Light Lane gives you three dither algorithms. Pick the right one for your photo engrave on birch, acrylic, or leather.
Dithering converts a photograph into a pattern of dots the laser can burn. The algorithm you choose changes the final look: smooth gradients, high-contrast edges, or structured patterns. Light Lane lets you switch between Floyd-Steinberg, Atkinson, and Bayer, preview the output, and engrave with confidence.
The three dither algorithms compared
Each algorithm converts your image to binary (laser on or off per pixel) using a different method. The result looks different depending on the image content and the material surface.
| Algorithm | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Floyd-Steinberg | Error diffusion to 4 neighboring pixels (7/16, 3/16, 5/16, 1/16 weights). Serpentine scanning. Produces smooth, natural tonal gradients. | General photo engraving on birch plywood, MDF, and light woods. The default choice for most images. |
| Atkinson | Distributes 1/8 of error to each of 6 neighbors (75% total). Discards the rest. Higher contrast, less shadow detail. | Line art, logos, and designs with strong black-and-white contrast. Works well on pine, cardstock, and felt. |
| Bayer (Ordered) | Fixed 4x4 threshold matrix. No error diffusion. Produces a regular, structured dot pattern. | Gradients where you want a uniform texture. Good on clear acrylic and leather where a consistent pattern reads cleanly. |
When to choose each algorithm
Start with Floyd-Steinberg. It handles the widest variety of images and materials because it distributes quantization error smoothly across the image. A portrait on 3mm birch plywood will look natural and detailed. If the result feels muddy or lacks punch, switch to Atkinson.
Atkinson throws away 25% of the error instead of passing it all along. That means darker areas lose some detail, but edges stay sharper and contrast jumps up. A logo with thin lines on MDF or a high-contrast illustration on cardstock will look crisper with Atkinson than Floyd-Steinberg.
Bayer works completely differently. Instead of diffusing error between pixels, it compares each pixel to a fixed threshold matrix. The output has a regular, grid-like pattern. Some people prefer this look for artistic or retro effects. It also works well on smooth surfaces like clear acrylic, where a structured pattern looks intentional rather than noisy.
You can switch between all three in Light Lane's settings panel whenever Raster Dither processing mode is selected. The preview updates so you can compare before burning any material.
Quick reference: choosing your algorithm
- Photographs with smooth lighting and gradients: Floyd-Steinberg.
- Line art, logos, or text with strong contrast: Atkinson.
- Artistic or retro pattern look on smooth surfaces: Bayer.
- Not sure? Start with Floyd-Steinberg and compare the others against it.
- Always preview the dither output in Light Lane before engraving.
- Pair your algorithm choice with a material test grid to dial in speed and power.
Dither comparison in Light Lane
Switch algorithms from the settings panel and preview the output before committing material. The difference is visible on screen.
- Algorithm selection dropdown in the Raster Dither processing mode.
Dither mode questions
Which dither algorithm should I start with?
Floyd-Steinberg. It handles the widest range of images and materials. Switch to Atkinson if you want higher contrast, or Bayer if you want a structured pattern.
Can I preview the dither before engraving?
Yes. Select Raster Dither as the processing mode, choose your algorithm from the dropdown, and generate a preview. The color-coded toolpath visualization shows you exactly what the laser will do.
Do I still need to test speed and power after picking a dither?
Yes. Dithering controls how the image converts to dots. Speed and power control how those dots burn on your material. Use a material test grid to find the right speed and power for your stock, then pick the dither that looks best at those settings.
Are there more dither algorithms coming?
Light Lane currently ships with three: Floyd-Steinberg, Atkinson, and Bayer. No additional algorithms are available at this time.
Does the AI assistant help choose a dither algorithm?
Yes. Select your image, type something like 'best dither for this photo on oak,' and the AI will propose a processing mode and algorithm in its settings diff. You review and confirm or dismiss as always.
Compare all three dithers on your own photo
Import an image, switch between Floyd-Steinberg, Atkinson, and Bayer, and see the difference. 14-day free trial, no card required.
Next steps
Validate one real workflow in Light Lane, then move to the most relevant guide or feature page.
Last updated February 20, 2026