Photo editing guide
How to Add Grain in VSCO
VSCO's Grain tool adds film-like texture with three sliders: Strength, Size, and Color. It pairs well with VSCO's film-inspired presets, but it is part of the paid VSCO Plus membership rather than the free Starter tier.
Published October 3, 2026 · Updated October 3, 2026 · Written by Maximilian Braun
Method 1: VSCO Grain tool
Strength, Size, and Color controls inside VSCO (VSCO Plus).
- 1
Open the photo in the VSCO app or desktop editor and tap Edit.
- 2
Apply a preset first if you use one; grain should be one of the last steps.
- 3
Swipe through the tools tray to find Grain and tap it.
- 4
Raise Strength gradually, adjust Size for finer or coarser grain, and keep Color low unless you want visible color speckle.
VSCO lists Grain among the extra tools in VSCO Plus; the free Starter membership does not include it. Plans can change, so check the app.
Method 2: Free alternative in the browser
Grain with tonal control, no membership needed.
- 1
Export your VSCO edit without grain.
- 2
Open it in imagegrain and choose a recipe or film stock look.
- 3
Tune grain size and roughness, reduce grain in highlights if skin looks dusty, then export JPEG, WebP, or PNG.
Recommended VSCO grain settings
| Strength | Low for portraits, moderate for street and lo-fi looks |
|---|---|
| Size | Small for 35mm-like grain; larger for a coarse, smaller-format look |
| Color | Low or off for neutral, film-like grain |
Menu names and value ranges can change between VSCO versions.
Tips for natural-looking grain
- Add grain after the preset so the preset's contrast does not exaggerate it.
- Instagram compression softens grain, so a slightly stronger setting can look right after posting.
- Keep grain settings consistent across a grid for a cohesive feed.
Skip the setup in VSCO
Add adjustable film grain to photos directly in your browser, with nothing uploaded, then export JPEG, WebP, or PNG.
Film grain in VSCO: FAQ
Is VSCO's Grain tool free?
No. VSCO includes Grain in its VSCO Plus membership, not the free Starter tier. imagegrain's grain editor is a free alternative that runs in the browser.
Can I change grain size in VSCO?
Yes. The Grain tool has Strength, Size, and Color sliders, so you can control how coarse the grain is as well as how strong.
What VSCO grain setting looks most like film?
Low-to-moderate Strength, a small Size, and little or no Color, on a photo with soft contrast and slightly lifted blacks.