How do you add grit in Photoshop?

Adding "grit" in Photoshop typically refers to adding image grain or texture to give a photo a film-like or distressed appearance. One common method involves using the Add Noise filter.

Here's how you can add grain, incorporating settings similar to those mentioned in the reference:

Steps to Add Grain (Grit) in Photoshop

Follow these steps to apply a grain effect to your image:

1. Open Your Image: Start by opening the image you want to edit in Photoshop.
2. Create a New Layer (Recommended): To work non-destructively, it's best to add the grain effect on a separate layer. You can create a new blank layer (Layer > New > Layer) or, for more control and blending options, use a Solid Color layer (e.g., 50% gray) set to a blending mode like Overlay.
   • Pro Tip: Using a 50% gray layer set to Overlay allows you to control the grain opacity easily and avoids applying the effect directly to your image pixels. Fill the new layer with 50% gray (Edit > Fill > Contents: 50% Gray) and change its blending mode to Overlay.
3. Apply the Noise Filter:
   • Select the layer you want to apply the grain to (either your image layer, a new blank layer, or the 50% gray layer).
   • Go to Filter > Noise > Add Noise....
4. Configure the Settings: In the Add Noise dialog box, you'll find several options:
   • Amount: This controls the intensity of the noise. A higher value adds more visible grain.
     • Based on the reference, you might input a value of 10 for the amount.
   • Distribution: This determines how the noise pixels are scattered.
     • Uniform: Creates a more evenly distributed noise.
     • Gaussian: Creates noise with a Gaussian distribution, which often appears more natural and random, similar to film grain.
     • Based on the reference, you would typically use a distribution of Gaussian.
   • Monochromatic: Check this box if you want to add black and white noise (removing color noise), which is often preferred for a classic film grain look.
5. Preview and Apply: Use the preview box in the dialog to see the effect. Adjust the Amount and Distribution until you achieve the desired look. Click OK to apply the filter.
6. Adjust Blending (if using a separate layer): If you applied the noise to a separate layer (like the 50% gray layer), you can further refine the effect by:
   • Changing the layer's opacity to reduce the intensity of the grain.
   • Experimenting with different blending modes besides Overlay.

Noise Settings Explained

Setting	Description	Common Use Case	Referenced Value
Amount	Controls the visibility and density of the noise/grain.	Adjusting intensity.	10
Distribution	Determines the pattern in which noise pixels are generated (Uniform or Gaussian).	Affects the naturalness of grain.	Gaussian
Monochromatic	Limits noise to grayscale, removing color speckles.	Achieving realistic film grain.	N/A

Adding grain using the Add Noise filter is a quick way to simulate texture and "grit" in your digital images, whether you're aiming for a subtle film-like finish or a more pronounced distressed effect.