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How to Create a Cool Glitch Photo Effect in Adobe Photoshop

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This post is part of a series called How to Make Glitch Art.
21 Glitch & VHS Photo Effects With Digital Photoshop Art Styles
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Photo effects are a great way to practice and harness your Photoshop skills. In this lesson, you'll learn how to create a fun photo glitch effect using Marquee Tools, the Wave Filter, and more.

Learning how to do a glitch effect is easier than you think. Follow along with us over on the Envato Tuts+ YouTube channel:

How to Create a Cool Glitch Photo Effect in Adobe Photoshop

Jump to content in this section:

Photo Glitch Basics: What You Need to Know

It's time to learn how to do a glitching effect. In order to get the best result possible when achieving effects based on real-life scenarios, it helps to do your research.

So what is a glitch? The kind of glitch we'll be tackling is common to television or video games. These glitches are software errors or bugs that are often caused by a corrupted signal. The end result leaves your screen incredibly distorted and hard to make out.

For this color glitch effect tutorial, we'll need to keep in mind some key visual characteristics to achieve this look. These are:

  • jagged lines or waves
  • frozen or static-looking visuals
  • inverted colors

Now that you know what a glitch is, do a couple of web searches to keep some inspiration and references on deck. Refer to them often to experiment with this style for yourself.

Glitch Photo Effect Alternative Version by Melody NievesGlitch Photo Effect Alternative Version by Melody NievesGlitch Photo Effect Alternative Version by Melody Nieves
Alternate version. Gather glitch effect references to help achieve this look! Stock from Freepik.

If you're having trouble achieving this glitchy effect, don't forget that you can always bypass this process. Just download one of our incredible glitch photography effects from Envato Elements. You'll find a huge variety of glitching effect Photoshop actions. 

What You'll Learn in This Glitch Effect Photoshop Tutorial

  • How to set up the glitch photo effect
  • How to desaturate a photo
  • How to create a linear glitch distortion
  • How to create a wavy glitch distortion
  • How to create a simple 3D effect

1. How to Set Up the Glitch Photo Effect

Step 1

Let's begin! I'll be using an image from PhotoDune for this tutorial. (Note: the original image is no longer available. You can find another stock photo of people from Envato Elements.)

For this glitch how-to, it helps if you choose a stock where the model has edges that you can see clearly because we'll need to extract it from its background. It's also an added bonus if the background is a solid color or not too distracting, like these wooden panels.

Hipster Man Stock from PhotoDuneHipster Man Stock from PhotoDuneHipster Man Stock from PhotoDune
Notice how you can clearly see all the edges of this model. Make sure you choose a stock with a model you can easily extract.

Double-click the Background layer to make it a New Layer. Create a New Layer (Control-Shift-N) positioned underneath your reference. Set the Foreground Color to white, and Fill the layer with white using the Paint Bucket Tool (G).

Glitch How to Tutorial Setup the Layers for a Glitch Photo EffectGlitch How to Tutorial Setup the Layers for a Glitch Photo EffectGlitch How to Tutorial Setup the Layers for a Glitch Photo Effect

Step 2

Select the Magnetic Lasso Tool (L). This will help us extract the reference by easily snapping to the sides of your model. Use the Magnetic Lasso Tool (L) to create a complete selection around the model. When you're finished, Right-click and select Layer via Copy to create a quick duplicate.

How to Make Glitch Art Tutorial Use the Magnetic Lasso Tool to Extract the SubjectHow to Make Glitch Art Tutorial Use the Magnetic Lasso Tool to Extract the SubjectHow to Make Glitch Art Tutorial Use the Magnetic Lasso Tool to Extract the Subject
Make sure you keep the original stock. The end result is what the stock would look like on its own layer.

Step 3

Select the original stock. Use the Free Transform Tool (Control-T) to bring in the sides of the background to expose some of the white to the left and right.

Cool Glitch Art Photoshop Tutorial Squeeze the Sides with the Free Transform ToolCool Glitch Art Photoshop Tutorial Squeeze the Sides with the Free Transform ToolCool Glitch Art Photoshop Tutorial Squeeze the Sides with the Free Transform Tool

Alternatively, if your stock doesn't have a background, you can just add a rectangle using the Rectangle Tool (U) like this example below.

Alternative Glitch Version with Rectangle BackgroundAlternative Glitch Version with Rectangle BackgroundAlternative Glitch Version with Rectangle Background
Alternatively, if your stock doesn't have a background, add a quick rectangle. Stock from Freepik.

