A Comprehensive Guide to Achieving the Perfect Text Glitch in After Effects

What is a glitch text effect in After Effects

The glitch text effect in After Effects is a form of digital distortion that gives the impression that the text is 'malfunctioning' or 'breaking' apart. The effect simulates digital noise, flickers, and pixel shifts typical of futuristic designs. It helps create a sense of tension and chaos or gives a glimpse of modernity in a video. Editors can control the intensity and timing using keyframes, masking, and applying noises or wave distortions to make the distortions look bespoke.

Unique ways to use text glitch in After Effects

Applying a glitch effect to your video will make an enticing modern touch to it. Using the glitch text effect in After Effects, you can make smooth scene transitions. This method is very striking because the change between the images is animated, which makes it captivating. Here are some other ways to use this effect:

• Futuristic tech montages

Use glitch text in combination with fast-paced cuts, circuit overlays, and 3D motion graphics to enhance high-tech montages. This is ideal for showcasing innovations, AI concepts, digital products, or games, where the glitch effect reinforces the theme of cutting-edge technology and digital evolution.

• Glitch transitions

Achieving fade or dissolve with a digital distortion with text is possible through the use of glitch text effect in After Effects. This method not only enhances the pacing of the video but also adds life and energy to it, creating a dynamic visual experience.

• Emphasize phrases

Emphasizing sponsor phrases in a video with glitching effects dynamically would be more appealing than using conventional methods. Focusing attention on the screen with important visuals or text by drawing focus through applying the glitch effect is suitable.

• Background static

The glitch text in After Effects can be used to generate static borders to the text by providing a distorted background behind your text or visuals. This technique gives your composition an extra layer of depth and makes the texts more interesting without taking the focus away from the main content.

• Sync with audio

When syncing a glitch text effect in After Effects with sound or music, the text distortion occurs in time with the beats or sound effects. This makes for a more compelling experience where the visuals alongside the audio blend into a single unit and reinforce the impact of the video.

• Layered glitches

Applying multiple text glitches in After Effects layers can achieve an intense, chaotic look. There are many different ways through which you may combine glitch effects to create complex distortions of the text for dramatic visual impact.

How to make glitch text in After Effects

The text glitch in After Effects can be created by using keyframes alongside distortions and visual effects to make the text look like it's malfunctioning or breaking apart. With a few taps, you can create a digital glitch that gives your project an edgy and futuristic vibe. To create your own glitch text effect in After Effects, follow these steps.

STEP 1
1. Create your text

Type the desired text and position it on the screen. Change the font, size, and color to fit your project's style.

STEP 2
1. Apply distortion

Use effects like "Turbulent Displace" or "Wave Warp" to distort the text. Adjust the settings to simulate the glitch and control the intensity of the effect.

STEP 3
1. Add flicker and noise

Apply "Noise" or "Channel Blur" to introduce random flickers or pixelation. Animate these effects using keyframes to sync with the timing of the glitch.

Top 5 resources to get glitch text effect for After Effects

Creating stunning flashing text with After Effects is simple due to many online platforms providing stunning templates and assets. These sources range from free to premium, catering to professionals and beginners alike. Below are the 5 best platforms for finding After Effects text glitch effects:

Motion Array

Users can find a variety of templates and assets on Motion Array, including glitch text templates. It is very easy to use. For whatever project they are working on, users can simply drag and drop text glitches into their project. Editors who do not want to spend a lot of time creating high-quality effects can use it as it provides both free and premium content.

For example, you can use "25 Glitch Text Presets V 1.0".

Mixkit

Mixkit provides a free collection of high-quality After Effects glitch text templates and animations. The website is simple to navigate, providing a straightforward download process for assets that are perfect for any video editor. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, Mixkit has glitch effects that can easily be customized to fit your project's needs.

For example, you can use "Broken Frame Glitch Title and Logo Glitch Reveal".

Videohive

Videohive has some of the most professionally made text glitches After Effects templates. Editors will find everything they want, from simple glitch animations to complex multi-layered glitch effects among thousands of options. The marketplace also has prices that suit both the budget and high-end projects.

For example, you can use "Broken Frame Glitch Title" and "Logo Glitch Reveal".

Enchanted Media

Enchanted Media specializes in premium After Effects glitch text effects that are ideal for cinematic or technology-oriented videos. It is known for high artistic approaches, particularly in blending lettering, ensuring a high aesthetic. Besides, the site also provides easy navigation through packages and a scrollable package window.

