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How To Do Glitch Effect In Photoshop
When it comes to photoshop, there are often new trends emerging. The glitch effect is an old art form that adds intentional errors and distortion to an image.
The term glitch is used to describe a temporary malfunction and it is typically seen on television and in video games. However, it can affect many different aspects of technology.
If you want to make your pictures look more unique, why not create a glitch effect?
Below we have created the ultimate guide that details each step involved in creating the glitch effect in photoshop. Continue reading if you would like to find out more.
The following steps relate to the preparation of the image. They will prove helpful if you do not have any prior knowledge of creating your own effect.
How To Do Glitch Effect In Photoshop
Step 1
First, you will need to select the photograph that you want to add the glitch effect to. It is recommended that you opt for an image where the subject has clear images.
Ideally, the background should also be a solid color. If this is not the case, try to select an image where there isn’t too much going on in the background.
This will make it easier to separate the main subject from the background.
Step 2
Once you have selected your photograph, you will then need to visit the photoshop application. Open your file and you can then begin the process of creating the effect.
Step 3
Next, you will need to open the quick selection tool which can be found in the left sidebar. You can use this tool to select the main subject in the photograph.
Depending on the theme of the photo, this may be a person, animal, or object.
Step 4
You will now need to create a duplicate layer of the subject. These duplicates will then be layered back onto the image to shift the focus and create the glitch effect.
To duplicate the image, you will need to select the layer via the copy option, this can be accessed by right-clicking the screen.
Alternatively, you can duplicate the subject by pressing command + J if you are using a mac or control + J if you are using a PC.
Step 5
The saturation and contrast of the image will also need to be adjusted. Doing this is going to add more of a monochromatic effect to the subject and background.
This tool can be accessed via in the right corner. Select the option that allows you to create a new adjustment layer and then opt for hues and saturation.
Use the slider to increase or decrease these factors accordingly. The saturation will need to be adjusted until there is very little color in the photo.
You can also adjust the contrast on the duplicated layer. Along the top border of the screen, there will be a filter button.
Click on this and then increase the contrast. You can now combine the layers using the merge layers button.
Step 6
Now that you have a fully prepped image, you can move onto the fun part; creating the glitch effect. You can use blending options to create this effect.
Right-click the image and then scroll through the options until you come across the blending options.
In the advanced blending panel channel section, you will then need to uncheck the necessary box. In this case, it is going to be the R box.
Step 7
Using the move tool, you can now create the glitch effect by moving the layers. Next, you will need to use the rectangular marquee tool to add pixelation to the image.
Find the tool from the sidebar and then select certain portions of the image. Once you have done this, you will need to select the move tool.
You will then be able to move the selected sections of the image to the left or the right. This is going to create a distorted, pixelated effect.
Step 8
Repeat the previous step, selecting more portions of the image until it looks as pixelated and distorted as you would like it to.
Step 9
A line pattern can also be added to the image. To do this you will need to create a new layer.
Once you have created this layer, you will need to set the pattern type to lines. It can then overlay the original image.
Step 10
To make the subject a little more prominent and the colors more defined, you may wish to increase the levels of saturation again.
What Are The Reasons For Using The Glitch Effect?
There are several reasons why you may want to add the glitch effect to your images.
Perhaps the most noticeable benefit of adding this effect to your photos is that it can make them stand out by making them more unique.
If you have an artistic nature, experimenting with different effects is a great way to develop and improve your skills.
This effect also works well with different subjects e.g animals and people so you are not restricted in what you can create.
The glitch effect is also considered to be a reflection and celebration of imperfections.
By interrupting the image and adding elements of distortion and pixelation, you are creating a visually appealing piece that isn’t necessarily deemed perfect.
Final Thoughts
As you can see from our guide above, there are several steps involved in the process of creating the glitch effect on photoshop.
If you are new to this platform or still in the early stages of using it, your initial attempt may seem a little challenging, however, plenty of practice will soon refine your skills.
Ensure that you familiarize yourself with the layout of the photoshop application. By doing this, you will know where to find the tools that you are going to use.
You will also need to spend time preparing the image before adding the distortion and pixelation which ultimately creates the illusion of a glitch.