How to Create a Pixel Sorting Effect in GIMP

The pixel sorting effect gives an image a unique, glitchy appearance by rearranging pixels. Here’s how to achieve this effect using GIMP:

Step 1: Duplicate and Prepare the Image

1. Duplicate the Image Layer: Click on the Duplicate Layer icon to create a copy of your image. Rename the new layer to "Pixel".
2. Apply Pixel Sorting Filter:
   • Go to Filters > Distorts > Shift.
   • Set the Shift Direction to Vertical and increase the Shift value to your preference. Click OK.
   • Repeat this filter by going to Filters > Repeat Shift. Apply this filter 4-5 times until you achieve the desired effect.

Step 2: Create a Path for Masking

1. Make a Path:
   • Select the Paths Tool (B) and draw a path around the area you want to isolate (e.g., the hood of a jacket).
   • To create curves, click and drag. For straight lines, hold Ctrl while clicking to adjust the handles.
   • To close the path, hold down Ctrl and click on the starting point of the path. Press Enter to finalize the selection.

Step 3: Apply Layer Mask

1. Add Layer Mask:
   • With the "Pixel" layer selected, right-click and choose Add Layer Mask.
   • Select Selection to use the path as a mask. Click Add. This will mask the layer according to the selection, making parts of the image visible or hidden.

Step 4: Refine the Mask

1. Remove Unwanted Areas:
   • Use the Free Select Tool to draw around areas that need adjustment. Make sure Add to current selection is enabled.
   • Complete the selection and fill it with white to keep it visible. Press Enter to finalize the selection.
   • Go to Select > None to remove the selection.

Step 5: Add Shadows

1. Create Shadow Layer:
   • Right-click on the layer mask and select Mask to Selection.
   • Create a new layer by clicking the New Layer icon and fill it with transparency.
   • Set the foreground color to black and use the Paintbrush Tool with low hardness and opacity to paint shadows under the hood.

Step 6: Add Highlights

1. Create Highlight Layer:
   • Create another new layer and fill it with transparency.
   • Change the foreground color to white and use the Paintbrush Tool to add highlights to the hood and pixels.
   • Set the layer mode to Overlay and adjust the opacity if needed.

Step 7: Final Adjustments

1. Merge Layers:
   • Right-click on the top layer and select New from Visible. This combines all visible layers into a new layer.
   • Delete the original layers by clicking the X icon next to them.
2. Apply Color Grading:
   • Duplicate the new visible layer.
   • Change the foreground color to a dark blue (#143371) and the background color to a light blue (#08DDE1).
   • Use the Gradient Tool set to FG to BG (RGB) and Linear shape.
   • Go to Colors > Map > Gradient Map, and change the layer mode to Overlay. Adjust the opacity as needed.

Step 8: Finalize the Image

1. Review and Save:
   • Review your image and make any final adjustments.
   • Save your work as needed.

Watch the Tutorial

For a more detailed walkthrough, check out our YouTube video below. This video provides a visual guide to Create a Pixel Sorting Effect in GIMP.

And that’s how you can create a pixel sorting effect in GIMP!

 

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Feel free to ask any questions or leave a comment below. Happy designing!