On this page
How glitch text works
Glitch text uses Unicode combining marks, the same marks that create accents. Instead of one accent, the generator piles several marks above and below each letter, so the text looks like it is melting or corrupted.
This is often called zalgo text, after a creepy internet legend from the late 2000s.
Choose the right intensity
| Intensity | Marks per letter | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Light Glitch | 1 to 2 | Readable names and titles |
| Medium Glitch | up to 6 | Horror captions |
| Chaos Glitch | up to 12 | Visual art pieces |
| Gothic Glitch | 2 to 4 over fraktur | Dark fantasy |
| Bubble Glitch | 2 to 4 over bubbles | "Game error" look |
Each intensity creates a new pattern for each text. Change one letter for a different result.
Glitch in digital art
Glitch text pairs beautifully with glitch art: datamoshed images, RGB-split portraits and CRT scanlines. Put a light glitch title over a calm image for tension, or build a poster in the Lettering Studio with the Sumi ink palette.
Where glitch text works (and where it doesn't)
- Works: Instagram bio, captions, Discord nicknames, messages.
- Often trimmed: game nicknames, usernames, fields with tight limits.
- May be blocked: Discord servers with moderation bots.
Use it kindly
Heavy glitch can slow down weak phones and is unreadable for screen readers. Keep it short and away from important messages.
Questions artists ask
What is zalgo text?
Text overloaded with combining marks, creating a corrupted look. The name comes from an internet legend.
Can glitch text freeze a phone?
Very long and heavy glitch text can slow down weak devices. Keep it to short phrases.
Why does my glitch look different from the example?
The pattern depends on the text you type, so every phrase gets its own noise.
Founder and editor of Letras Bonitas Art. Builds the tools and writes the guides on this site for artists who letter on screens. How we review our pages.
