ASCII Cut Effect

Apply ASCII Cut to images and videos online

Replace parts of a photo with bright blocks of ASCII texture while leaving other areas visible. ASCII Cut combines Grid Split, Noise, and ASCII for a graphic mix of image fragments and tiny characters.

Try ASCII Cut Now
Original image before applying ASCII Cut effect Before
Image with ASCII Cut effect applied After

Ideas for using the effect

Digital collages

Mix a recognizable portrait with blocks of text-like texture.

Editorial graphics

Use the white areas as part of a larger page composition.

Experimental posters

Start with a clear silhouette so the remaining image reads at a distance.

Music artwork

Create a fragmented portrait or landscape for a digital-release cover.

Made with this effect

More inspiration on Instagram @effect_app

Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
Example created with ASCII Cut effect Original before ASCII Cut
See more

Use ASCII Cut in Photoshop, Figma or on your desktop

One account, the same effect everywhere.

In Photoshop

Apply it to a layer in Photoshop 2022 and later, on macOS or Windows. The plugin renders on your own GPU and hands the result back as pixels on a new layer.

get the Photoshop plugin →

In Figma

Run it on images and frames without leaving the canvas. The Figma plugin is this same editor, pointed at whatever you have selected.

get the Figma plugin →

On desktop

Install the macOS or Windows app when you want a window of its own, with your account and your presets already there.

download the desktop app →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply ASCII Cut online?

Open the ASCII Cut preset, add your photo or video, and adjust the loaded effect layers. Preview at your intended output size before exporting.

Is the text a transcription of the image?

No. ASCII characters act as a visual texture. The effect does not describe or transcribe the subject.

Why do bright images turn mostly white?

Large regions can be replaced by the ASCII treatment. Try a source with more tonal separation and adjust the ASCII and Grid Split layers.

Can I change the size of the fragments?

Use the Grid Split controls to alter the grid. Adjust the ASCII layer separately to change its character treatment.

What sources work well?

Clear subjects and mixed light and dark areas leave recognizable fragments. Very pale images or dark silhouettes may lose too much useful detail.

Try ASCII Cut now

Start for free Download