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Bringing Analog Charm to Digital Photos
Digital photos can sometimes look too perfect. Adding film grain brings back that old-school charm. So let's see how to use Lightroom to give your pics some analog magic. You can also watch the video version of this tutorial below.
What's Film Grain All About?
Back in the day, photos were made up of tiny specks on film. That's film grain. It gave photos a special look and feel. Now, we can fake that look on digital photos to make them less perfect and more interesting.
Film grain isn't just about looking old. It can make photos feel warmer, hide small flaws, and give your work a unique style. Unlike digital noise, which most folks try to get rid of, film grain is often something photographers want.
Film Grain vs. Digital Noise: Not the Same Thing
People sometimes mix up film grain and digital noise. They're pretty different:
- Film grain: Looks natural and often pretty. It's usually spread out evenly and can make photos look artistic.

- Digital noise: Shows up when you shoot in low light or with high ISO. It's usually ugly and can mess up your photos with weird colors and patterns.

Film grain tends to blend in nicely, especially in dark areas or solid colors. Digital noise sticks out like a sore thumb. Adding film grain in Lightroom can actually help hide some of that digital noise, making your photos look better overall.
How to Add Film Grain in Lightroom
Ready to try it out? Here's how to add film grain to your photos:
1. Open your photo in Lightroom's Develop mode

It's usually best to add grain as one of the last steps in your editing. Fix everything else first, then sprinkle on that grainy goodness at the end.
Amount: How Much Grain?
The Amount slider controls how much grain you see:
- 0 means no grain at all
- 100 is super grainy
- Start around 20 for a subtle effect
- Adjust based on what looks good to you
A little grain goes a long way. Start small and add more if needed. The goal is to enhance your photo, not overpower it.
Size: Big Grains or Little Grains?
Size changes how big each grain looks:
- Small numbers make fine, subtle grain
- Big numbers make chunky, noticeable grain
- Most folks use between 20 and 80
- Bigger grain can look like old-school film
Play around with different sizes to see what suits your photo best. Some pictures look great with fine grain, others shine with chunkier stuff.
Roughness: Smooth or Gritty?
Roughness affects the texture of your grain:
- Low roughness looks smooth and even
- High roughness looks more random and gritty
- 50 is the starting point - adjust from there
- This setting really changes the feel of your grain
Smooth grain can look dreamy, while rough grain adds grit and intensity. Think about the mood you want for your photo when adjusting this.
Tips for Great Grain
Here are some pointers to help you use grain like a pro:
- Start small and build up
- Check your photo zoomed in and zoomed out
- Think about the mood you want
- Different photos might need different grain settings
- Grain can help hide digital noise in high ISO shots
- Black and white photos often look great with grain
- If you're printing, test your grain on small prints first
The more you play with grain, the better you'll get at knowing what works.
When to Use Film Grain

Film grain can work magic on lots of different photos:
- Black and white shots: Grain adds that classic film look
- Portraits: A touch of grain can soften skin and add character
- Street photos: Grain fits the gritty, urban vibe
- Landscapes: A bit of grain can make digital shots feel more natural
- Art photos: Use grain as part of your creative expression
- Documentary style: Grain can make photos feel more real and immediate
The key is to use grain on purpose, not just because you can. Think about how it adds to your photo's story.
Is Grain Right for Your Photos?
Adding grain is a creative choice. It won't make your photos technically better, but it can change how they feel and how people see them.
Ask yourself:
- Does grain fit your style?
- Does your subject look better with grain?
- Who's going to see your photos, and where?
- Do you just like how it looks?
There's no right or wrong answer. It's all about what you want your photos to say.
Wrapping Up
Lightroom's grain tool is a great way to add some analog charm to digital photos. Play with the Amount, Size, and Roughness to find your perfect grainy look.
Grain is just one part of editing. Use it along with your other tools to create the look you want. The more you practice, the better you'll get.
Want to try some ready-made looks? Check out NUUGRAPHICS' Lightroom Presets. They've got tons of styles to choose from, including some great film-inspired looks.