Three dither algorithms in Light Lane: what each one does to your photo

Floyd-Steinberg is the most commonly used dither algorithm for laser engraving. When it converts a pixel to black or white, it calculates the error between the original gray value and the binary result, then distributes that error to four neighboring pixels: 7/16 to the right, 3/16 to the lower-left, 5/16 directly below, 1/16 to the lower-right. This serpentine pass produces a smooth, natural-looking dot distribution that preserves tonal gradients. On oak or birch plywood, Floyd-Steinberg typically produces the most photographic-looking result.

Atkinson was developed at Apple in the 1980s for the original Macintosh screen. It distributes only 6/8 of the error (3/4 total) to six neighboring pixels at 1/8 each, discarding the remaining error rather than propagating it. The effect is a lighter, more contrasty result that holds highlight areas clearly. Portraits with bright skin tones or subjects against white backgrounds often look cleaner with Atkinson. The shadow areas have slightly less detail than Floyd-Steinberg.

Bayer dithering does not use error diffusion at all. It uses a 4x4 ordered threshold matrix to decide whether each pixel becomes black or white. The result is a regular geometric dot pattern visible to the eye as a fine grid or crosshatch texture. On some materials this regular pattern looks deliberate and graphic. On others it reads as mechanical and distracting. Bayer works well for images where you want a clearly stylized, non-photographic look.

In Light Lane, select Raster Dither as your processing mode, then choose the algorithm from the dropdown in the settings panel. The canvas preview updates immediately. You see the dot pattern on your specific image before generating G-code or touching any material.