How to Create a Glitch Effect in Affinity Photo

In today’s tutorial, we will create a glitch effect in Affinity Photo. This effect can be used to add a retro look to photos, posters, and flyers. Let’s begin.

Before you start, go to the following link and download the image. Man with the DJ Turntable.

Step 1

First, go to File > Open and select the image of the man with the DJ turntable.

Step 2

Second, go to the Channels Panel.

Step 3

In the Channels Panel, select Composite Red.

Step 4

Next, go to the Filters Menu at the top. Then, go to Distort and select Shear.

Step 5

Now, place a point on the line on the left by clicking in the center. Next, move that point slightly to the left. This will distort all the red color that’s in the photo. Now, hit Apply.

Step 6

Go to the Channels Panel and select Composite Green.

Step 7

In addition, go back to the Filters Menu. Click on Distort and select Shear.

Step 8

Add a point in the center to the line on the left. Next, move that point slightly into the right side. Then, hit Apply.

Step 9

Next, go to the Channels Panel and click on Composite Blue.

Step 10

After that, go to the Filters Menu. Now, click on Distort. Select Shear.

Step 11

Add 3 points to the line on the left. First, add the first point in the middle. Second, add the second point above the middle point. Third, add the third point below the middle point. You should have a total of five points on the line.

Step 12

Now that you added the point, bring the middle point slightly to the right. Next, bring the second point (the one above the middle point) slightly to the left. After that, bring the third point (the one below the middle point) slightly to the left. Then hit Apply.

Step 13

Go to the Channels panel and select the Eye icon on all the Composite colors (Red, Green, Blue, Alpha) to turn them back on.

Step 14

To get rid of the distorted color on the sides of the photo, grab the Crop Tool from the Tools Panel.

Step 15

Finally, pull both sides in until the cropped frame is past the distorted color edges. Then hit Apply in the Context toolbar.

Congratulations! The glitch effect tutorial in Affinity Photo is complete!

For more Affinity Photo tutorials, check out this tutorial on creating a pop out effect in Affinity Photo.