Designilo

How to Make a Glitch Effect in Figma

The glitch effect—characterized by distorted visuals, shifting colors, and digital noise—is a popular design aesthetic used in tech, cyberpunk, and gaming interfaces. While Figma isn’t built specifically for motion graphics, it can create a compelling glitch effect using clever layer manipulation and color offsetting. In this article, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process of building a glitch effect in Figma, perfect for text, icons, or UI mockups.

How to Make a Glitch Effect in Figma
How to Make a Glitch Effect in Figma

Step 1: Start with Your Base Layer

Begin by creating the original object you want to apply the glitch to. This could be a text label like “GLITCH,” an icon, or even an entire button.

  • Use a bold font (e.g., Rubik, Anton, or Bebas Neue) for better visual distortion.
  • Group elements if necessary to keep your base object intact.

Step 2: Duplicate and Offset

To create the illusion of RGB distortion:

  1. Duplicate your base object two times (you should now have three layers).
  2. Color each layer with a different primary color:
    • One Red
    • One Green
    • One Blue
  3. Slightly offset each layer horizontally or vertically—just a few pixels will do.
  4. Set each layer’s Blend Mode to Difference, Screen, or Lighten for varied results.

Step 3: Add Displacement Blocks

To simulate glitchy line cuts or digital interference:

  1. Draw narrow rectangles across the base object.
  2. Set their color to match the glitch palette (RGB, neon, or white).
  3. Apply transparency or a blur if needed.
  4. Randomly scatter the rectangles across the layers—some over text, some under.

This mimics the jagged digital jump cuts seen in glitch animations.

Step 4: Use Boolean Cutouts (Optional)

If you want to take it further:

  • Duplicate your base object again.
  • Use the Subtract Boolean operation with irregular shapes or rectangles to cut through the layer.
  • This creates random voids and breaks in the object—enhancing the glitch effect.

Step 5: Animate the Glitch (Optional)

For simple interactive prototypes:

  1. Create multiple frames in Figma, each with slightly altered glitch states (e.g., shifting the layers or changing block positions).
  2. Use Smart Animate in Figma’s prototype mode to simulate flickering.
  3. Set it to cycle quickly or use After Delay transitions for an auto-glitching animation.

You won’t get full motion graphics capabilities in Figma, but this creates a convincing illusion of digital noise.

Bonus Tip: Use Glitch Plugins

Explore the Figma Community for plugins like:

  • “Glitch” – adds random distortions.
  • “Color Shift” – good for RGB splitting.
  • “Noise & Texture” – to add digital grain for extra realism.

Final Thoughts

Creating a glitch effect in Figma is all about embracing distortion, randomness, and layer play. Whether you’re designing a techy landing page, a cyberpunk poster, or simply adding flair to a UI mockup, this glitch method delivers dynamic visual impact—no After Effects required.

✅ Try it on:

  • Hero headings
  • Login screens
  • Loading animations
  • Game menus
  • Music or event posters
Ben Kemp
, , , , , , , , ,