Everything you need to know about Noise
Noise adds random pixel variation to your image, creating texture and grain effects. Choose between natural Gaussian noise (bell-curve distribution) or harsh Uniform noise, with control over intensity, size, and whether the noise is monochrome or colored.
Parameters
- Distribution
Select the noise type. Gaussian produces natural-looking noise with values clustered around zero (subtle variations are common, extreme values are rare). Uniform produces harsher noise where all values are equally likely, creating a more digital, gritty appearance. - Strength
Controls how much of the noisy result is blended with the original image. At 0, no change is visible. At 1.0, the full noise effect is applied. - Amount
Sets the intensity of the noise. Low values (0.05–0.15) add subtle texture. Higher values (0.25–0.50) create heavy, obvious grain. - Noise Size
Controls the scale of the noise pattern. Small values (0.25–0.75) create fine, tight noise. Larger values (2–8) produce coarser, more blocky noise patterns. - Color Noise
Determines whether noise is monochrome or colored. At 0, noise is grayscale (same random value added to R, G, and B). At 1.0, each color channel gets independent random values, creating colorful speckles.
Gaussian vs. Uniform
- Gaussian
More natural and organic. Mimics real-world sensor noise and film grain. Most variations are small; large deviations are rare. - Uniform
Harsher and more artificial. Every noise value is equally probable. Creates a more digital, lo-fi aesthetic.
Tips
- Use Gaussian noise with low amounts (0.08–0.15) for subtle film-like texture
- Uniform noise at higher amounts creates retro digital or VHS-style artifacts
- Keep Color Noise at 0 for traditional black-and-white grain
- For realistic film grain with tonal targeting, use the Film Grain filter instead