Skip to main content
Glama

Create pixel sort

create_pixel_sort

Sort pixels along rows or columns within luminance-thresholded regions to produce glitch-art streak effects. Tune mix, threshold, iterations, and direction for live adjustments.

Instructions

Build a glitch-art pixel-sort effect that sorts pixels along rows or columns within luminance-thresholded regions, creating the signature Kim Asendorf–style horizontal/vertical streak aesthetic. Uses a multi-pass odd-even transposition sort over a glslTOP feedback chain. Sort key: luminance, hue, or saturation. Exposes Mix, Threshold, Iterations, Direction, and Reset for live tweaking. Defaults to a self-contained noiseTOP source when no input TOP is provided.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
mixNoBlend between original (0) and sorted output (1). Live-tweakable.
axisNox = sort along rows (horizontal streaks), y = along columns (vertical streaks).x
nameNoBase name for the created baseCOMP.pixel_sort
sort_byNoSort key: the channel the odd-even transposition sort compares on.luminance
directionNodescending puts bright/saturated pixels first — the canonical Asendorf look. Live-tweakable.descending
thresholdNoLuminance gate [0..1]. Pixels with luminance >= threshold are sortable; others are locked in place. Live-tweakable.
iterationsNoNumber of odd-even sort passes to run via the Feedback TOP. Higher = closer to fully sorted but heavier cook. Live-tweakable.
resolutionNoOutput resolution [width, height] in pixels.
parent_pathNoParent COMP path. The pixel-sort container is created inside this path./project1
source_top_pathNoAbsolute path to an existing TOP (e.g. '/project1/movie1'). Pulled in via a Select TOP. If omitted, a self-contained animated noiseTOP source is used (no device permissions).
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

The description adds behavioral details beyond annotations: it discloses the multi-pass odd-even transposition sort over a glslTOP feedback chain, the live-tweakable parameters, and the default noiseTOP source. This gives the agent insight into the internal mechanics and side effects (creating a component) without contradicting the readOnlyHint=false and destructiveHint=false annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is three sentences long, front-loaded with the core purpose, then implementation details, parameter exposure, and default behavior. Every sentence earns its place with no redundancy or fluff, making it perfectly concise and well-structured.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a 10-parameter tool with no output schema, the description covers the main aspects: what it does, how it works, key parameters, and default source. It lacks an explicit statement about the return value (the created baseCOMP), but the schema's 'name' parameter implies it. It is sufficiently complete for an agent to invoke correctly.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema already covers 100% of parameters with descriptions, so the baseline is 3. The description adds value by identifying which parameters are live-tweakable (Mix, Threshold, Iterations, Direction). However, it also mentions 'Reset' which does not appear in the schema, creating a minor inconsistency that could confuse the agent.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description opens with 'Build a glitch-art pixel-sort effect', using a specific verb and resource. It clearly distinguishes itself from sibling tools like create_glitch by naming the pixel-sort algorithm and the signature Asendorf aesthetic, so the agent knows exactly what this tool produces.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides clear context on when to use the tool: for glitch-art pixel sorting. It explains the fallback behavior when no input TOP is provided, implying the tool is self-sufficient. However, it does not explicitly exclude alternatives like create_glitch or create_datamosh, missing a 'use this instead of X' statement.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Install Server

Other Tools

Latest Blog Posts

MCP directory API

We provide all the information about MCP servers via our MCP API.

curl -X GET 'https://glama.ai/api/mcp/v1/servers/lucasmaher-hash/touch-designer-mcp'

If you have feedback or need assistance with the MCP directory API, please join our Discord server