Add film grain that looks like film
Grain makes digital images feel printed and hides banding and mild softness. How much to use, why grain size matters more than amount, where to put it in the layer stack, and why it must be judged at the output size.
Beginner2 min readUpdated 27 September 2026Effects · Film Grain, Noise
Loading the example…
How much
| Use | Amount | Grain size |
|---|---|---|
| Hide banding in a gradient or sky | 5 to 10 | Smallest |
| A tactile finish on flat graphics | 10 to 15 | Small |
| Film look on a photo | 15 to 25 | Small to medium |
| Pushed film, gritty poster | 30 to 50 | Medium to large |
In the Editor
- Select the top layer, then choose Filter, Enhance, Film Grain. It arrives as a filter layer that affects everything below it.
- Set Amount and Grain Size from the table. Press Ctrl+1 and check at 100 per cent.
- To keep grain off some areas (a logo, a face), add a mask to the filter layer and paint those areas black.
- Export PNG or JPG at 90 or more. At low JPG quality, compression smooths the grain back out.
Film grain or noise?
Film Grain for a film or print look; its clumps look analogue. Noise for a digital sensor texture or to dither a gradient very finely.
Does grain survive Instagram?
Heavy grain gets smeared by compression and can look like dirt. Keep it light, export at the exact size, and check on a phone.
Was this guide useful?