DitherFlow Workflow Basics

Getting started with DitherFlow is simple. Follow these steps to transform your media.

Step 1: Loading Your Media

• Drag and Drop: Simply drag any image (.png, .jpg) or video (.mp4, .mov) directly into the application window.
• File Menu: Go to File > Open to browse for your source files.

Step 2: Choosing an Algorithm

Navigate to the Algorithm section. Algorithms are categorized to help you find the right look:

• Error Diffusion: Best for smooth gradients and photographic detail.
• Ordered: Traditional "dot" patterns, great for retro-computing aesthetics.
• Specialty: Unique effects like Wave Displacement or CRT-style modulation.

Step 3: Tonal Adjustments

Use the Adjustment Sliders to prepare your image.

• If your result is too dark, increase the Brightness or Midtones.
• For sharper pixel patterns, increase the Contrast.
• Adjust the Scale slider to "pixelate" your image, simulating lower resolutions.

Step 4: Applying a Palette

Switch to the Palette tab to apply specific colors. DitherFlow maps the original colors to the closest match in your selected palette based on the chosen algorithm.

Step 5: Post-Processing Effects

Open the Effects Dock to add a final layer of polish. You can stack multiple effects, such as a "Scanline" filter over a "CRT" dither for the ultimate retro look.

Step 6: Exporting Your Work

Once you are satisfied with the preview:

• Save Image: Go to File > Save Image (or press Ctrl+S).
• Export Video: For video files, use the Export Video button to process every frame using your current settings.

Pro Tips

• Presets: If you've created a look you love, save it as a Preset in the Presets dock. You can also mark them as Favorites for quick access.
• Bulk Processing: Need to process an entire folder of assets? Use the Tools > Bulk Processing feature to apply your current settings to multiple files at once.
• Sharp Zooming: When zooming into the dithered preview, DitherFlow uses "Nearest Neighbor" scaling to ensure the individual pixels remain perfectly sharp.