by Erf Studio
Grainy Gradient Generator
Make grainy gradients in your browser: a parametric colour field run straight into 20 dithering algorithms, from smooth ordered grain to organic error diffusion. Shape the gradient and the grain live, then export a full-resolution PNG. Nothing is uploaded.
Runs entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
How to use
- Shape the gradient in the Field panel: move the colour stops, set how many there are, and adjust saturation and luma. It generates its own colour, so no image is needed.
- Send it into the Dither panel below. Turn the Algorithm knob through all 20 dithers to trade smooth ordered grain for organic error diffusion.
- Set Strength and Pixel Scale for how coarse the grain reads, and flip the Domain switch to Linear so the gradient keeps its tonal depth.
- Press Dice for a seeded, repeatable starting point, or Reset to clear the rack.
- Export a PNG at 1x, 2x or 4x. The whole rack state lives in the page URL, so copy it to share an exact recipe.
Examples
- A soft two-colour wash with a fine Floyd-Steinberg grain for a poster background or album art.
- A tight Bayer grain in the Linear domain for a clean, retro screen-tone gradient.
- A bold multi-stop field with a rotated halftone screen for a screen-printed look.
- Dial the grain right down for an almost-smooth gradient, or up for heavy, visible noise.
Frequently asked questions
What is a grainy gradient?
It is a smooth colour blend broken up with a fine, deliberate grain instead of a flat fill. The grain hides banding and gives the flat colour a tactile, printed feel. Here the gradient and the grain are two linked modules you control separately.
Do I need to upload an image?
No. The Field module generates the gradient itself from your colour stops, so the tool works with no image at all. Everything runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded.
How is this different from the Dither Generator?
The Dither Generator dithers an image you bring. This chains a gradient generator straight into that same dithering engine, so you build the grainy gradient end to end without leaving the page. It is the same rack, with the Field module added ahead of the dither.
Can I share an exact result?
Yes. Every control in both panels is stored in the page URL, and the engine is fully deterministic, so a copied link reproduces the identical gradient and grain.
Is anything uploaded?
No. The gradient is generated and dithered entirely in your browser, and the PNG is exported locally. Nothing is uploaded.