2. How to Desaturate a Photo

Step 1

Moving along, let's Desaturate this photo for a more monochromatic color palette. Select the layer for the model's cutout and go to Image > Adjustments > Hue & Saturation. Lower the Saturation to -95 to remove the majority of the photo's color.

Glitch How to Tutorial Desaturate with Hue and SaturationGlitch How to Tutorial Desaturate with Hue and SaturationGlitch How to Tutorial Desaturate with Hue and Saturation

Step 2

You can adjust the main photo even further by using Levels. Select the extracted model's layer again, and go to Image > Adjustments > Levels. Adjust the Levels for the RGB Channel with the following settings:

  • Shadow Input Level: 0
  • Midtone Input Level: 0.92
  • Highlight Input Level: 255
  • Output Levels: 17, 255

The end result is subtle, and it lightens the model slightly.

How to Make Glitch Art Tutorial Use Levels to Adjust the Desaturated PhotoHow to Make Glitch Art Tutorial Use Levels to Adjust the Desaturated PhotoHow to Make Glitch Art Tutorial Use Levels to Adjust the Desaturated Photo

3. How to Create a Linear Glitch Distortion

Step 1

The next part of this glitchy effect is to recreate the jagged photo distortion that makes it look as if the visuals are out of place. To do this, first select the stock and model layers and Merge them together.

Glitch How to Tutorial Merge the layers togetherGlitch How to Tutorial Merge the layers togetherGlitch How to Tutorial Merge the layers together

Step 2

Now select the Rectangular Marquee Tool (M). Create two skinny selections on the photo layer. First create one at the bottom, and then hold the Shift key to add another selection at the top.

Use the Rectangular Marquee Tool to create selectionUse the Rectangular Marquee Tool to create selectionUse the Rectangular Marquee Tool to create selection

Press the V key on your keyboard to switch over to the Move Tool. Use the Left Arrow key to move the selections to the left. You may have to hit it several times or hold it down for a while to get the desired result. 

Move the selection to the left for the glitchMove the selection to the left for the glitchMove the selection to the left for the glitch

Step 3

You can continue this process on a single layer, but eventually there might be open white spaces that don't look quite so good. So to avoid this, Duplicate the Model Layer and use the copy to create the distortion.

Again, use the Rectangular Marquee Tool (M) to create more selections, moving them in different directions with the Left Arrow and Right Arrow keys. Here I created two more and moved them to the right slightly.

Glitch Design Effect Tutorial Create more selections for more glitchesGlitch Design Effect Tutorial Create more selections for more glitchesGlitch Design Effect Tutorial Create more selections for more glitches

Notice that because there's a copy of the photo behind this layer, the resulting look shows the layer behind it instead of the white background.

Step 4

Let's speed this up a bit! Create even more Rectangular Selections, using the Move Tool (V) to move the different sections out of place. Vary the size between skinny selections and thicker ones to make the effect more natural.

It's even a good idea to have a game plan before you tackle this part. Since I like the man's serious expression, I want to make sure the glitches create focus towards the center of the glitch image.

Continue creating the glitch effect with selectionsContinue creating the glitch effect with selectionsContinue creating the glitch effect with selections

As you get closer to the face, try not to distort it too much. Do each glitch individually to see what will work. This part is all about experimentation, so if you need to go back a step or two, just hit Control-Z to Undo.

Creating Photo Glitches Around the FaceCreating Photo Glitches Around the FaceCreating Photo Glitches Around the Face

When you're finished with all your linear glitches, the effect should look something like this:

Glitch Effect Picture Tutorial Final Linear Glitch EffectGlitch Effect Picture Tutorial Final Linear Glitch EffectGlitch Effect Picture Tutorial Final Linear Glitch Effect

4. How to Create a Wavy Glitch Distortion

Step 1

The next part of this distortion effect is to create that wavy glitch overlay. You may have seen these before if you've ventured off into the naughty channels as a kid, but these glitches make the image appear as though it's moving in liquid.

To do this, we'll need the Wave Filter. First, Merge the original stock layer together with the copy that has all the glitches. Then Control-J to make a duplicate to create the wavy distortion on. 

Merging Layers and Creating Duplicates for the Wavy DistortionMerging Layers and Creating Duplicates for the Wavy DistortionMerging Layers and Creating Duplicates for the Wavy Distortion

Step 2

With the copy selected, create several more large selections with the Rectangular Marquee Tool (M) just like before. Keep in mind that I'm trying to frame the face of the subject, so don't select any parts directly in the center.

