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Writer's pictureCorrina Crazie Espinosa

Lab: Glitching images with text apps

Updated: Jan 22

For This Lab you will need to post 15 images on your blog:

Step 1: Find 5 random images of visual interest. You cannot use these images again for your project, so focus on fun visual images and not conceptual images for now.

Step 2: Save all 5 images in a folder

Step 3: Glitch each image at least 2 times using the text editing technique described below. Save them each individually. You may have to attempt multiple times to get an effect.

Step 4: Post the two best glitches for EACH of the 5 images AND post the original unedited images for a total of 15 images. 25pts.


Instructions for Windows Users:


Step 1: Download and install notepad++

  1. Go to Notepad++ and download the latest version. (it's free)

  2. Follow the prompts to install the software.

  3. Once installed the software will open, and you are ready for the next step.


Step 2: Play with the code

  1. While avoiding the first part of the code (the header) try typing random letters and numbers into the code.

  2. Try copying a section of the code and pasting it somewhere else.

  3. Try pasting song lyrics or your favorite poem into the code.

  4. Do a little at a time, and follow the directions in step 3 to preview the results.


Step 3: Save As

  1. When you are ready to preview the results go to File> Save as

  2. Change the file name so that you don't save over your original file.

  3. Add a file extension at the end of your new file name, eg. ".jpg" if your original file was a jpg.

  4. Change "Save as type" to "all types"

  5. Click save. Open your file in preview. If the file won't open there, try to open it in Paint. If it still won't open you may have corrupted the file too much, start again.

  6. Repeat step 2 until the desired results are achieved.


Step 4: Hex Editor Plugin - another way to glitch

  1. For this technique, you will need to add a Hex Edit plugin, go to "Plugins" at the top of your screen and select "plugins admin"

  2. Go down the list until you find "HEX-Ediotor", check the box and click install, click "yes" on the next 2 prompts and your installation will be complete.

  3. Now that you have the plugin, go to "plugins"> "hex editor"> "view in hex" you should see the code change to a different format

  4. Again, avoiding the very top section of the code (the header) start manipulating the numbers and letters

  5. Jump around and type random numbers and letters at various points in the code.

  6. To preview, follow the Save As instructions from step 3.

  7. Repeat until the desired results are achieved.


Step 5: PLAY

  1. Play around with these techniques, try different things, enjoy the process, let go of control and let serendipity take over. HAVE FUN!


Instructions for Mac Users



Step 1: Prepare TextEdit

  1. Make a copy of the image you wish to glitch, so that you don't destroy the original image.

  2. Open the copy of the image in preview by double clicking it. Keep the opened image in the corner of your screen so that you can see the glitches as you go.

  3. Open TextEdit, it should already be installed on your mac, if not... you can download it for free (google search TextEdit)

  4. In TextEdit go to File> Open and select the copy of the image you wish to glitch. Make sure it is the same file you already have open in preview.


Step 2: Play with the code

  1. While avoiding the first part of the code (the header) try typing random letters and numbers into the code.

  2. Try copying a section of the code and pasting it somewhere else.

  3. Try pasting song lyrics or your favorite poem into the code.

  4. Do a little at a time, and follow the directions in step 3 to preview the results.


Step 3: Save

  1. Each time you manipulate the code, you can preview it by clicking File> Save. You should see the change to your image immediately in your preview window.

  2. If you don't like the change, click Edit> Undo ang then File> Save and the effect will go away.

  3. Once you close the text editor, you will no longer be able to undo any changes, and your file will be permanently corrupted. That is why it is important to use a duplicate of your original file, so you don't lose the original forever.

  4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 until the desired results are achieved.


For all platforms, try this!


Go to https://hexed.it/ where you will edit your image online.

  1. Click open file, and select the image you wish to glitch.

  2. While avoiding the first part of the code (the header) try typing random letters and numbers into the code.

  3. On the right side of the screen where it says "search type" click the box that says "enable replace."

  4. on the right side of your screen there is a tab that says "Search" next to "search for" type in a letter, or number. next to the words "replace by" enter another random number or letter.

  5. Below that you will see 2 boxes that says "find next" and "replace" click "find next" then hit "replace" repeatedly. This will replace the item you searched for with the item you put in for "replace by."

  6. When you are ready to preview your results, click "Save As" and save the file under a new name, so that you don't replace your original image.

  7. Repeat until the desired effects are achieved.


Step 5: PLAY

  1. Play around with these techniques, try different things, enjoy the process, let go of control and let serendipity take over. HAVE FUN!

Pro Tip: You are using tools in a way that they were not intended to be used. You are breaking things. Keep this in mind if the process is not working. It's not really supposed to work. The magic is in finding the center line where you are breaking it just enough to look awesome while still working :) keep trying, try different things, there are no rules when you are already breaking the rules... just different outcomes.

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