Dithering creates the illusion of multiple shades using a limited color palette, typically black and white. The technique arranges pixels in patterns that simulate variations in color by adjusting pixel density. For example, in a grayscale image, darker pixels are mapped to black and lighter ones to white. This straightforward approach can result in harsh transitions, losing detail in shadow areas. Dithering mitigates this by selectively altering some pixels to create a smoother gradient of shades. The article introduces ordered dithering, which employs a threshold map—a grid that represents brightness levels. Each pixel’s brightness is compared against this threshold. If it exceeds the value, the pixel turns white; otherwise, it becomes black. By applying this method across an image, varying densities of black and white pixels emerge, forming the desired gray effects. The author emphasizes that dithering doesn’t add colors but rather removes them, cleverly using patterns to maintain the overall visual impression. Future segments promise to explore different algorithms for creating threshold maps and error diffusion techniques, which operate independently of threshold maps. Each algorithm yields a unique aesthetic, warranting further exploration. The article sets the stage for deeper insights into dithering's mechanics in the upcoming parts.