Have you ever taken a photo so good you could practically frame it? Well, not everyone can do it. A lot of people get grainy photos while clicking on important occasions. These unwanted grains diminish the beauty of the picture. But there is nothing to worry about!
We're giving you the top 4 methods to fix grained photos. We’ll first introduce the tools that you will use. Then, we’ll give a stepwise guide for fixing grained photos with them. Let’s first have a look at the causes of grainy photos.
In this article
Part 1. Why Do Grains Appear in a Photo?
Numerous factors contribute to a grained photo. And it's essential to understand these reasons before you try to fix your photo. Here are some of the most common reasons:
-
Bad Lighting
Bad lighting is often the main reason your photos turn out grainy. This is particularly true for photos taken during sunset or in rooms with poor lighting. Unlike professional photographers who have access to well-lit studios, many people don’t use ideal lighting conditions. Even using a flashlight in dim settings can lead to a grainy outcome.
-
Incorrect ISO Setting
The ISO setting on your camera controls the light sensor. A higher ISO value increases the sensor's sensitivity. But it also increases the amount of grain in the picture. So, it's crucial to find the right balance, especially when shooting at night.
-
Low-Quality Camera
The quality of your camera can also affect the graininess of your photos. Cameras with small or low-quality lenses struggle in low-light situations. Such lenses simply aren't sensitive enough to provide a clean & clear shot in less light.
-
Fast Shutter Speed
Using a fast shutter speed can also contribute to graininess. A fast shutter speed means the camera sensor has less time to gather light. It often requires a higher ISO setting to compensate. As a result, you’ll get a grained photo.
Now that you know the reason for the disturbing grains try to improve your settings next time. And, for your grained photos, let's first see how to fix them with Adobe Photoshop.
Part 2. How To Fix Grained Photo Using Photoshop
Photoshop is widely regarded as the gold standard for photo editing. It provides multiple built-in filters that are designed to reduce noise and improve the quality of grainy photos.
While Photoshop may not eliminate graininess, it can significantly improve image quality. In some cases, the quality improves so much that it looks like total magic. What's more, Photoshop is not just limited to fixing grained photos. You can also add different effects and make other changes to your image.
Pros | Cons |
Effective in reducing photo graininess. | Difficult for beginners to use. |
Multiple filters and functions for improving photo quality. | Monthly subscriptions make it less suitable for casual users. |
Quick edits, retouches, and adjustments are possible. | |
Supports editing with multiple layers. |
Steps to Fix Grained Photo with Photoshop
Here is a stepwise guide to fix-grained photos with Adobe Photoshop
Step 1
First, install Adobe Photoshop on your computer. Once it's running, import the grainy photo you'd like to fix.
Step 2
Go to the top toolbar and select "Filter." Then go to "Noise" and choose "Reduce Noise."
Step 3
A new window will open with sliders. Here, adjust the "Strength," "Preserve Details," and "Reduce Color Noise" settings to improve the image quality.
Step 4
Find the checkbox labeled "Remove JPEG Artifact." Check this box. After you're pleased with the adjustments, click "OK."
Step 5
Now, go back to the Filter section. This time, select "Sharpen" and then click on "Smart Sharpen." Now, adjust these settings as you like.
Once done, you can save your fixed photo on your computer. But remember that Photoshop is made for complete photo editing. It might be difficult to use for casual users. So, let's show you a tool that will automatically fix your grained photo in just a single click.
Part 3. How To Fix Grained Photo in 1-Click with Wondershare Repairit
Not everyone is willing or able to follow a complicated tool like Photoshop. But what if you could simplify this process of fixing grainy photos with a single click?
That's where Wondershare Repairit comes into the picture. This tool is designed to be easy to use, even for those who are total beginners. It offers a quick, one-click solution to fix grainy photos.
With Repairit, you don't have to be a photo editing expert to improve your images. The software does the hard work for you, which saves a lot of time & effort.
Pros | Cons |
User-friendly and simple to use. | Not as feature-rich as specialized photo-editing software. |
High success rate in data repair. | It may require a subscription for full features. |
There is no limit on file size or number. | |
Handles all types of file formats, ensuring broad applicability. |
Steps to Fix Grained Photo with Repairit
Here is a stepwise guide to fix-grained photos with Repairit.
Step 1
Download and launch Wondershare Repairit on your computer. Now go to “More Types Repair” and select “Photo Repair.”
Step 2
Now click on the “Add” button to bring in your grained photo.
Step 3
Click the “Repair” button to initiate the process. The software will automatically detect and start fixing the graininess.
Step 4
Wait for the process to complete. This usually takes just a few seconds. Once completed, preview the fixed image to ensure it meets your expectations.
