How to Add Grain to Your Photos using Grain Filters

Film effects or filters often give your photos a soft, nostalgic vibe. Styles like the "grain effect" are popular among users of photo filters because they create a fine, textured appearance when applied.

In this article, we'll provide a step-by-step guide on how to apply realistic film grain filters using a photo editing app like YouCam Perfect. Read on and get inspired!

What's the Difference Between 'Grain' and 'Noise'?

Grain and noise are two different concepts in photography. As noise is simply a pattern of black, white, and gray squares, grain introduces natural randomness in size and placement.

Moreover, grain can be intentionally added or controlled through film selection and exposure settings. In contrast, noise is minimized by using lower ISO settings and noise reduction features in digital cameras and editing software.

How to Add Realistic Film Grain to Photos

Step 1. Upload Your Photo for Film Grain Filters

First things first, you need to upload your photo to the YouCam Perfect app. Open the app and select the photo you want to edit from your gallery.

Or you can utilize the app's 'Camera' feature to test out the effects in real time with either yourself or the environment you're currently in.

📸 Try out different grain filters with your camera in real-time! ✨

Step 2. Select the Grain Effect You Prefer

▲ For blurry grain filters: Effects > Film > 'Pixel Jive' filter pack

Next, navigate to the "Effects" tool in the menu bar under 'Edit' mode. Experiment with different settings to achieve the most authentic film grain look that suits your needs.

Try It With Your Photo

You can also easily adjust the intensity of the grains to get the right texture by scrolling the slider on a scale of 0 to 100.

▼ Results tested by our editor after using the 'Pixel Jive' filter pack

Pro Tip: Apply Grain Filters with Color Tone

Aside from general grain effects, you can also explore more options in YouCam Perfect.

The "Film Flair" filter pack also gives your image a grain-like and vintage view in different color tones, while the "Shadow Symphony" filter pack recreates a retro vibe in black-and-white shades.

▼ Black-and-white film grain effects tested by our editor

Although grain filters enhance all images, we noticed that some photos showed better results during our tests.

For example, pictures with visible background areas tend to display more noticeable particle effects after applying grain filters. You can also try using grain filters on photos such as:

• Scenic view with the sky (daytime or nighttime shots)
• Black and white portraits or scenery photos

You can also reapply your preferred grain filter to enhance the effects and achieve a softer, more focused result.

👉 This May Also Inspire You: Vintage Photo Filters to Create Retro Pictures for Free

Step 3. Save Your Photo with Grain Filter

Once you've applied the grain effect and made any final adjustments, save your edited photo. Your image will now feature a beautiful film grain effect that adds both depth and character!

Try Grain Filters

See more film-like photo effects to try on your photos:

• Vignette Filter: Add Vignette Effect to Photos
• Old Cemera Filter: Add Old Film Effects to Pictures
• VHS Filter: Add VHS Effect to Photos

Apps that Also Provide Beautiful Grain Filters

There are other grain filter apps available for videos and pictures. Check out this list below:

#1 Grain Filter App: YouCam Video

Available on both App Store and Google Play Store. YouCam Video is a unique video editing app to get a retro aesthetic on your videos. You can find preset filters, film grain filters, VCR vintage filters...and more in this app.

👉 Read More: How to Try Vintage Filters on Videos

#2 Grain Filter App: WILD SHOT

WILD SHOT is a vintage photo editing tool available on the App Store. You can apply effects like film burn, film grain, or retro dust and scratches. The app offers up to 200 filters for you to explore.

#3 Grain Filter App: 1967 Retro Filters & Effects

Available on both Google Play and the App Store, this app offers various tones, grain filters, and light leaks that evoke a nostalgic, old-school vibe. While it might be a bit pricey, users are pleased with the textures and effects it adds to their photos.

#4 Grain Filter App: I Love Film - Vintage Filter

Available exclusively on the App Store, this app offers up to 130 film options, including light streaks, grain filters, vignette effects, and black-and-white styles. You can also use the camera to preview images with real-time film grain effects.

Add Grain to Photo

Why Use YouCam Perfect to Add Filters to Photo?

If you are looking for a great photo editing app that comes with aethetic and vintage filters, then YouCam Perfect is one of the top choices. 

Here's why:

#1 A Variety of Vintage Photo Filters

#2 Beautiful AI Selfie Filters

#3 Explore Different Photo Frames

Grain Effect FAQs

How to Add Grain Effect?

To add a grain effect to your photo, use the YouCam Perfect app to achieve the perfect film-like image with particles for both iOS and Android users. Here's a simple step-by-step guide:

• Step 1: Tap 'Photo Edit' and upload your photo.
• Step 2: Locate "Effects" in the menu bar under 'Edit' mode.
• Step 3: Find the 'Film' category and scroll till you find the 'Pixel Jive' or 'Film Flair' filter pack.
• Step 4: Press on each filter to view the effect.
• Step 5: Press the green check on the right corner and save your picture with the film grain effect!

Or simply tap the "Camera" button to use your cellphone camera and test the filters in real time!

Read More: How to Add Golden Hour Effects to Photos

What Is the Effect of Grains on Photos?

Grain, originating from film, adds an organic and nostalgic touch with a consistent pattern of tiny particles.

Adding grains to photos creates a textured, vintage look reminiscent of old film photographs. It can add depth, character, and a sense of nostalgia to your images, making them stand out in a sea of digital perfection.

What Is the App That Adds Grain to Photos?

Several apps can add grain to photos, with YouCam Perfect being a popular choice including an adjustable effect slider and various retro/film theme filter packs for users to play around with their images.

Other options include Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Fotor, each offering various grain filters and presets to customize your grain effects after photo application.