How to Make Glitch Art Tutorial Create Selections for the Wavy GlitchHow to Make Glitch Art Tutorial Create Selections for the Wavy GlitchHow to Make Glitch Art Tutorial Create Selections for the Wavy Glitch

Now go to Filter > Distort > Wave, adjusting the settings as follows to create a wavy effect on only the selections.

Glitch Effect Picture Tutorial Creating a Wavy Glitch with Filter Distort WaveGlitch Effect Picture Tutorial Creating a Wavy Glitch with Filter Distort WaveGlitch Effect Picture Tutorial Creating a Wavy Glitch with Filter Distort Wave

Step 3

With this particular glitchy effect, the settings above may or may not work for your photo. So it's important to experiment and adjust the settings on your own to achieve the look you desire.

Continue this process of making selections first before applying the Wave Filter. You'll need to change the settings each time to vary the effect on the photo.

Continue the Wavy Glitch ProcessContinue the Wavy Glitch ProcessContinue the Wavy Glitch Process

Here is some more progress after a little experimentation.

Wavy Glitch Photo Effect ProgressWavy Glitch Photo Effect ProgressWavy Glitch Photo Effect Progress

Step 4

Finish this effect by concentrating on the top and bottom parts of the photo. First, select the bottom of the image with the Rectangular Marquee Tool (M) and apply the Wave Filter with the following settings.

Glitch Effect Picture Tutorial Add the Glitch to the Bottom with the Wave FilterGlitch Effect Picture Tutorial Add the Glitch to the Bottom with the Wave FilterGlitch Effect Picture Tutorial Add the Glitch to the Bottom with the Wave Filter

Now for the top portion. Repeat the process, this time changing the settings to the following ones.

Top Portion Wavy Glitch EffectTop Portion Wavy Glitch EffectTop Portion Wavy Glitch Effect

Here is the glitch image complete with all the linear and wavy glitches. Let's move on to the finishing touches!

Glitch Effect Art Tutorial Final Wavy Glitch EffectGlitch Effect Art Tutorial Final Wavy Glitch EffectGlitch Effect Art Tutorial Final Wavy Glitch Effect

5. How to Create a Simple 3D Effect

Step 1

Now for the 3D color glitch effects! Just like before, start by Merging the glitch layers together, leaving the white background out so that there are only two layers left. Then hit Control-J to create two more Duplicates of the merged photo layer.

Glitch Effect Art Tutorial Duplicate Layers for the Final EffectGlitch Effect Art Tutorial Duplicate Layers for the Final EffectGlitch Effect Art Tutorial Duplicate Layers for the Final Effect

Step 2

Hide the Visibility of the top two layers. Then Right-click the first photo layer, "Merged," and go to Blending Options. Uncheck the G, or Green Channel, located under Advanced Blending.

Uncheck the Green Channel for 3D EffectUncheck the Green Channel for 3D EffectUncheck the Green Channel for 3D Effect

Now Unhide the Visibility of the top layers and repeat the process. This time Uncheck the Red Channel for "Merged Copy," and both the Red and Green Channels for "Merged Copy 2."

Glitch Effect Art Tutorial Uncheck the Red and Blue Channels for 3D EffectGlitch Effect Art Tutorial Uncheck the Red and Blue Channels for 3D EffectGlitch Effect Art Tutorial Uncheck the Red and Blue Channels for 3D Effect

Step 3

Now we can begin to move each layer to create the insane 3D effect on the glitch image. Select the Move Tool (V) and then select the layer, "Merged Copy," using the Left Arrow key to move the layer to the left. Next, select the top layer, "Merged Copy 2," using the Left Arrow key to move the layer to the left as well.

Here is what the process will look like.

How to Make Glitch Art Tutorial Creating the 3D effect on a glitched photoHow to Make Glitch Art Tutorial Creating the 3D effect on a glitched photoHow to Make Glitch Art Tutorial Creating the 3D effect on a glitched photo

Step 4

Almost done! To add the appearance of screen lines to this effect, select the top layer, "Merged Copy 2," and Right-click to go to Blending Options. Add a quick Pattern Overlay using the default Horizontal Line Pattern, and set the rest of the settings as follows:

Glitch Effect Art Tutorial Creating the Horizontal Pattern with an OverlayGlitch Effect Art Tutorial Creating the Horizontal Pattern with an OverlayGlitch Effect Art Tutorial Creating the Horizontal Pattern with an Overlay

Because the layer is blue and the Blend Mode is set to Soft Light, this will also give your image a nice blue tint.

