What this is
Glitch art breaks an image's data on purpose and keeps what the break looks like. In pixel sorting, each run of pixels above a threshold in a row or column is put in order by brightness, hue or saturation, so bright areas smear into streaks. The other eight effects sort whole blocks, move or swap the color channels, flip bytes inside a JPEG, slide rows sideways, and copy the faults of VHS tape and old CRT screens.
How to use it
- Choose an image, or keep the sample.
- Pick an effect, then move its sliders.
- Press Sweep to watch its first slider breathe, then save a PNG or record one sweep as a video.
Read the guide
Words: pixel sorting · luminance · RGB
Common questions
Does it need WebGL or a GPU?
No. Every pixel is worked out in JavaScript and drawn on a plain canvas. Any current browser works.
What does Randomize change?
Only the sliders of the effect you picked. The other effects keep their settings. Reset puts every slider back.
Does it work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. Tap an effect, a pill or a button, and drag the sliders. All nine effects are there.
Is my picture uploaded?
No. The picture is broken on your device and never leaves it.
On the blog: Glitch art: a free online guide