How to Reduce Grain in Video: 4 Best Grain Remover Tools

Introduction

Grainy videos can disrupt your seamless viewing experience. Accidentally, due to compression artifacts, increased ISO settings, or low-light conditions, we may encounter grainy and noisy video clips. Thanks to advanced technology, we now have practical ways and software to degrain video and make it look clearer. In this article, we have tested four tools to outline the process, pros, and challenges we encountered during the trial sessions and to help you determine how to reduce grain in videofor natural-looking results. 

Benefits of Grain Remover and High-Quality Videos 

Grainy videos not only hamper the viewing experience of an individual but can also affect small or large-scale businesses and brands.  

Let's examine the statistics to see how video quality affects a creator's or brand's ability to gain viewership and trust. 

• Over 90% of consumers turn to YouTube to find new brands
• 87% of viewers are of the notion that video quality directly impacts how much they trust a brand
• 82% of consumers bought a product or service after viewing one
• Approximately 72% of consumers learn about products or services in a video format

These statistics speak volumes about how videos influence consumers to take an action that can make or break a brand. That's why it's essential to post high-quality, noise-free, and de-grained video for impactful results. Let's introduce the best ways to learn how the grain remover from video tools actually works. 

Top 4 Grain Remover Tools Overview

Regardless of the source of grainy videos, it is essential to degrain them for visual clarity and an effortless viewing experience. To help you dive into seamless entertainment, we have tested four reliable AI grain removers. Here, we have listed all the effective software after testing them on specific parameters to ensure they cater to people of all skill levels and technical knowledge. Let's look.

UniFab Denoise AI 

UniFab tops our well-compiled list of the finestfilm grain removers due to its ease of use and intuitive interface. It can remove grain from video regardless of the reason it initially occurred. Its deep-learning algorithms can denoise video and enhance video clarity while retaining natural textures and vibrant colors. Undoubtedly, this grain remover AI is the ideal solution for both new and professional users. 

Adobe Premiere Pro 

Next on our list is Adobe Premiere Pro. While most users know it for trimming and editing videos, adding effects, and animating titles, Adobe Premiere Pro can be a go-to solution for advanced users seeking post-production editing.Its powerful built-in effects, with a proper noise reduction setting, can eliminate background noise from video as well as audio seamlessly. 

Final Cut Pro

Exclusively for our Mac users, we have tested the timeline-based video editor, Final Cut Pro. Its built-in noise reduction tool works great for moderate video grain issues. The Denoiser feature of Final Cut Pro also eliminates and reduces any noise below a threshold volume level. In addition to offering unrivaled professional performance, this AI grain remover features excellent AI-powered tools for editing and enhancing video effects. 

Filmora Video Denoise 

Lastly, on our list, we have the Grain Remover by Filmora. Its high rating across all user review sites has earned it a spot in our compilation of the top AI grain removers.It reduces unwanted noise and adjusts lighting and contrast simultaneously, delivering sharper, cleaner, and more vibrant footage. 

How to Reduce Grain in Video using UniFab Denoise AI

Best For: Restoring old footage and enhancing low-light recordings

Attractions 

• Ensures the face and textures remain sharp and clear 
• Handles light areas pretty well while preventing overexposure
• Eliminates grain without over-smoothing to maintain a natural look throughout 
• Enhances overall video quality for an enriching viewing experience
• Versatile video denoising with GPU accelerations for speedy video conversion 

Step By Step Process on How to Reduce Grain in Video using UniFab Denoise AI

Our Experience on This Grain Remover

The experience of using UniFab was quite impressive. Its user-friendly interface was a breeze to use, and the noise reduction process took only a few seconds. We customized the purpose according to our preferences; however, UniFab also offers the option to retain the default video settings. Additionally, the end result was not only grain-free but also produced a polished, sharp, and clear video with balanced highlights. We loved its 30-day free trial policy, which offers full feature access, allowing us to achieve seamless results without spending a penny. 

How to Reduce Grain in a Video using Adobe Premiere Pro

Best For: Fine-tuned control over noise reduction

Attractions 

• Offers native methods to reduce video grain without external plugins 
• Provides free effects like Median and VR denoise 
• Supports a comprehensive feature set for pro-level editing
• Provides advanced color correction tools to enhance overall video quality 
• Seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud for a unified creative workflow

Challenges

• Complex functionality and steep learning curve for new users 
• Professionals may find the method limiting 
• Requires strong hardware resources 

Detailed Process of How to Reduce Grain in Video Premiere Pro

Step 1: First, we opened Premiere Pro and imported our noisy footage in File > Import. However, shortcut keys (Ctrl+I on Windows and Cmd+I on Mac) are also available for video uploads. We then selected the files for editing and dragged them to the timeline. 

