Stretch a photograph into luminous pixel ribbons by sorting real luminance-selected pixel runs. The renderer finds contiguous runs inside a luminance interval, sorts their existing colors and preserves pixels outside those runs. A timed blend reveals the sorted target and returns to the source. PopNow can supply missing artwork, footage or sound after a quote; owned material and the local example work without a connection.
- Uses PopNow for
- Images · Music & voice
- Needs
- Python 3 · FFmpeg
The skill is free. Optional AI images, video and sound are quoted for your approval before generation. API-key calls use your separate API balance in USD; generation through ChatGPT or Claude connected via OAuth/MCP uses your website credits.
v1.0.0 · Updated Oct 25, 2026 · 5.7 MB · Use it for personal and client work; please don't resell or share the package.
What you get
An 8-second 1280 × 720 H.264 MP4 made by the local algorithm
The renderer finds contiguous runs inside a luminance interval, sorts their existing colors and preserves pixels outside those runs. A timed blend reveals the sorted target and returns to the source.
Editable JSON, a six-frame contact sheet and a receipt with actual checks
Good for
- Glitch art, glass textures and abstract motion backgrounds
- Original creative work using owned or licensed material
Not for
- An AI repaint or a promise that transition blends preserve every original color
- Publishing without watching the rendered result
How to use it
You say
Use the PopNow skill "Pixel Sort Ribbon Film" (pixel-sort-ribbon-film) for this: Stretch a photograph into luminous pixel ribbons by sorting real luminance-selected pixel runs. Use the bundled project, render the example and inspect the full result before delivery.
Then try
Switch axis from vertical to horizontal and compare the ribbon direction.
Use my licensed music; keep source audio discarded.
What to have ready
- One high-contrast photograph or artwork with useful bright color bands.
- Python 3.10+, FFmpeg/ffprobe, Pillow and NumPy
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Questions
What is actually sorted?
Each eligible contiguous row or column run is stably sorted by luminance. The fully sorted target preserves channel histograms and untouched pixels.
Do intermediate frames preserve the histogram?
No. Crossfades blend colors. Conservation is checked on the fully sorted target, not falsely claimed for intermediate blends.
Does the local render spend generation funds?
No. It reads local media and renders locally. Missing media can be made through PopNow after an exact quote and approval; no paid call occurs in the renderer.