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FilmFX

Give a photo a worn film surface.

Thin vertical marks and small dust flecks create a worn-photo surface. Use them sparingly over an existing color treatment, or start with your unedited photo.

Try the sample photoYour photo stays on your device

Surface wear is different from film grain

Film grain spreads tonal variation across the image; scratches and dust leave more distinct marks. This effect creates both pale and dark dust flecks plus fine vertical lines, scaled to the photo dimensions. The pattern is generated mathematically and stays stable when you change strength, making before-and-after comparison easier.

Start with a modest strength on a quiet background where marks can be seen. A heavily detailed image may hide them, while a clean sky can make them dominant. Color adjustment, grain and vignette remain separate studio controls. Light Leak adds a bright edge instead; Grain Overlay generates a separate texture file instead of a finished photo.

A real before-and-after from this filter

This comparison uses the starting preset at 45% strength, matching this page’s studio entry. Compare the same source before trying your own photo.

A woman sits by a bright window in a pale shirt before any surface wear is added.
Original
The same window portrait with fine vertical scratches and light and dark dust flecks at 45%.
Filtered result

Choose the next step for this image

Keep editing the photo, or use a separate tool when you need a texture file, a paper frame or several finished images.

Film grain overlay generatorLight leak photo filter

Add a worn-photo surface locally

  1. 01

    Choose the photo

    Open a JPG, PNG, WebP, AVIF or a browser-supported HEIC photo. Try the sample first if you prefer.

  2. 02

    Balance scratches and the subject

    Adjust Strength and compare with the original. Use Texture separately if you also want grain.

  3. 03

    Save without a watermark

    Download the finished photo, then use the frame tool for a paper border and a caption.

Questions worth answering first

FilmFX is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Fujifilm, Kodak, or another film manufacturer. Brand names are used descriptively, and browser results can differ from camera output.

What does a Film scratches effect look do to a photo?+

It adds fine vertical marks and small light and dark dust flecks to give a photo a worn surface. Adjust strength to keep the subject clear. It adds creative wear rather than repairing existing damage.

Can this remove scratches from an old photo?+

No. This tool adds creative marks. It does not restore damage, remove dust or reconstruct missing details.

Are these scanned film textures?+

No. The dust and scratch pattern is procedural and repeatable. It is not a scan of physical film and does not reproduce a named film stock.

Try a neighboring film look

The same photograph can ask for a different answer. These collections are close enough to compare and different enough to be useful.

Film grain filter

Film grain filter, keep the color, add the texture.

Light leak photo filter

Add a warm light leak at the edge of a photo.

Black and white filter online

Black and white filter online, with room between the grays.