Compare Add Grains with Afterlight for adding film grain effects. Discover how free browser-based grain emulation compares to Afterlight's mobile film filters.
Free online film grain editor with 34+ authentic film stock emulations, real-time preview, and complete browser-based privacy.
Mobile photo editor with film-inspired filters, texture overlays including grain and dust effects, and basic editing tools.
Afterlight is a solid mobile editor at a great price, but its grain effects are generic texture overlays. Add Grains provides 34+ authentic film stock emulations with tonal-responsive grain for free, making it the better choice for realistic film grain.
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No, Afterlight uses pre-made texture overlays for grain effects rather than film stock-specific emulations. The grain textures are static images layered over your photo, not dynamic grain that responds to tonal values like real film.
Afterlight is an excellent value as a general mobile photo editor with many features beyond grain. However, its grain is limited to generic texture overlays. For authentic film grain, the free Add Grains tool provides superior results.
No, Afterlight's grain textures are generic and do not correspond to any specific film stock. Add Grains offers 34+ emulations of real film stocks like Portra 400, Tri-X 400, and Superia 400, each with accurate grain characteristics.
Afterlight is primarily a mobile app. While it may have limited desktop availability, it is designed for mobile use. Add Grains works on any device with a web browser, including desktop computers for full-resolution editing.
The best free alternative for adding film grain to your photos.
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