Grainhouse Open the editor

Guide · about 1 minute

How to add film grain to a photo

Grain is the fine texture that makes a digital photo feel like it was shot on film. In Grainhouse you add it in four steps, free and in your browser, and you can change it any time afterwards.

Add grain to your photoSee the steps

Before and after, up close

A detail of the photo at double size, so you can see the grain. Drag to compare. Film grain, Amount 35, added in Grainhouse.

Close-up of a brick column in Rome without grainThe same close-up with film grain addedNo grainFilm grain 35

Add film grain in four steps

  1. Open your photo. Go to the editor and choose “Open a photo”, or drop a picture onto the page.
  2. Open Film grain. In the top menu choose Filter → Film grain…
  3. Set the amount. Keep Editable layer selected, then move Amount: 10–20 for a subtle film feel, 30–40 for grain you can clearly see. Press 1:1 at the bottom to judge it at full size.
  4. Apply and save. Click Apply, then Export for a PNG or JPEG.
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Tips for grain that looks real

  • Add it last. Crop and resize first: making a photo smaller smooths the grain away.
  • Less is more on faces. Skin shows grain quickly. Lower the layer’s strength or paint it out with a mask where you want it smoother.
  • Pair it with a look. Grain feels most natural together with softer contrast. Try it with Warm film or Faded, or follow the “Vintage film look” recipe in the editor.

Questions

Is the film grain tool free?

Yes. Film grain is in the free editor, with no ads and no sign-up.

How much grain should I add?

For a subtle film feel, an Amount of 10 to 20. For grain you can clearly see, 30 to 40. Look at the photo at 100% (the 1:1 button) to judge it, because grain is hard to see when the picture is zoomed out.

Can I change the grain later?

Yes, if you choose “Editable layer” in the Film grain window. The grain sits on its own layer: double-click it to change the amount, or lower its strength.

Should I add grain before or after resizing?

After. Making a photo smaller smooths grain away, so resize or crop first, then add grain last.

Do the film looks already include grain?

Some do. Warm film, Faded, Mono and Noir add a light grain of their own. Add Film grain on top if you want more.