Visible screens
Each ink is drawn as a field of circles. Dark areas use larger dots; highlights let the paper show through.
Local preview + RunAPI render
ONLINE PRINT LAB
Turn a photo into a print you can feel.
Split any image into one, two, or three inks. Tune the halftone screen, export the local preview, or ask RunAPI for a richer print while keeping the original composition.
PROCESS / 03
A risograph photo effect in three steps.
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01
Choose a photograph
Use a JPEG, PNG, or WebP. The browser decodes it locally and crops it to the frame you choose.
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02
Build the ink layers
Pick up to three colors, then tune dot spacing, angle, contrast, and registration drift while the preview updates.
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03
Export or render
Download the local canvas immediately, or choose a RunAPI engine for a more detailed AI interpretation of the same print decisions.
INK STUDIES / 03
The same photo, three different print decisions.
Color separation changes the weight of an image. Dark blue holds structure, warm red pulls a subject forward, and a single black layer leaves more paper visible.
PRINT NOTES
Why the result looks printed instead of filtered.
Imperfect alignment
Registration drift moves each color plate by a few pixels, so edges overlap instead of landing on one digital line.
Limited ink
A small palette forces the image to simplify. One ink feels graphic; three inks preserve more of the original color.
Paper in the image
Margins, warm stock, and restrained grain make the empty areas part of the composition rather than a transparent background.
FAQ / 05
Questions about the risograph photo effect.
What does this risograph photo effect do?
Tone Press separates a photo into one, two, or three simulated ink layers. It rebuilds highlights and shadows from halftone dots, then adds optional registration drift and paper grain. The result resembles a small-run risograph or screen print rather than a smooth digital filter.
Is the online risograph photo effect free?
The live editor, every print control, and local PNG export are free and unlimited. RunAPI AI renders are also free during this launch, with a limit of three renders per network each day.
Does Tone Press upload or store my photo?
The live preview and local PNG stay in your browser. A photo is uploaded privately only when you choose an AI render. Tone Press sends that temporary source to RunAPI, stores the source and result privately, and removes both after 24 hours.
Which photos work best with a halftone filter?
Photos with a clear subject, strong light and shadow, and some open space usually separate best. Very dark images may need lower contrast, while pale images benefit from a smaller dot screen. Try two inks first, then add a third color when the subject has distinct warm and cool areas.
Can I use the generated print commercially?
The exported PNG is yours to use, but you must have the right to use the photo you uploaded. Tone Press does not add a watermark or claim rights to the result. The built-in demonstration photograph is for trying the editor and should not be redistributed as your own work.