Step 2: Next, we went to the Effects menu at the top and searched for Median. Then, drag the Median effect to the grainy video footage on the timeline. So, the Median was now available in the Effects Control panel with the other applied effects for noise reduction. 

Step 3: Again, we went to the Effects Control panel > Median and clicked the arrow on the left to see the settings. This was essential to adjust the Radius settings, set at 0. 

We increased the values to 2 and increased them gradually for clearer images, avoiding unwanted blurriness. 

Note: Median blurs the images to reduce noise and grain. Increasing the Radius also blurs the photos excessively. While this may remove any video noise, it also negatively impacts the image details by blurring them out. 

Step 4: We then proceeded to add masks. In the Effects Control panel, we clicked the most appropriate mask shape to create a mask in the image. We also explored the pen tool to free-draw the mask and add extra points. We targeted all the grains in the video by drawing as many masks as possible. 

Note: Masks work wonders for still images than for moving clips. It remains constant, while the location of the noise may change.Then, we adjusted the settings below each after having all the masks in the image. We also decreased the feather settings to make the mask edges less sharp, allowing the Median effect to blend in smoothly. 

Once our mask was ready, we increased the Radius without affecting the rest of the image. 

Our Experience on This Grain Remover

Using Adobe Premiere Pro requires advanced skills and precision. While the effects turned out to be decent, we faced difficulties in maintaining a balance between noise reduction and blurring. Premiere Pro's built-in effect, 'Median,' was a bit confusing. We had to be very careful with this blunt tool as it could easily blur fine details. We added masks to curb the complexities of Median, which did help, but we were not impressed with the results, especially considering the time it took us. Honestly, we didn't find this method fruitful, especially for videos with a lot of motion. While new users may struggle to strike the perfect balance, professional filmmakers might find the technique limiting. 

How to Reduce Grain in a Video using Final Cut Pro

Best For: Quick fixes on well-lit clips with mild denoising capabilities 

Attractions 

• Supports native noise reduction features with no reliance on third-party plugins
• Intuitive interface and integrates seamlessly with FCP workflow 
• Highly optimized for macOS, allowing real-time playback with minimal lag
• Offers fine-tune parameters for flexibility over the customized output 
• Advanced algorithms to preserve details in 10-bit or ProRes footage 

Challenges

• Works only on minor noise issues and not for severe grain and noisy footage 
• Built-in tools are not as powerful as third-party options 
• No motion tracking or tools to mask specific areas

Step By Step Guide to Reduce Video Grain in Final Cut Pro

Step 1: First, we downloaded and installed Final Cut Pro on our Mac from the Mac App Store. After the successful launch of the program, we could see Import Media with a downward arrow on the main screen.  We clicked on the startup panel to proceed. 

Alternatively, there's one more way to select the grainy video clip: by going to File > Import > Media. 

Step 2: After carefully selecting the video, we dragged and dropped it onto the timeline and selected it again. Upon clicking the Effects button in the upper right corner of the timeline panel, we found the Noise Reduction button. 

Step 3: We tapped the effect twice to apply it. However, the feature also supports the drag-and-drop functionality to apply directly to the video on the timeline. 

Now, we tapped the timeline video and clicked the Effects menu to expand it. We then tapped the Amount dropdown list under Noise Reduction in the right-hand Video Inspector workspace. We were offered 4 noise reduction options: Low, Medium, High, and Maximum. We opted for Maximum for the strongest level of noise removal to achieve better results and visual clarity. 

Step 4: Next, we expand the Sharpness dropdown list to select a higher level of sharpness. The options include None, Very Low, Low, Medium, High, Very High, and Maximum. We chose High for natural-looking video quality. 

Then, we hit the Export tab to save the video to our Mac's local storage. 

