What is Pixel Sorting?
Pixel sorting rearranges pixels based on brightness or color values. The algorithm scans rows (or columns), finds pixels that meet a threshold, and reorders them. The effect: images that look like they're melting.
Getting Started
- Load your image
- Go to Effects > Pixel Sort
- Pick a direction (horizontal or vertical)
- Adjust threshold to control which pixels get sorted
Thresholds
The threshold sets the trigger point:
- 0-30%: Only dark pixels sort. Subtle streaks.
- 30-70%: Middle ground. Works for most images.
- 70-100%: Almost everything sorts. Heavy distortion.
Tips
Layer effects. Pixel sort first, then RGB shift.
Use high contrast images. Strong light/dark separation creates more dramatic results.
Direction matters. Vertical feels like rain or dripping. Horizontal feels like wind or speed.
Good Subjects
- Portraits: hair turns liquid
- Cityscapes: buildings bleed into sky
- Trees and foliage: cascade effect
Go Break Something
Crank the threshold. See what happens.