How Zalgo text works
Unicode has "combining characters" meant for accents: the mark in é, for example, can be stored as e plus a separate accent. Normally a letter carries one or two. Zalgo text attaches dozens of random marks to every letter, so they stack into a tangled mess that looks like a broken screen.
Ideas for using glitch text
- Spooky usernames and Discord channel names for Halloween
- Horror game, creepypasta and ARG captions
- TikTok and YouTube titles with a "corrupted" theme
- Memes where the text is meant to look cursed
Things to know
- Character limits: each mark is a character, so a short word can use hundreds. The counter below the tool shows the length.
- Moderation: some sites remove or block heavy Zalgo because it can cover other content.
- Accessibility: screen readers struggle with it, so do not use it for anything important.
Looking for cleaner styles? Try the fancy font generator or the small text generator.
Last reviewed October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is glitch text or Zalgo text?
Glitch text, also called Zalgo or cursed text, stacks Unicode combining marks above, through and below each letter. The marks pile up and spill out of the line, making text look corrupted or creepy.
How do I make cursed text?
Type your text, choose how chaotic you want it with the intensity slider, and pick whether marks go above, through or below the letters. Press Regenerate for a new random pattern, then copy it.
Why does glitch text overlap other lines?
Combining marks are drawn on top of the letter before them, and many of them stacked together extend far above and below the line. Lower the intensity if it covers too much.
Can glitch text break apps?
Very heavy Zalgo can slow down some apps or be cut off by character limits, because every mark counts as a character. Many platforms also trim or block extreme combining marks. Use a low or medium setting for usernames and comments.
Can I turn glitch text back to normal?
Yes. Paste glitched text into the box and press "Clean text" to strip the combining marks and get the plain letters back.