How to Make Glitch Text (and How It Works)
Make distorted “glitch” text with Unicode marks — how it differs from zalgo and where it works.
What glitch text is
Glitch text looks like corrupted or “broken” writing, with marks bleeding above and below each letter. It’s popular for edgy usernames, horror-themed posts and aesthetic captions. The base letters usually stay readable while the added marks create the distorted effect.
How it’s made
Glitch generators use Unicode “combining characters” — diacritics that stack onto the character before them. A glitch style adds a small, controlled number of these marks, giving a distorted look that’s still legible. Pile on many more and you get full “zalgo”, the chaotic, dripping version.
Where it works (and where it breaks)
Most chat apps and social platforms display glitch text, but some strip excess combining marks for performance or safety, so heavy effects may render lighter or get trimmed. Keep phrases short, and if a platform removes the effect, switch to a milder glitch style.
FAQ
What’s the difference between glitch and zalgo text?+
They use the same Unicode combining marks. Glitch keeps the effect light and readable; zalgo stacks many more marks for a chaotic, overflowing look.