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Pixel Sort

by CGMatter·VFX

Images © CGMatter. Used for product review; image policy.

Why we like it

Pixel Sort earns its place in the Superhive library as a geometry-nodes glitch tool that runs without dependencies and supports both Cycles and Eevee.

What is Pixel Sort?

Pixel Sort brings the pixel-sorting glitch-art algorithm into Blender. It can sort any image or video, and its parameters are procedural so you can dial in the look you want. Because the parameters can be animated, the effect also works for image-sequence export. The add-on is built fully with Blender's geometry nodes, so it runs with no dependencies required.

Controls include a source image input, an x-axis resolution setting, a sort attribute name, a metric to sort by, a direction for vertical or horizontal sorting, and options to reverse the sort. A selection threshold decides which pixels get sorted, with a flip option to invert that selection and a blur setting that smooths the threshold to lower noise. The result is stored in a 'PixelSort' attribute that can be used in the material for rendering.

Installation follows the standard add-on process: drag the .zip into Blender and confirm, after which it appears in the 3D Viewport N-Panel. The add-on opens the Pixel Sort template file with auto-image selection. It works with Cycles and Eevee, and a demo video and documentation are available.

Who is Pixel Sort best for?

Pixel Sort is best for blender artists creating glitch-art and datamoshing-like effects from images or video.

How much does Pixel Sort cost?

Pixel Sort is completely free to download and use.

Key features

  • Sorts any image or video using the pixel-sorting algorithm, built fully with Blender's geometry nodes and no dependencies
  • Procedural parameters including sort metric, direction, reverse sort, and a selection threshold with flip and blur options
  • Adjustable x-axis resolution and a named sort attribute for the material
  • Parameters can be animated for image-sequence export
  • Result stored in a 'PixelSort' attribute usable in the material for rendering
  • Works with Cycles and Eevee render engines
  • Documentation and a demo video available

Tags

#pixel sort#glitch art#datamosh#geometry nodes#motion graphics#blender addon#procedural

Frequently asked questions

What Blender versions does Pixel Sort support?

Pixel Sort supports Blender versions 4.3 to 4.4 and is listed as Blender Extension compatible. It is distributed as an add-on and works with both the Cycles and Eevee render engines, since the result is stored in a 'PixelSort' attribute that you use in the material for rendering. Because it is built fully with Blender's geometry nodes, it requires no additional dependencies. Check the developer's page for the latest details on newer Blender releases before installing.

How do I install Pixel Sort in Blender?

Pixel Sort installs just like any other Blender add-on: drag the .zip file directly into Blender and click confirm. Once installed, it shows up in the 3D Viewport N-Panel. The add-on is essentially a way to open the Pixel Sort template file with auto-image selection, so you can begin sorting an image or video from there. No external dependencies are required, as the tool is built entirely with Blender's geometry nodes.

Can Pixel Sort process video or animated sequences?

Pixel Sort can sort any image or even any video. Its parameters are procedural and can be animated, which makes the add-on suitable for image-sequence export. You control the effect through settings such as resolution, sort metric, direction, reverse sort, a selection threshold with a flip option, and a blur that smooths the threshold to lower noise. The sorted result is stored in a 'PixelSort' attribute that you can then use in the material for rendering.

Is Pixel Sort free to use?

Pixel Sort is listed as free here and carries a GPL license. For current licensing terms and any bundle options, check the developer's page, since the add-on is also noted as being bundled with Genie. The tool is published by CGMatter and marked as a Dev Fund contributor. It is delivered as a Blender add-on that installs from a .zip and appears in the 3D Viewport N-Panel once confirmed.

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