> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ipgames.gitbook.io/htrace-ao/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ipgames.gitbook.io/htrace-ao/settings-and-properties/rtao-settings/rtao-denoising.md).

# RTAO Denoising

This page describes parameters under the global "Denoising" foldout that are specific to RTAO mode.

## Denoising Mode

Defines the denoising approach.

* **None:** no denoising is applied and the noise pattern is animated. Can be used to offload denoising to temporal or upscaling algorithms such as DLSS.
* **Single Pass**: provides one pass of temporal and one pass of spatial denoising.
* **Double Pass**: adds another spatio-temporal denoising pass running after the first one for maximum noise reduction.

## Output Dithering <mark style="color:$info;">\[HDRP]</mark>

Enables a dithering pattern on the final AO buffer. Due to HDRP's use of an 8-bit buffer, high-intensity occlusion may produce visible banding, especially on uniformly bright surfaces. This option can be used to break up banding artifacts. If **Animate** option is enabled, the dither pattern becomes animated.

*Performance impact: negligible*

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Output Dithering OFF" %}

<figure><img src="https://243555089-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FLiPpxgft87FiOXU8wYFQ%2Fuploads%2FriOtfisQ6DrPbC7VgGyT%2FImage%20Sequence_082_0000.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=042569b7-5273-49b9-bf64-ad485280b275" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Output Dithering ON" %}

<figure><img src="https://243555089-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FLiPpxgft87FiOXU8wYFQ%2Fuploads%2FmVPq6L8Ev8Kudyg8I1ev%2FImage%20Sequence_083_0000.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=616c9b82-2f67-4ac1-a248-0c1ea0867eb5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}