Compare Add Grains with Adobe Lightroom for adding film grain effects. Discover how a free grain tool outperforms Lightroom's limited grain slider for authentic film looks.
Free online film grain editor with 34+ authentic film stock emulations, real-time preview, and complete browser-based privacy.
Popular photo editing and management software with a basic grain tool featuring Amount, Size, and Roughness sliders in the Effects panel.
Lightroom is a powerful general photo editor, but its grain feature is limited to a single algorithmic pattern with three sliders. Add Grains provides 34+ authentic film stock emulations for free, making it the clear winner for anyone seeking realistic film grain effects.
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Lightroom supports presets that include grain settings, but these presets only adjust the same three sliders (Amount, Size, Roughness). They do not provide true film emulation. Third-party preset packs may approximate certain looks, but they still rely on Lightroom's single grain algorithm.
Not exactly. Lightroom's grain tool uses one algorithmic noise pattern, while Add Grains emulates 34+ distinct film stocks with unique grain characteristics. You can approximate a general grain look in Lightroom, but you cannot replicate the specific grain structure of individual film stocks.
If you want generic grain as a subtle texture overlay, Lightroom's built-in tool is adequate. If you want your photos to look like they were shot on a specific film stock with authentic grain characteristics, Add Grains delivers significantly better results for free.
The grain tool alone does not justify Lightroom's $9.99/month subscription. However, if you already use Lightroom for RAW processing and photo management, the grain tool is a convenient addition. For grain specifically, the free Add Grains tool provides superior film emulation.
The best free alternative for adding film grain to your photos.
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