What It Does
Pixel Sorter 4 generates the pixel sorting glitch effect natively inside After Effects, Premiere Pro, Nuke, DaVinci Resolve, and Photoshop. The effect reorders pixels along rows or columns based on luminance, color, or other criteria, producing the stretched, artifact-heavy look common in music videos, title sequences, and digital art projects.
It was the first plugin to bring pixel sorting to motion designers in After Effects, and has since appeared in high-profile work including the main title sequence for The Peripheral by Patrick Clair, Travis Scott’s SICKO MODE, and campaigns for Ubisoft and The North Face.
Key Features
Simple Mode. A stripped-down interface introduced in V4 that shows only the core sorting controls. Useful when you want to get a result quickly without navigating the full parameter set.
Constraint Masks. Apply a mask to limit where sorting occurs on a layer. This lets you isolate the effect to a face, object, or specific region rather than sorting the entire frame.
Stretch Mode. Extends sorted pixel streaks beyond their natural boundaries for a more exaggerated look.
Noise Section. Adds fine detail and irregularity to the sorted output. Helps avoid the mechanical appearance that basic pixel sorting can produce.
Mirror Sort. Sorts from the center outward in both directions, making it easier to create loopable animations without hard start and end frames.
Floating Particles. Creates the illusion of pixels detaching and drifting away from the image, adding a secondary layer of motion to the effect.
Universal Licensing. One purchased license works across all supported hosts: After Effects, Premiere Pro, Nuke/NukeX, DaVinci Resolve, and Photoshop.
V4 also includes a 15% performance improvement over previous versions.
Who It’s For
Motion designers working on title sequences, music video edits, or any project requiring controlled glitch aesthetics. The Nuke listing specifically makes it relevant for compositors who do most of their work outside of After Effects. The constraint mask system and animation controls make it viable for frame-by-frame animated glitch work, not just static treatments.
Pricing
Pixel Sorter 4 is a one-time purchase at $49.99 (a special price of $34.99 is available for qualifying upgrades). Users who purchased AE Pixel Sorter v3 after January 1, 2026 can upgrade for free; earlier v3 purchasers receive 50% off. A free trial is available with output limited to 960x540 resolution and a watermark.