Everything you need to know about Warp
Warp applies various geometric distortions to your image, from subtle bulges and pinches to dramatic twists and waves. These effects can be used for creative artistic purposes, fun caricature-style distortions, or simulating lens effects.
Warp Modes
- Bulge / Spherize
Makes the center area appear to bulge outward like it's being pushed through a sphere. Positive strength bulges out; negative strength creates an inverse (concave) effect. - Pinch
Squeezes pixels toward the center point, creating a pinched or compressed appearance. Useful for creating caricature effects or shrinking specific areas. - Twist / Swirl
Rotates pixels around the center point, with more rotation closer to the center. Creates spiral or whirlpool-like distortions. - Wave Horizontal
Applies a sinusoidal wave distortion that shifts pixels left and right. Creates a wavy, underwater-like effect across the image. - Wave Vertical
Applies a sinusoidal wave distortion that shifts pixels up and down. Creates vertical rippling effects. - Fisheye
Simulates an extreme wide-angle fisheye lens, bending straight lines into curves radiating from the center.
Parameters
- Strength
Controls the intensity of the distortion (-100% to +100%). Positive and negative values often produce different variations of the effect (e.g., bulge vs. concave). At 0%, no distortion occurs. - Center X / Center Y
Sets the focal point of the distortion. Default is 50%/50% (image center). Move these to apply the effect around an off-center point. - Radius
Controls the size of the affected area (10%–100%). Smaller values limit the distortion to a tight area around the center. Larger values spread the effect across more of the image.
Tips
- Use Bulge/Spherize on faces for fun caricature effects
- Twist creates interesting abstract patterns from ordinary photos
- Wave effects work well for dreamy, surreal, or underwater looks
- Areas that warp outside the image boundary become transparent
- Combine multiple warp passes for complex distortions