How to add noise and grain in After Effects

Add grain for texture and to hide banding in gradients — it gives footage a more organic, film-like quality.

Steps to add noise and grain

Apply Effect → Noise & Grain → Add Grain or Noise depending on the look you want.

Applying Noise from the Noise and Grain menu in After Effects

Increase intensity until you see a subtle texture that feels right.

Increasing noise or grain intensity in the Effect Controls panel in After Effects

Preview playback — grain can be heavy on render times, so test it before you commit to final export.

One more thing

Apply grain on an Adjustment Layer at low opacity for a lighter, film-like effect instead of applying it directly to layers.

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How to add noise and grain in After Effects

Steps to add noise and grain

One more thing

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