Pixel Encoder is a free plugin for After Effects and Premiere Pro that converts footage into grungy pixel animations, offering 10 modular presets, color customization, tone detection, pattern controls and a built-in chaos engine.
Developed by MEGAKRUNCH.
About Pixel Encoder
Pixel Encoder adds pixel‑style stylization to any clip in After Effects or Premiere Pro. It includes ten modular presets, color customization, and a chaos engine for generating glitch effects. Version 1.7.0 introduced Tone Detection with five modes (Luminance Rec.601, Average, Red, Green, Blue), a Shading Detail slider (0‑100 %), Pattern Offset X/Y, an Invert Pattern toggle, a Randomize Pattern option, and an Advanced collapsible UI section, plus general UI and rendering improvements. Compatibility spans After Effects from CS6 through the 2026 release and Premiere Pro from CS5 through 2026, with native Apple Silicon support added in earlier releases. The plugin is listed as free in this catalog.
Features
- 10 modular presets
- Color customization
- Built-in chaos engine
- Tone Detection with five modes: Luminance (Rec.601), Average, Red, Green, and Blue
- Shading Detail slider running from 0 to 100%
- Pattern controls including Offset X/Y, an Invert Pattern toggle, and Randomize Pattern
- An Advanced collapsible section
Best for
Creating grungy pixel‑style animations and glitch effects from video footage.
Frequently asked questions
Which After Effects and Premiere Pro versions does Pixel Encoder support?
Pixel Encoder supports After Effects from CS6 up through the 2026 release, including CC 2014, CC 2015, CC 2015.3 and yearly versions 2017‑2025, and it works with Premiere Pro from CS5 and CS5.5 through CS6, CC and yearly releases up to 2026.
What did the 1.7.0 update add to Pixel Encoder?
The 1.7.0 update added Tone Detection with five modes (Luminance Rec.601, Average, Red, Green, Blue), a Shading Detail slider ranging 0‑100 %, Pattern Offset X and Y controls, an Invert Pattern toggle, a Randomize Pattern option, and an Advanced collapsible section, along with UI and rendering refinements.
Does Pixel Encoder run on Apple Silicon Macs?
Native Apple Silicon support was introduced in the 1.6.2 release, and subsequent fixes address earlier macOS detection issues, so the plugin runs on Apple Silicon Macs that meet the supported After Effects or Premiere Pro versions.
Is Pixel Encoder free to use?
The catalog lists Pixel Encoder as free, but the price may change; users should verify the current licensing and cost on the developer’s site before installing.
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