How to Add Grain in Photoshop

Adding grain to photos is a very useful and popular effect in photographs and digital imagery. You can use it to evoke a mood, to create focus, or to recreate that filmic look.

In this tutorial, we'll learn how to add grain in Photoshop from scratch. If you'd like a visual tutorial, learn how to add a film grain in Photoshop over on our Envato Tuts+ YouTube channel:

What You'll Learn in This Photoshop Grain Texture Tutorial

How to add grain to photos and images in Photoshop
How to use a film grain overlay in Photoshop
How to enhance an image of your choice using a grain effect in Photoshop
How to use Smart Layers and Smart Filters for your grain photo effect

What You'll Need to Add Grain to Photos

To learn how to add grain in Photoshop, you can either use your own photo or download one from Envato Elements. You'll find quality options to add grain to photos.

Sign up today and, for a low monthly fee, download as many high-quality digital assets as you need!

1. How to Prepare the Film Grain Layer in Photoshop

Step 1

The first step in learning how to add grain in Photoshop is to open up your chosen photo in Adobe Photoshop (File > Open or Control-O). Navigate to the location of your image and click on the Open button.

Step 2

In order to preserve the original photograph, we need to create a new layer. Open the New Layer dialog box by clicking on Layer > New > Layer (Shift-Control-N).

Step 3

Name the new layer 'Film Grain', and then choose the film grain effect Photoshop options:

Mode: Overlay
Opacity: 100%
Check the box for: Fill with Overlay-neutral color (50% gray)

Click OK to close the dialog box, and a new layer for the film grain overlay in Photoshop will appear. It'll be called 'Film Grain' and it'll be in the Layers panel, which is placed above the original photo. Now you've successfully created a Smart Object which will prepare you to learn how to add grain to Photoshop.

2. How to Convert a Layer Into a Smart Object

Step 1

This portion will allow us to create a grain filter in Photoshop. Select the add grain Photoshop layer which is named the 'Film Grain' layer and click on the small menu button located in the top-right corner of the Layers panel.

Step 2

A drop-down menu will appear after clicking on the small menu button. Select Convert to Smart Object from the list.

Step 3

A small icon will appear in the lower right corner of the layer's preview thumbnail, indicating that it has been converted into a Smart Object. This means that any grain filter in Photoshop or other effect that we add to this layer will be fully editable.

3. How to Create the Film Grain Overlay Photoshop Layer

Step 1

In this section, we'll learn how adding film grain in Photoshop can enhance the look of your photo. Add a Noise filter to the photo grain texture layer by going to Filter > Noise > Add Noise in the top menu bar.

Step 2

In the Add Noise dialog box, use the following film grain effect Photoshop settings:

Amount: 10%
Distribution: Gaussian
Monochromatic: Checked

Step 3

With the Film Grain layer still selected, go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur in the top menu bar.

Step 4

This will open up the Gaussian Blur dialog box. Use the settings below to soften the noise grain texture in Photoshop slightly:

Radius: 0.5 pixels

Step 5

Click OK to close the dialog box and apply the Gaussian Blur to the layer. You have now successfully added a subtle film grain overlay Photoshop layer to your photo.

4. How to Edit the Film Grain Effect in Photoshop

Step 1

This is the last portion of the tutorial on how to add a film grain in Photoshop. Because we have used a Smart Object and Smart Filters, we can reopen the filter dialog boxes by double-clicking on the filter name. This will allow us to edit the photo grain texture in Photoshop even after it's been applied. This can be found as a list underneath the Smart Object layer.

Step 2

Once you double-click on the Smart Filter, you can then adjust the settings to your liking. You've now successfully added a grain texture Photoshop layer to your document.

Awesome! You've Finished Adding a Grain Texture in Photoshop

Congratulations! You have successfully completed this tutorial on how to add grain in Photoshop. I hope you found this tutorial helpful and that you've learned many new tips and tricks that you can use for your future designs. See you next time!

5 Top Noise/Grain Effects in Photoshop From Envato Elements

Now that you've learned how to add grain to Photoshop, why not check out these other film grain overlays in Photoshop from Envato Elements? They're a quick solution for adding grain texture overlays.

1. Patterns Seamless to Add Noise in Photoshop (JPG, PSD)

This pack to add noise in Photoshop contains ten different high-res patterns and can be used to create focus or to recreate that filmic look. Use it for all types of different projects such as websites, advertising, print, photography, etc.

2. Noise Blurred Backgrounds: Photoshop Grain Texture (JPG, PSD)

This pack of Photoshop grain textures contains ten different blurred noise backgrounds to enhance the look of your projects. This grain texture overlay is ideal for web apps, presentations, print templates, banners, flyers, wallpaper, etc.

3. Black + White Scratches: Textures to Add Noise in Photoshop Volume 1 (JPG, PSD)

This pack to add noise in Photoshop contains 36 black and white scratches to add grit and grunge to your work. This grain texture overlay works best for all sorts of projects such as logos, websites, advertising, print, wallpaper, etc.

4. Glitch Effect Overlays Vol. 1: Photoshop Grain Texture (JPG, PSD)

This pack of Photoshop grain textures contains 15 high-quality abstract glitch textures to use for your projects. This grain texture in Photoshop is great for presentations, print templates, banners, flyers, wallpaper, etc.

5. Noise Background: Pack to Add Noise in Photoshop (JPG, PSD)

This pack to add noise in Photoshop contains an Ultra HD, 3840(W) x 2160(H) Pixels, Noise Glitch Themed Background. The grain texture overlay is perfect for enhancing the look of your projects such as print, wallpaper, advertising, banners, etc.

Looking to Learn More? Check Out Even More Texture Tutorials Below!

If you liked this tutorial and are looking to learn more film grain Photoshop effects or grain effect Photoshop textures and skills, check out these awesome links below: