This filter can reduce the number of colors in an image by reducing the levels per channel (colors and alpha). Different dithering methods can be specified to counteract quantization induced banding.
“Presets” are a common feature for several Colors commands. You can find its description in Section 8.1.1, “Colors Common Features”.
These sliders allow you to set the number of levels for the respective red, green blue and alpha channels.
Here you can specify the dithering method to use.
No dithering will be performed on the image.
This is the most commonly used method of dithering and the default for this filter. For more information see Floyd–Steinberg dithering on Wikipedia.
The Bayer Matrix is another common method of dithering used to reduce the number of colors. The algorithm is characterized by noticeable crosshatch patterns in the result. For more information see Ordered dithering on Wikipedia.
These methods of dithering use randomization of the pixel values to reduce the number of colors.
These methods of dithering are spatially stable, based on magic numbers and arithmetic. For more information see a dither.
These dithering methods using so-called blue noise have been found to be the least unsightly and distracting. For more information see Dithering in image processing on Wikipedia.
The Random seed box lets you choose a new seed for the randomization algorithm used in the two random dithering methods. The button picks a new random seed for you.
These are common features described in Section 8.1.1, “Colors Common Features”.