Step 5
If satisfied, click the “Save” button to save the improved image to your preferred location.
Step 6
If you are not satisfied, then you can use the advanced mode of Repairit. Go back, add your photo again, and toggle On the advanced repair feature. Then click on “Repair” and add a sample photo.
Close Wondershare Repairit once you've successfully saved your image.
Now, let's move on and see how to fix grainy photos with Adobe Lightroom.
Part 4. How To Fix Grained Photo Using Lightroom
Adobe Lightroom also provides compelling features for fixing grainy photos. It's made for those who want more control over their photo quality without the complexity of Adobe Photoshop.
This software stands out for its capabilities in reducing photo grain. Also, it gives pretty satisfying results whenever people use it.
Pros | Cons |
Quick procedure for reducing graininess. | Limited flexibility in editing. |
Non-destructive editing maintains image quality. | It may be complex for non-technical users. |
Various adjustment tools for fine-tuning effects. | No multiple layers or blend modes. |
Numerous built-in presets are available. |
Steps to Fix Grained Photo with Lightroom
You can fix grained photos with Adobe Lightroom with these steps.
Step 1
After installing Lightroom, open it and import your grainy photo. The software will automatically place it in a new or existing catalog.
Step 2
Go to the "Develop" module. From there, find the "Detail Panel" and expand it to view your options.
Step 3
You'll notice two main settings. These are "Sharpening" and "Noise Reduction." Start by adjusting the noise reduction.
Step 4
Within "Noise Reduction," adjust the "Detail" and "Contrast" settings to your liking. Then, move on to the "Color" sliders and do the same.
Step 5
If you still notice graininess, go to the "Sharpening" tool located above the "Noise Reduction" section. Adjust the "Amount" slider to improve image quality further.
Once you are satisfied with the edits, save the photo to your computer. All of the above three tools were desktop software. Let's now see some online software for fixing grained photos.
Part 5. Fix Grained Photo Using Online Tools [No Need Downloads]
Sometimes, you just want to fix a single-grained photo. In that case, you don't need to download any tool on your computer. Many online tools are made to make it easier for you. Let's show you two of such tools that can easily fix grained photos.
Wondershare Repairit Online
Wondershare Repairit also gives an online option for its users. This online tool is a web-based application that repairs damaged or low-quality photos.
Among its capabilities are improving clarity, restoring damaged files, and fixing graininess. Repairit Online uses automated techniques for a simple process. Moreover, it also assures users of secure handling of their images.
Pros | Cons |
Simple to use with an intuitive user interface. | Requires a paid subscription after the first three photos. |
Eliminates the need for software installation. | Some users have expressed privacy concerns. |
Offers two repair models for various issues. |
Steps to Fix Grained Photo with Repairit Online
Here are the steps for you to fix grained photos with online Repairit.
Step 1
First, go to the official Repairit Online website. Then scroll down, and you'll see an "Add" button. Click on it.
Step 2
Now, you need to upload your grained photo. Search for it in the file explorer. Then select it and click on the "Open" button.
Step 3
Now click on the "Repair" button to start fixing your grained photo. It may take some time, depending on the photo size.
Step 4
Once the repair is complete, you can preview your image. You can then download it or upload a sample picture to use the advanced repair function on this photo.
Now, let's see the second online option.
Vance AI
Vance AI is an online tool that is specially designed to reduce noise and grain in digital images. With a focus on simplicity, Vance AI claims to automatically handle these common image issues without requiring manual adjustments. Compared to Repairit, many people find it a little bit expensive. There’s a need to purchase its premium version for full access.
Pros | Cons |
Simple and quick process. | The price-to-feature ratio is not considered favorable by some. |
No installation is required. | Raised concerns about user privacy. |
Generally produces satisfactory results. |
Steps to Fix Grained Photo with Photoshop
Here are the steps to fix-grained photos with Vance AI.
Step 1
Go to Vance AI’s website and upload the photo.
Step 2
Wait for the tool to reduce the grain automatically. Preview the result to check if it meets your expectations.
Step 3
If you are satisfied, download the improved photo. But if the result is not satisfactory, you can also manually adjust the noise and sharpness bars.
Conclusion
Grainy photos can be a real headache when you're trying to capture important moments. This article has explored multiple ways to fix-grained photos. We've included software like Photoshop, Lightroom, and Wondershare Repairit. We've also shared some online tools.
Each of the software comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The choice often depends on your specific needs and level of expertise. For a simple solution, Wondershare Repairit offers a one-click feature to fix-grained photos. It's an excellent option for people who want quick results without diving into complicated settings.