Dot Matrix Effect

Apply Dot Matrix to images and videos online

Give photographs the patterned look of an old computer printout. Dot Matrix uses a regular grid of black marks, layered texture, and scanned-paper contrast to turn images into graphic printed material.

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Original image before applying Dot Matrix effect Before
Image with Dot Matrix effect applied After

Ideas for using the effect

Retro office graphics

Style photographs as archival computer output for reports, posters, and editorial pieces.

Ticket-inspired artwork

Use the dot pattern as a visual reference for event graphics and collectible print designs.

Technology zines

Pair a dotted portrait with monospaced lettering and a restrained page layout.

Printed video loops

Carry a regular printer-like texture through short animations or moving portraits.

Made with this effect

More inspiration on Instagram @effect_app

Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
Example created with Dot Matrix effect Original before Dot Matrix
See more

Use Dot Matrix in Photoshop, Figma or on your desktop

One account, the same effect everywhere.

In Photoshop

Apply it to a layer in Photoshop 2022 and later, on macOS or Windows. The plugin renders on your own GPU and hands the result back as pixels on a new layer.

get the Photoshop plugin →

In Figma

Run it on images and frames without leaving the canvas. The Figma plugin is this same editor, pointed at whatever you have selected.

get the Figma plugin →

On desktop

Install the macOS or Windows app when you want a window of its own, with your account and your presets already there.

download the desktop app →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply Dot Matrix online?

Open the Dot Matrix preset, add your image or video, and adjust the loaded effect layers to suit your source. Preview the result before exporting.

How does Dot Matrix differ from Stippling?

Dot Matrix sets Scatter to a regular arrangement with no spread. Stippling uses irregularly distributed dots. The grid is what makes Dot Matrix read more like a machine printout.

What adds the paper texture?

Two Layer Mix layers surround the dot treatment, and Paper Scan shapes the final surface. Their opacities and scale settings can be adjusted independently of the dot spacing.

How do I make small details clearer?

Increase the density of the grid or use a tighter crop. Large dots can swallow small eyes and lettering, so start with a bold subject and inspect the result at the final size.

Does it emulate a particular printer?

It is a visual print treatment assembled from effects. It does not claim the exact pin layout, character set, or output resolution of a specific dot matrix printer.

Try Dot Matrix now

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