Apply Bad Signal to images and videos online
Turn a clean image into an unstable monochrome signal. Bad Signal combines moving modulation lines, directional smearing, and dithering for gritty interference-style pictures and loops.
Before
After
Ideas for using the effect
Broadcast-inspired graphics
Make a portrait or symbol look as though it is struggling through a damaged signal.
Noise music visuals
Use animated line changes as the basis for rough, high-contrast release loops.
Found-footage edits
Introduce brief bursts of patterned interference into an existing video sequence.
Experimental typography
Distort large lettering into waves while preserving a recognizable overall silhouette.
Made with this effect
More inspiration on Instagram @effect_app
Use Bad Signal 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 Bad Signal online?
Open the Bad Signal preset, add your image or video, and adjust the loaded effect layers to suit your source. Preview the result before exporting.
What produces the interference?
Monochrome conversion feeds Modulation, followed by Motion Blur, two-color Dither, and sharpening. The saved animation changes modulation settings over time.
Can I make a still image move?
Yes. The modulation animation changes the signal pattern independently of the source. A static image can therefore produce an evolving loop without requiring camera footage.
How do I keep the subject visible?
Reduce modulation intensity or the Motion Blur strength, then adjust Dither gamma. These changes can restore larger shapes while preserving the line-based interference.
How is it different from a VHS filter?
Bad Signal is a graphic monochrome treatment driven by modulation and dithering. VHS focuses on tape-style color, tracking, and signal artifacts. Choose according to whether you want abstract interference or a camcorder recording aesthetic.