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AddFilmGrain

What is it?

The AddFilmGrain node adds realistic film grain to video using sophisticated noise generation and luminance masking. It creates authentic film-like texture that varies based on the brightness of different areas in the video.

When would I use it?

Use the AddFilmGrain node when:

  • You want to add a cinematic, film-like quality to digital video
  • You need to create vintage or retro video effects
  • You want to add texture and character to clean digital footage
  • You're creating content that needs to look like it was shot on film
  • You want to enhance the visual depth and atmosphere of your video

How to use it

Basic Setup

  1. Add an AddFilmGrain node to your workflow
  2. Connect a video source to the "video" input
  3. Adjust the grain intensity, luminance threshold, and grain scale parameters
  4. Run the workflow to add film grain to your video

Parameters

  • video: The video content to add film grain to (supports VideoArtifact and VideoUrlArtifact)

  • grain_intensity: Film grain intensity (0.05-1.0, default: 0.15)

    • 0.05 = very subtle grain
    • 0.15 = moderate grain (default)
    • 0.5 = heavy grain
    • 1.0 = maximum grain intensity

  • luminance_threshold: Luminance level where grain is most visible (50-100, default: 75)

    • 50 = grain visible in darker areas
    • 75 = grain visible in mid-tones (default, good for lighter areas)
    • 100 = grain visible in brighter areas

  • grain_scale: Grain scale factor (1.0-4.0, default: 2.0)

    • 1.0 = fine grain particles
    • 2.0 = medium grain (default)
    • 4.0 = larger grain particles

  • processing_speed: Balance between processing speed and output quality (default: "balanced")

    • fast: Fastest processing, lower quality (ultrafast preset, CRF 30)
    • balanced: Good balance of speed and quality (medium preset, CRF 23)
    • quality: Highest quality, slower processing (slow preset, CRF 18)

Outputs

  • video: The video with film grain added, available as output to connect to other nodes

Example

Imagine you want to add a subtle film grain to a digital video to give it a cinematic look:

  1. Add an AddFilmGrain node to your workflow
  2. Connect the video output from a LoadVideo node to the AddFilmGrain's "video" input
  3. Set the "grain_intensity" to 0.12 for subtle grain
  4. Set the "luminance_threshold" to 75 for optimal grain visibility on lighter areas
  5. Set the "grain_scale" to 2.0 for medium-sized grain particles
  6. Run the workflow - the video will have realistic film grain added
  7. The output filename will be {original_filename}_grain_0.12.{format}

Important Notes

  • The AddFilmGrain node uses FFmpeg with sophisticated noise generation algorithms
  • Grain intensity is automatically adjusted based on the luminance of each pixel
  • The effect creates temporal grain that changes between frames for realism
  • Processing time depends on video length and resolution
  • The original audio track is preserved
  • Logs are available for debugging processing issues

Parameter Recommendations

  • For subtle film look: Use grain_intensity 0.08-0.15, luminance_threshold 75
  • For vintage/retro effect: Use grain_intensity 0.3-0.6, grain_scale 2.5-3.0
  • For heavy film grain: Use grain_intensity 0.7-1.0, grain_scale 3.0-4.0
  • For portraits: Use luminance_threshold 70-80 for optimal grain on lighter areas
  • For landscapes: Use luminance_threshold 60-70 for grain in mid-tones

Common Issues

  • Processing Timeout: Large videos may take longer to process; the node has a 5-minute timeout
  • Too Much Grain: Reduce grain_intensity if the effect is too strong
  • Grain Not Visible: Increase grain_intensity or adjust luminance_threshold
  • No Video Input: Make sure a video source is connected to the "video" input
  • FFmpeg Errors: Check the logs parameter for detailed error information if processing fails