How to Make Glitch Art Tutorial Result of the Pattern OverlayHow to Make Glitch Art Tutorial Result of the Pattern OverlayHow to Make Glitch Art Tutorial Result of the Pattern Overlay

Step 5

To complete this cool glitchy effect, we just need to carry out one last step. Add a New Layer and set the Layer Blend Mode to Dissolve. In this step, we'll use the Brush Tool (B) to paint red #5e220a towards the bottom of the image in order to create tiny particles as a part of the final glitching effect. Adjust the Opacity of the layer if you need to; here I brought mine down to 8%.

How to Make Glitch Art Tutorial Creating Glitch Particles with DissolveHow to Make Glitch Art Tutorial Creating Glitch Particles with DissolveHow to Make Glitch Art Tutorial Creating Glitch Particles with Dissolve

That's It! You Know How to Make a Glitch Effect in Photoshop!

Check out the final result of this Photoshop glitch effect below. You could also modify this to create a glitch effect Photoshop action. Now you know how to make a glitch effect in Photoshop!

How to Make Glitch Art Photo Effect Photoshop Tutorial by Melody NievesHow to Make Glitch Art Photo Effect Photoshop Tutorial by Melody NievesHow to Make Glitch Art Photo Effect Photoshop Tutorial by Melody Nieves

Top Glitch Effect Photoshop Actions From Envato Elements

Looking for some recommended glitching effect actions for Photoshop? Check out these items from Envato Elements. You can also have a peek at this article below.

1. Hologlitch Photoshop Effect (PSD)

Create convincing glitch effect art from your photos with this Photoshop glitch effect. This digital glitch PSD includes everything you need to add this look to your photo. Use this glitch overlay to create a glitch background. It's one of the newest options in the glitching effect category.

Hologlitch Photoshop EffectHologlitch Photoshop EffectHologlitch Photoshop Effect

2. Anaglyph / Glitch Photo FX (PSD)

Why not try this anaglyph glitch PSD photo effect template? It's a nondestructive glitch design, meaning it works over your photo without changing it. It's also a good choice if you don't want a glitch background. This PSD also comes with a video tutorial so you can learn how to make glitch art with this download.

Anaglyph Glitch Photography Design Glitch PSDAnaglyph Glitch Photography Design Glitch PSDAnaglyph Glitch Photography Design Glitch PSD

3. Geometric Glitch Photoshop Action (ABR, ATN, PAT)

Or try a unique approach with this geometric glitch Photoshop action download. It uses different shapes and abstract imagery to create a unique finished product. Use this color glitch effect to create the perfect glitch background or to add a glitch effect to your images.

Geometric Glitch Photoshop Action DownloadGeometric Glitch Photoshop Action DownloadGeometric Glitch Photoshop Action Download

4. Motion Glitch Photoshop Action (ATN, PAT)

Give some motion to your photos with this Photoshop glitch effect. This moving glitch photo effect makes great final products in quick steps, and the resultsare fully editable. Use this action if you want a moving glitch photo effect or to make static images.

Motion Glitch Photoshop ActionMotion Glitch Photoshop ActionMotion Glitch Photoshop Action

5. 10 Color Glitch Effect Art Photoshop Actions (ATN)

Looking for the right Photoshop glitch effect? We round out our list with this glitch Photoshop action download pack. You get ten unique glitch design effects for pictures, including a red and blue effect. Each abstract glitch photo effect works without resizing or changing your original image. If you're looking to create cool glitch art and color glitch effects, consider this action.

Glitch Effect Art Photoshop Action Download PackGlitch Effect Art Photoshop Action Download PackGlitch Effect Art Photoshop Action Download Pack

Explore More Tutorials and Resources

Photo effects are a smart way to practice unique and exciting techniques in Adobe Photoshop. You can have lots of fun achieving photo glitches and so much more.

I hope you enjoyed this cool glitch art photo effect tutorial. Feel free to let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. And be sure to browse our wide range of glitch effects available on Envato Elements.

Now you know how to make a glitch effect in Photoshop. Want to try more Photoshop photo effect tutorials? Check out these epic articles:

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Melody Nieves
Melody Nieves
Digital Artist - CT, USA
I'm an Afro-Latina digital artist originally from Long Island, NY. I love to paint, design, and photo manipulate in Adobe Photoshop while helping others learn too. Follow me on Instagram or tweet me @MelloNieves and tell me what you'd like to see next!
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