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Create dither

create_dither

Apply retro dither effects (Bayer, checker, noise, error-diffusion) to images, quantizing to custom palette colors with live-tweakable controls.

Instructions

Build a retro dither effect: ordered Bayer (2×2/4×4/8×8), checker, noise, or single-pass error-diffusion — quantising to a 2/4/16-colour palette. Supports mono, duotone (Game-Boy-green default), or RGB quantisation mode. Creates a new baseCOMP under parent_path holding the source (or a self-contained noise source), a GLSL TOP with an inline shader, and a Null output. Exposes Mix, Threshold, and Scale knobs for live tweaking. Returns a summary, node paths, exposed controls, and an inline preview image.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
nameNoBase name for the created container.dither
parent_pathNoParent COMP path the dither container is created inside./project1
sourceNoAbsolute path of an existing TOP to dither (e.g. '/project1/movie1'). Pulled in via a Select TOP. If omitted, a self-contained animated colour-noise source is used (no device permissions).
patternNoThreshold pattern. bayer2/4/8: ordered Bayer matrices (2×2/4×4/8×8); checker: alternating grid; noise: pseudo-random hash; error_diffusion: single-pass 3×3 neighbourhood approximation.bayer4
bitsNoBit depth per channel: 1=2 levels, 2=4 levels, 4=16 levels.1
palette_modeNomono: luminance → low/high colour. duotone: same with hue tint. rgb: quantise each channel independently using bits.duotone
low_colorNoOff/dark palette colour [r,g,b] 0–1. Used in mono and duotone modes.
high_colorNoOn/light palette colour [r,g,b] 0–1. Game-Boy-green default.
thresholdNoThreshold bias applied on top of the pattern.
scaleNoPattern scale in pixels — larger = chunkier dither.
mixNoBlend between original (0) and dithered output (1). Live-tweakable.
resolutionNoOutput resolution [width, height] in pixels.
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations indicate the tool is constructive (readOnlyHint=false, destructiveHint=false, openWorldHint=true). The description adds behavioral details beyond annotations, such as creating a self-contained noise source without device permissions, exposing live-tweakable knobs (Mix, Threshold, Scale), and returning an inline preview image. It does not contradict annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is 5 sentences, front-loaded with the main purpose and key features. It efficiently covers patterns, quantization, internal structure, and return values without redundancy. Minor room for improvement: could be more structured (e.g., list of features).

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given 12 parameters and no output schema, the description adequately explains what the tool creates (baseCOMP with nodes) and returns (summary, node paths, controls, preview). It covers the main behavioral aspects and parameter effects, though a brief example of usage could improve completeness.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema has 100% coverage for all 12 parameters. The description enhances understanding by grouping parameters (e.g., 'Mix, Threshold, and Scale knobs for live tweaking') and explaining effects (e.g., 'larger = chunkier dither' for scale). It also clarifies palette modes and patterns beyond enum values.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description explicitly states the tool builds a retro dither effect with specific patterns (Bayer, checker, noise, error-diffusion), quantization modes (mono, duotone, RGB), and internal components (baseCOMP, GLSL TOP, Null). This clearly distinguishes it from sibling tools like create_halftone or create_glitch.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description explains what the tool does but does not explicitly state when to use it versus alternative tools (e.g., create_kaleidoscope, create_halftone). The usage context is implied from the dither-specific details, but no when-not-to-use guidance is provided.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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