Controls / Output Bits Per Channel
Selects the image channel used by this operation.
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Dither
Bit-depth dithering
Adds controlled dithering when reducing channel precision so smooth gradients are less likely to collapse into visible bands.
This tool belongs to the Krokodove set integrated into DaVinci Resolve 21 and Fusion Studio 21. See the complete Krokodove node list and the comparison with native Fusion tools.
Dither
DaVinci Resolve · Fusion
Adds controlled dithering when reducing channel precision so smooth gradients are less likely to collapse into visible bands.
Overview
What Dither does
Adds controlled dithering when reducing channel precision so smooth gradients are less likely to collapse into visible bands.
Dither trades a small amount of structured or distributed noise for smoother perceived tonal transitions after bit-depth reduction.
Mental model
Dither trades a small amount of structured or distributed noise for smoother perceived tonal transitions after bit-depth reduction.
Common uses
Reduce banding when lowering bit depth
Prepare gradients for 8-bit delivery
Protect dark gradients from visible steps
Compare ordered versus error-distribution dithering
Finish generated graphics before encoding
Flow anatomy
Inputs & outputs
The port structure shows how this node fits into a Fusion graph.
Input
Source image for the operation.
Dither
Fusion node
Output
The processed result from this node.
Inspector
Important parameters
Start with these controls before reaching for more complicated workarounds.
Controls / Dither Method
Chooses the dithering algorithm used to break up quantization banding.
Dither Method / None
Disables dithering and performs only the bit-depth reduction.
Available choices include banding, Floyd Steinberg, and Ordered.
Dither Method / Ordered
Uses an ordered matrix pattern for deterministic dithering.
Dither Method / Simple Error Distribution
Uses a simple error-distribution method to spread quantization error into neighboring pixels.
Dither Method / Floyd & Steinberg
Uses Floyd–Steinberg error diffusion to distribute quantization error into neighboring pixels.
Controls / Multiplier
Sets multiplier.
Render / Color Space
Sets the color Space.
Color Space / RGB
Performs the dithering calculation in RGB.
Color Space / HLS
Performs dithering in Hue, Lightness and Saturation space.
Color Space / YUV
Performs the dithering calculation in YUV color space.
Color Space / YIQ
Performs the dithering calculation in YIQ color space.
Color Space / CMY
Performs the dithering calculation in Cyan, Magenta and Yellow.
Color Space / HSV
Performs the dithering calculation in Hue, Saturation and Value.
Color Space / XYZ
Performs the dithering calculation in CIE XYZ color space.
Color Space / LAB
Performs the dithering calculation in CIE Lab color space.
Practical setup
A reliable workflow
- 1
Set the intended output precision.
- 2
Compare the dither methods on the problem gradient.
- 3
Keep Multiplier as low as possible while hiding bands.
- 4
Inspect dark regions at 100%.
- 5
Check the encoded deliverable, not only the Fusion viewer.
Typical node chain
Source→
Dither→
Output
Examples
Where this node fits in real work
8-bit gradient
Dither a smooth background before final delivery.
BackgroundDitherMediaOut
Deband and dither
Repair existing bands and add controlled texture for output.
MediaInDebandDitherMediaOut
Troubleshooting
Common mistakes
Applying Dither before the image is in the technical state the node expects.
Pushing Dither too far before checking artifacts at full resolution.
Judging Dither on one still frame instead of checking motion and edge behavior.
Production notes
Practical tips
Compare Dither with bypass regularly while tuning it.
Keep Dither and other technical conversions separate from creative grading when possible.
After strong Dither processing, check alpha, highlights and image boundaries.
Related nodes