How to Recreate the Motion Pixel Reveal Effect in After Effects
Turn a pixelated image into a smooth reveal using this After Effects technique based on a simple optical illusion. Some effects catch your eye because they don’t make sense at first. That’s the case with this clever pixelated face reveal that's been making the rounds online. At a glance, you’re staring at a mess of crystalized blocks, but as the image moves slightly, the subject becomes instantly recognizable. The effect is based on a classic Moiré illusion, where overlapping patterns simulate the appearance of motion and clarity. In After Effects, you can build it using just a few native effects, a bit of animation, and smart use of blur. Here’s how.
Step 1: Add a crystalized pattern to your image
To begin, choose the image you want to reveal, ideally a face or object with strong structure. The more recognizable the subject, the better the illusion works. The goal is to make it unreadable at first glance, so you’ll apply the Cell Pattern effect to break it into large abstract shapes. Setting the pattern to Crystalize gives it that angular, gem-like look, while adjusting the size and contrast helps obscure detail without completely losing form. This creates the base layer for the entire effect.
- Drop your image into a composition
- Apply the Cell Pattern effect
- Set Pattern to Crystalize
- Set Disperse to 0
- Set Size to around 30
Step 2: Animate the pattern to trigger the illusion
This is where the effect comes to life. By animating the Offset of the pattern, you create the illusion of clarity emerging from motion. It’s not that the image changes—it's the pattern shifting that tricks the eye. A slow push toward the bottom-right or a light pan across the frame gives just enough movement for the brain to suddenly piece the image together.
- In Effect Controls, set Keyframes for Offset at the start and end of the animation
- Animate the Offset slightly (toward bottom-right works well)
- Keep motion smooth and subtle to enhance the illusion
Step 3: Overlay a contrasting crystal grid
To give the illusion more texture and depth, layer in a dark grid on top. You’ll do this by duplicating the layer, switching the pattern to Crystals, and turning the contrast all the way up. Then set the blending mode to Multiply so the black parts sit on top of your original image without blowing out the highlights. It’s a small touch that adds a lot of structure.
- Duplicate the original layer
- Set Pattern to Crystals
- Increase Contrast to maximum
- Change Blending Mode to Multiply
Step 4: Add motion blur to smooth the reveal
Without motion blur, the movement between frames can feel a little too sharp or mechanical. Applying CC Force Motion Blur smooths the transition and adds realism to the motion. This is especially important when you want the viewer to feel like the image is being revealed in real time. Add it to an adjustment layer so it applies globally across your composition.
- Add a new Adjustment Layer above other layers
- Apply CC Force Motion Blur to the adjustment layer
- Tweak the Shutter Angle (180–360 usually works well)
Now you’ve got a clean optical illusion effect
This is one of those rare effects that feels technical and artistic at the same time. It takes advantage of how we process visual information in motion, and it’s surprisingly easy to build with just a few native tools. You can use it as an intro, a face reveal, or even a subtle break between scenes. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll start to see ways to blend it into your own style.
Skip the complex setup and use a template that’s ready to go
If you like this kind of visual trick but want to keep your workflow light, motion graphics templates can save you hours. With 17,400+ pre-built designs, Videobolt offers everything from intros and logo reveals to overlays and promos, all editable, optimized, and ready to export. Just drop in your assets, tweak the settings, and you’re done. It’s that simple. Now go make something that breaks a few brains. Happy creating!