For example, you can use "Glitch Text Presets Pack for After Effects" and "Glitch Text Animation".

Design Template

Design Templates have a variety of glitch-themed animations, so they would fall under the best text design. Also, it is very easy to categorize, so it serves as one of the best resources for glitch text effects. These templates save time, support customization, and provide a wide range of creative options for both beginners and professional video editors.

For example, you can use "Glitch Logo Reveal" and "New Glitch Transitions Pack".

While After Effects offers a customizable method for creating glitch text, it is a bit complex and challenging. And if you want to use more glitch effects, you will need to download them from other websites. If you are looking for a simpler, easier-to-use tool that can provide professional glitch text effects, there is another option to consider.

Another easy way to add the glitch text effect to videos: CapCut

The CapCut desktop video editor is one of the simplest tools for editing on a PC. Adding a glitch text effect using CapCut is smooth and quick. CapCut has many built-in glitch effects, which can meet your needs at one time. You don't need to go to a third-party website to download and use them. For people seeking professional results with little work, CapCut is perfect as it effortlessly adds glitch text animations.

Key features

The CapCut desktop video editor has a range of features that enhance the editing process. Here are some of its standout features:

• Library of diverse glitch effects

Access a variety of glitch effects to quickly incorporate into your text, perfect for adding a digital malfunction look to your videos.

• Various text templates

Choose from a wide range of pre-designed text templates, making it easy to apply creative and stylish glitch effects to your content.

• AI font generator

Use its AI font generator to create unique font styles that match the tone and theme of your project, enhancing visual appeal and creative storytelling.

• Auto captions

CapCut's auto caption generator quickly adds subtitles to your videos, which can be styled with glitch text effects to match your video's theme.

• Convert text to speech

CapCut's text-to-speech feature transforms written text into spoken audio using various voice styles. It helps add narration or voiceovers quickly without recording.

How to add a glitch text effect in CapCut

Download CapCut for desktop by visiting the official CapCut website. Click the download button below to start the installation. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the simple steps to set it up on your PC.

STEP 1
1. Import the video

In CapCut's desktop version, select "Import" or drag your video into the editor, then bring it to the timeline to begin editing.

STEP 2
1. Apply a glitch effect

Start by duplicating the imported video and placing the copy on a new layer. Add text to this layer, then adjust its color and position as needed. Go to the "Effects" tab, search for a suitable Glitch effect, and apply it to the video. Next, click on the "Mask" tool, choose a masking shape, and apply it to limit the effect to the text. If you want to try out various text effects, you can click "Text" > "AI generated" to generate text with glitch effects.

STEP 3
1. Export and share

Click "Export" once you’re done editing, choose the format, resolution, and codec, then either save the file or use the Share button to upload it.

Conclusion

Using an After Effects text glitch can dramatically enhance the look of your videos. This effect is particularly useful as it makes the text pop during music videos, trailers, and even in digital ads. Creating a glitch effect can be easy with the right templates and tools. Not everyone requires a full software set, and while After Effects provides absolute control, it can be very involved. For a faster approach, turn to CapCut's desktop video editor, which lets you apply glitch effects in just a few clicks.

FAQs

1
1. Which effects combine best with glitch text in AE?

Glitch text works well with RGB split, turbulent displacement, wave warp, and digital noise. These combine to create a more realistic digital breakdown. Movement, texture, and distortion all contribute to a stronger visual impact. They may also be applied in layers to achieve more complex animation. If you want quicker results without intricate setups, try the desktop version of CapCut, as it provides preset glitch combinations.

2
1. How to mask glitch text in After Effects' animations?

Shape layers and the Pen Tool can mask glitch text, enabling the creator to show portions of the glitch in specific areas. Masks in After Effects can animate the mask path, ensuring synchronization with movement or transitions to create seamless motion. For effortless preset-based bespoke animations, consider using alternatives like the CapCut desktop video editor.

3
1. Can glitch text in AE be looped seamlessly?

Glitch text can be pre-composed and trimmed to a loopable length, then set with a loopout expression. This keeps repeating glitch animation cycling without any noticeable jumps. Ideal for intros or overlays on repeat. If you want fast-looped animations without keyframes and expressions, use the tools in CapCut to get instant and accurate results.