Pixel sorting takes rows of pixels and reorders them by brightness, so bands of your photo melt into smooth gradients of light. It is one of the most recognisable glitch-art techniques — structured enough to keep the subject readable, chaotic enough to feel broken.
Open the pixel sort tool →Free · no sign-up · runs in your browser — your photo is never uploaded.
The effect works by scanning each row for runs of pixels above a brightness threshold, then sorting only those runs. Everything darker stays untouched, which is why highlights streak while shadows hold their shape.
Pixel sorting is a glitch art technique that reorders pixels — usually by brightness — along rows or columns, creating melting streaks of colour while keeping the overall composition recognisable.
Yes, completely free with no login. Your photo is processed in your browser and never uploaded.
Images with strong contrast and bright highlights against darker areas, such as sunsets, neon signs, or backlit portraits.