Add Grains vs CapCut

Compare Add Grains with CapCut for adding film grain to photos. Discover why a specialized grain tool outperforms a video editor's basic grain filters.

Winner

Add Grains

Free online film grain editor with 34+ authentic film stock emulations, real-time preview, and complete browser-based privacy.

Pros

  • +100% free, no subscription
  • +34+ authentic film stock emulations
  • +Browser-based, no install required
  • +Photos never leave your device
  • +Real-time preview with instant results

Cons

  • -Focused specifically on grain and film effects
  • -No RAW file support
  • -Requires web browser

CapCut

Popular free video editing app with basic photo filters including some grain and vintage effects, primarily designed for video content creation.

Price: Free

Pros

  • +Free to use
  • +Powerful video editing features
  • +Trendy filters and effects
  • +Cross-platform availability

Cons

  • -Primarily a video editor, not photo-focused
  • -Grain effects are basic filter overlays
  • -Requires account creation
  • -Photos processed through cloud servers

Our Verdict

CapCut is an excellent video editor but a poor choice for photo grain. Its basic grain filters are designed for video content, not authentic film emulation. Add Grains provides 34+ specific film stock grain emulations for free with local processing and complete privacy.

Winner: Add Grains

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureAdd GrainsCapCut
Pros
  • 100% free, no subscription
  • 34+ authentic film stock emulations
  • Browser-based, no install required
  • Photos never leave your device
  • Real-time preview with instant results
  • Free to use
  • Powerful video editing features
  • Trendy filters and effects
  • Cross-platform availability
Cons
  • Focused specifically on grain and film effects
  • No RAW file support
  • Requires web browser
  • Primarily a video editor, not photo-focused
  • Grain effects are basic filter overlays
  • Requires account creation
  • Photos processed through cloud servers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can CapCut add grain to photos?

CapCut has some vintage and film-inspired filters that include grain-like effects for photos, but the grain is basic and not independently controllable. CapCut is primarily a video editor, and its photo grain capabilities are limited compared to a dedicated tool like Add Grains.

Is CapCut free for grain effects?

CapCut is free to use, though some premium effects and features may require a subscription. However, its grain effects are generic filter overlays rather than authentic film emulations. Add Grains is also free and provides 34+ specific film stock grain emulations.

Does CapCut have film stock emulations?

No, CapCut does not offer specific film stock grain emulations. Its filters apply generic vintage effects that include grain as part of a bundled look. For authentic film grain matching specific stocks like Portra or Tri-X, use Add Grains.

Should I use CapCut or Add Grains for Instagram photos?

For adding authentic film grain to photos, use Add Grains. For video editing, transitions, and multimedia content creation, use CapCut. If you want grain on a still photo for Instagram, Add Grains provides far more realistic and controllable results.

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The best free alternative for adding film grain to your photos.

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