Zalgo Text Generator
This example demonstrates zalgo text generation from String Tools, pre-loaded with a sample phrase. Paste any text and add random combining characters to create the corrupted, glitchy visual effect.
How It Works
The tool processes each character in your input and appends a random selection of combining Unicode characters. These combining marks are rendered on top of, below, or through the base character, creating the distinctive zalgo appearance.
Unicode Combining Characters
Unicode defines hundreds of combining characters in the range U+0300 to U+036F (and beyond). These include accents (`, ´, ^, ~, ¨), dots, rings, cedillas, and other diacritical marks. Normally one or two are used per character in languages like French or Vietnamese. Zalgo text stacks many of them.
Intensity Control
The tool adjusts how many combining characters are added per base character. Light intensity adds 2-3 marks per letter, producing text that is messy but readable. Heavy intensity adds 10+ marks, creating dense visual noise that obscures the original text.
The Zalgo Effect Origin
The zalgo meme originated on the Something Awful forums around 2004. Users discovered that stacking combining characters created a creepy, corrupted text effect. The name “zalgo” references the cosmic horror entity from the meme. It became a popular way to add disturbing emphasis to text online.
How to Use
- Paste your text into the input area
- Select the intensity level (light, medium, heavy)
- The zalgo output appears in the result area
- Copy the corrupted text using the copy button
Common Questions
Can I remove zalgo from text?
Removing zalgo requires stripping all combining characters from the string. You can use the find-and-replace tool with a regex pattern that matches combining marks (Unicode category Mn, Me, Mc) and replace with an empty string. This restores the original base characters.
Does zalgo affect non-Latin text?
Yes. Combining characters work on any Unicode base character. You can apply zalgo to Latin, Cyrillic, Arabic, or CJK text. The combining marks layer on top of whatever base characters you provide.
Why does my zalgo look different in different apps?
Different applications handle combining character rendering differently. Some truncate the stack, others compress it, and some render it fully. Browsers generally handle zalgo best. Chat apps and terminals vary in their support.