If you are a photographer, you have probably spent most of your time trying to cut down the noise in images, and that is an especially helpful tool when you are working with low light. However, noise can sometimes be an excellent way to accentuate the feel and look of an image.

In most cases, you can use the noise filter in Photoshop to create excellent effects on your image. The noise filter is easy to use and can help create a more dynamic impact on images, especially those that are black and white. You can also use smart objects to create the perfect noise design in Photoshop!

If you are trying to bring an image to life with noise, you are looking at the right guide! In this article, we will take a look at the steps you need to take to bring your images back to life using the Noise filter on Photoshop!

How To Add A Noise Effect In Photoshop

The process is relatively simple if you want to add noise to your Photoshop effects. To do this, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Create a new layer on top of your existing image. You can do this using the layer tray, or you can use the shortcut Shift+Ctrl+N (on Windows) and Shift+Command+N (on macOS)
2. Select the new layer and fill it with a neutral gray color.
3. Choose the blend mode Overlay so you won’t be able to see the layer on top.
4. Convert the gray layer to a SmartObject. This step will make it easier for you to continue adjusting the noise after you apply it the first time. To do this, right-click this layer and select ‘Convert to Smart Object.’
5. Now, go to the Filter tab. From the menu, choose Noise, and select Add Noise.
6. Set distribution to Gaussian, and choose Monochromatic to avoid color being included.
7. Adjust the Noise until you are happy with the film grain effect.

For the best possible results, you should add the film grain or noise effect at the end of the editing. First, add sharpness, adjust the exposure and brightness, and you will end up with a fascinating image at the end of the day.

This tutorial also explores some other ways to add noise to photos in Photoshop:

Typically, film grain looks best with black-and-white images, so you can find amazing results with images if you move toward monochromatic editing. Using this effect is also usually preferred if you have an image that is slightly blurred or seems out of focus. Using noise can really help save the image, and it is a simple process that just about anyone can use!

Final Thoughts

Whether you want to add noise to your images to make them look more interesting or you want to apply a film grain effect that adds depth and drama, this is a great way to do it. Doing so can help create an impactful image that stands out from the rest. 

It’s also easy to implement and can be done using just a few simple steps. If you want to add noise or create a film grain effect in Photoshop, try following the steps above for the best results!