Dithering methods

Stucki dithering

Also known as Stucki error diffusion

An error-diffusion method with a broad distribution pattern often used for smooth-shaded photographic images.

By EngravePrep Editorial Team

In the workflow

Why Stucki dithering matters

It is worth comparing with Jarvis and Floyd-Steinberg on the same final-size crop because material response can reverse a screen preference.

Practical check

How to evaluate it

Compare Stucki with Jarvis on identical output files. Check whether its different weighting preserves useful edge texture without making midtones too dense for the tested material.

See the pixels

Stucki dithering, shown on the same portrait

Stucki reaches the same neighboring positions as Jarvis in EngravePrep, but uses different weights. Switching between the matching crops isolates that change: source, size, tone, and polarity stay fixed.

01 / Fixed inputGrayscale source
Matching crop of the sample portrait's eyes and cheek before dithering
02 / One-bit outputStucki
Stucki output of the same eye and cheek crop, using only black and white pixels

Stucki: Switch between Stucki and Jarvis. Look at the eye contour and nearby midtone texture, not just overall darkness.

Matching 200 × 200-pixel crops, taken after the full images were dithered. Previews fit your screen. Open a downloaded PNG at 100% to inspect the actual pixels.

Computed bitmap examples from EngravePrep's bundled sample portrait. These are not physical engraving results or a material recommendation.

Download the full-size PNGs600 × 750 pixels · 300 DPI metadata · 2 × 2.5 inches at that DPI

Stucki is an alternative to compare, not a guaranteed sharper result. Keep the version that preserves the features you need, then test it on the intended material.

See the complete comparison and how the examples were made.

Go deeper

Compare Stucki, Jarvis, and Floyd-Steinberg with computed one-bit PNG examples, matching detail crops, and practical checks for laser photo preparation.

Read the complete guide