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Photo editing guide

How to Add Film Grain in Photoshop

Current versions of Photoshop include a Grain adjustment layer, the quickest non-destructive way to add film grain. Older versions can use the Grain effect in Camera Raw, and a hand-built Overlay noise layer or a grain texture PNG still give the most control over the texture itself.

Published October 3, 2026 · Updated October 3, 2026 · Written by Maximilian Braun

Method 1: Grain adjustment layer

Fastest and fully non-destructive, in Photoshop 2026 and later.

  1. 1

    Select the layer you want to grain, or the top of the layer stack to grain everything below.

  2. 2

    Click the Create new fill or adjustment layer icon (the half-filled circle) at the bottom of the Layers panel and choose Grain.

  3. 3

    Set Amount to about 20–35 for natural grain, then adjust Size and Roughness in the Properties panel.

  4. 4

    Paint on the adjustment layer's mask to reduce grain on faces or bright skies, or lower the layer's opacity.

The Grain adjustment layer arrived in Photoshop's January 2026 update. If you do not see it, update Photoshop or use the Camera Raw method.

Method 2: Camera Raw Filter grain

The same controls, for Photoshop versions without the adjustment layer.

  1. 1

    Right-click the photo layer and choose Convert to Smart Object so the effect stays editable.

  2. 2

    Open Filter > Camera Raw Filter.

  3. 3

    In the Effects panel, raise Grain. Start around 20–35 for visible but natural grain.

  4. 4

    Adjust Size (larger for a coarser, smaller-format look) and Roughness (higher for a less regular pattern), then click OK.

Judge grain at 100% zoom and at your final export size; zoomed-out previews hide it.

Method 3: Overlay noise layer

Hand-built grain with full control over texture and strength.

  1. 1

    Create a new layer above the photo (Layer > New > Layer).

  2. 2

    Choose Edit > Fill, set Contents to 50% Gray, and click OK.

  3. 3

    Set the layer's blend mode to Overlay (or Soft Light for a gentler result).

  4. 4

    Convert the layer to a Smart Object, then apply Filter > Noise > Add Noise with Gaussian distribution and Monochromatic checked. Try 8–15%.

  5. 5

    Optionally add Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur at 0.3–0.8 px to soften the noise into clumps, then lower layer opacity to taste.

A 50% gray layer is invisible in Overlay mode, so only the noise you add to it changes the picture.

Method 4: Grain texture PNG

Identical, reusable grain across a whole series or across apps.

  1. 1

    Generate a grain PNG at your image's size with the imagegrain overlay generator.

  2. 2

    Place it into the document (File > Place Embedded) above the photo.

  3. 3

    Set the blend mode to Overlay or Soft Light and adjust opacity.

Reusing the same seed keeps grain identical across every image in a set, and the same file works in other editors.

Recommended Photoshop grain settings

Grain Amount (adjustment layer or Camera Raw)20–35 subtle, 40–60 obvious
Grain Size25 (default) for 35mm-like, 40+ for coarse
Grain Roughness50 (default); higher for a less regular pattern
Add Noise amount (on gray layer)8–15%, Gaussian, Monochromatic

Menu names and value ranges can change between Photoshop versions.

Tips for natural-looking grain

  • Add grain after resizing and sharpening; downsizing a grainy image smooths the grain away.
  • Put the Grain adjustment layer at the top of the stack so retouching and composites share the same grain.
  • Grain helps blend generative fill and Remove tool areas with the original photo's texture.

Skip the setup in Photoshop

Add adjustable film grain to photos directly in your browser, with nothing uploaded, then export JPEG, WebP, or PNG.

35mm Film Grain OverlayOpen the photo grain editor

Film grain in Photoshop: FAQ

Where is the grain filter in Photoshop?

In Photoshop 2026 and later, Grain is an adjustment layer: click the adjustment layer icon in the Layers panel and choose Grain. In earlier versions, use Filter > Camera Raw Filter > Effects > Grain.

How do I add grain non-destructively in Photoshop?

Use the Grain adjustment layer, which can be masked, reordered, or deleted at any time. On older versions, convert the photo to a Smart Object before applying the Camera Raw Filter.

Can I add film grain without Photoshop?

Yes. imagegrain adds adjustable film grain in your browser for free, with no upload, and exports JPEG, WebP, or PNG.