What It Does
memleak generates glitch effects by reading random parts of your computer’s memory and interpreting it as pixel data. Every time After Effects opens, you get completely different visuals. The effect is editable and animatable, but results are non-persistent, so always render your output at the same resolution or it’s gone.
To regenerate new effects, add an effect before memleak and tweak a parameter to clear After Effects’ frame cache. The plugin includes an epilepsy warning due to flashing lights in demos.
Key Features
GPU acceleration. Renders fast using your graphics card, making it practical for real-time preview and experimentation.
8/16/32 bpc support. Change the Bit Depth parameter to interpret memory data at different bit depths without altering your project settings. Each bit depth produces distinctly different visual results.
Size parameter. Adjust allocated memory size independently of layer dimensions, giving you more control over the scale and density of glitch patterns.
Stackable with other effects. Combine memleak with plugins like Color Shift and Pixelfan for layered glitch compositions. The random base output makes it a flexible starting point for complex VFX chains.
Who It’s For
Motion designers working on music videos, abstract visuals, or horror/sci-fi content where unpredictable, corrupted imagery fits the aesthetic. Also useful for data visualization projects that need textural noise or artists exploring generative glitch art.
Since outputs are non-repeatable, this plugin suits experimental workflows better than production scenarios requiring consistent results across multiple renders.
Pricing
$59.99 for a single-user license. Floating server and render-only licenses available. Upgrade pricing offered for existing customers. Free trial included.
Compatibility: After Effects 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.