Thermal Image Dithering Preview
Upload any photo and see exactly how it would look printed on thermal paper — using the same dithering algorithms (Floyd-Steinberg, Jarvis-Judice-Ninke, Sierra, and more) built into Thermal Image Printer and Bluetooth-USB Thermal Printer+.
Quick answer: Thermal printers can only print pure black or pure white dots — no grey. Dithering is the algorithm that converts a photo's grey and colour tones into a black-and-white dot pattern that looks like it has shades of grey from a normal viewing distance. This tool runs the exact same algorithms as our Android apps, entirely in your browser — nothing is uploaded anywhere.
8 Dithering Methods, Explained
Floyd-Steinberg
Error-diffusion — spreads each pixel's rounding error to its neighbours. The gold standard for photos, faces, and product shots.
Jarvis-Judice-Ninke
Spreads error across a wider 5×3 neighbourhood for softer gradients and cleaner flat areas. Best for logos and text.
Sierra
A refined error-diffusion filter that reduces the "worm" artefacts sometimes seen in Floyd-Steinberg. Good for detailed textures.
Two-Row Sierra
A lighter version of Sierra using fewer neighbouring pixels — a fast, balanced default.
Ordered Dither 4×4 / 2×2
Uses a fixed threshold pattern instead of error diffusion — faster, with a regular grid-like texture. Good for quick previews.
Threshold
No dithering at all — every pixel is either pure black or pure white. Best for high-contrast line art and simple icons.
Print This for Real — Not Just Preview It
These are the exact same algorithms running inside our Android apps. Connect a Bluetooth or USB thermal printer and print the real thing.