rendering cells that are too small for your image, but it can still enforce the grid!

This means if you set up a dither that is sparse enough, you get these dotted line patterns that still use the pattern from an ordered bayer matrix dither, you still get an attempt at the grid, but the beehive cells fail, and the result is very very cool in my opinion!

To get it going yourself:

Load up an image and dither it with the Beehive algorithm
Move the Cell size slider down until the cells fail to render
Reduce brightness and up contrast to reduce the density

Free Preset Download:

Grab the free preset on the download button below, I used this for every image you see on this page, so it'll get you a good starting point if you'd like to start experimenting immediately. If you need help with presets then you can click here to watch a video about presets and Dither Boy

If you create anything with this effect, please tag us on social media or share this effect with a friend!

We are currently trying to build our Instagram page @studioaaacom and at the time of writing, we're almost at 4k!

If you enjoy effects of posts like this, please give us a follow.

If you like indie software free updates regular tutorials retro effects advanced dithering then meet Dither Boy!

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Dither Boy

Dither Boy is all-in-one software for authentic retro image, video, and animation dithering. Featuring 63 unique dithering algorithms, a stackable effects pipeline, and full color support, Dither Boy gives you unrestricted access to advanced creative error diffusion, bitmap, halftone, and modulation effects like never before!

Dither Boy is designed to turn any dithering algorithm from a functional compression tool into a granular, editable, malleable effect.

Completely crush your image detail without losing resolution, or create fine and delicate dithering patterns in your work without compromising on style.

Dither your work at any scale without losing your image quality
Full color support with built-in palettes, automatic palette extraction from your images, or download and share user created palettes
Video and animation support built in, with a timeline editor and live preview
Work with 63 dithering algorithms, all animation and vector compatible, including custom algorithms you won’t find anywhere else
Stack and reorder effects like Epsilon Glow, JPEG Glitch, Chromatic Aberration, and more
Effects designed and created specifically for Dither Boy
One purchase includes all future updates, no subscription required
Export black vectors for print and embroidery files
NEW: CMYK Halftone added in update version 6.0!

True to the visual era it was inspired by, Dither Boy requires no recurring subscription, and all future updates will be included in your purchase at no extra cost.