Adding film grain in Unity is done by adding the Film Grain post-processing override to a Volume component in your scene.
Film grain is a post-processing effect used to simulate the texture and appearance of analog film, adding a subtle or pronounced visual style to your game or application. In Unity, you typically apply this effect using the Volume system, which allows you to control various post-processing effects in different areas of your scene.
Here’s how to add Film Grain using the Volume component, based on the provided reference:
Steps to Add Film Grain
To apply the Film Grain effect, you need a GameObject with a Volume component. This GameObject can be a global volume affecting the entire scene or a local volume affecting a specific area.
- Select the GameObject with a Volume Component:
- In your Unity Scene or Hierarchy view, locate and select a GameObject that already has a Volume component attached.
- If you don't have one, you can create an empty GameObject and add a Volume component to it (Add Component > Volume).
- Add the Film Grain Override:
- With the GameObject selected, look at its properties in the Inspector window.
- Navigate to the Add Override > Post-processing section within the Volume component.
- Click on Film Grain. This action adds the Film Grain effect settings as an override to your Volume profile.
Once added, the Film Grain effect is applied to any Camera affected by this Volume. For global volumes, this usually means all cameras in the scene.
Understanding Volume Components and Post-Processing
- Volume Components: Volumes define areas where specific settings and effects should be applied. They can be global (affecting everything) or local (defined by a collider shape).
- Volume Profiles: Each Volume uses a Volume Profile asset, which contains the actual settings for various overrides like Film Grain, Bloom, Color Grading, etc. When you add an override like Film Grain, you are adding it to the profile linked to that Volume.
- Post-Processing Overrides: These are individual effects (like Film Grain) that you can enable and configure within a Volume Profile.
Configuring Film Grain
After adding the Film Grain override, you can configure its settings in the Inspector:
- Type: Choose the type of grain pattern (e.g., various presets like 'Fine', 'Medium', 'Large', or a custom 'Filmic' type depending on your render pipeline and version).
- Intensity: Control the strength or visibility of the grain effect. Higher values mean more prominent grain.
- Response: Adjust how the grain responds to luminance (brightness) in the scene.
Adjusting these parameters allows you to fine-tune the look of the film grain to achieve the desired aesthetic for your project.
Adding film grain is a simple process once you understand the role of Volume components and post-processing overrides in Unity's rendering pipeline.