Our Experience on This Grain Remover

We were pretty impressed by the streamlined process of the video grain reduction in Final Cut Pro. With a fast and intuitive interface, the options were easy to locate, and of course, applying the noise reduction effect was equally simple. Instantly, we noticed a cleaner, more polished look to the video, with much of the distracting grain smoothed out. The additional 'Sharpness' setting further helped compensate for the slight softness and restore a more natural, balanced visual quality. However, at the highest noise reduction setting, a slight loss of fine detail was observed in some textured areas. Plus, it demands a powerful Mac to handle the processing without lag. Overall, Final Cut Pro works well for mild grain and is suitable for anyone needing a quick, effective solution for noisy footage.

How to Reduce Grain in Video using Filmora Video Denoise

Best For: Simple denoise solution with a beginner-friendly interface 

Attractions 

• User-friendly and intuitive interface for quick learning 
• Drag and drop functionality for importing video clips 
• Built-in effects and filters to enhance creativity 
• Real-time preview to see the changes during editing 
• Strong resources and community support 

Challenges

• Requires a subscription for complete access 
• Potential for overprocessing and artifacts 

Step By Step Guide to Reduce Video Grain in Filmora Video Denoise 

Step 1: First, we downloaded the Wondershare Filmora software on our Windows 11. However, it works equally well on Windows 7, 8, and 10, as well as macOS v10.15 and later. 

After the successful installation, we ran the software and registered with a new account. Then, we clicked New Project on the main screen to begin. 

Step 2: Next, we clicked the File menu at the top. From the dropdown menu, we chose "Import Media" and select "Import Media Files" (Ctrl + I). Then, we selected our grainy video for denoising. 

After careful selection, we dragged and dropped the 3-minute grainy video onto the timeline and clicked to select it. 

Step 3: Thereafter, in the right-hand Properties panel, navigate to the Video menu at the top and click AI Tools in the secondary menu bar. Then, we toggled on the Video Denoise feature. 

We then found three customizable algorithms, i.e., Weak, Normal, and Strong, for grain reduction. As our video had too many grains, we selected Strong for greater visual clarity. 

Step 4: Once we were satisfied with our video, we clicked "Export" in the top menu at the right-hand corner to save our newly enhanced and grain-free video on our PC. 

We then set some customizable output parameters such as the location, format, video quality, resolution, and frame rate. Then, hit Export at the bottom-right corner. Filmora also provided us with options to share videos directly on TikTok, YouTube, or Vimeo.  

Our Experience on This Grain Remover

While testing Wondershare Filmora's video denoise feature, we were genuinely impressed by its ease and effectiveness. Not only was the process rapid, but navigating the options was also intuitive. The video quality improved significantly with noticeable results. Additionally, the video was clearer and retained more details. Exporting was simple, with options to share directly online. On the downside, while the Strong setting effectively cleaned up the grain, we did notice a slight softness in finer textures, particularly in facial details and fabric. Also, more advanced users might find the control options limited compared to professional tools. Overall, the entire process was smooth, and Filmora is an ideal option for new users seeking a quick and high-quality video editing solution.

Comparison of all the Above Mentioned Grain Removers

Here is a concise yet clear comparison of all four grain reduction softwareprograms discussed above. This table illustrates how each tool compares to the others in terms of ease of use, performance, and ideal use cases. 

Bonus: How to Choose the Best Grain Remover Tool

Selecting a grain remover tool can be time-consuming, especially when you are not clear about the actual purpose beyond noise reduction. Digital noise can ruin the visual clarity and professionalism of your videos. Here's how we made a dramatic difference by stepping into your shoes and selecting the software that can actually take your game to the next level. 

• Identification of the Use Case: Be clear about your purpose. For instance, look for one that can denoise frame by frame while maintaining motion consistency and avoiding artifacts.

• Prioritize Quality: Seek grain remover AI tools that do not over-smooth the final results while retaining necessary details.

• Evaluation of Speed and Performance: Select a tool that supports GPU acceleration and processes videos in real time.

• Compatibility: The grain removersoftware must be compatible with the OS and supported file formats 

• Cost Vs. Features: The price you pay for a tool must be worth the features you get in return. Prefer the ones with long free trials. 

• Community and Support: A well-supported tool with an active user community/forums, tutorial resources, and reliable customer support is easier to learn and troubleshoot. 

Tips: How do you reduce grain when shooting a video?

To reduce grain when shooting a video, follow these tips:

1. Use proper lighting – Ensure your scene is well-lit to avoid high ISO settings.
2. Lower the ISO – Use the lowest ISO possible to reduce sensor noise.
3. Use a quality camera sensor – Larger sensors perform better in low light.
4. Avoid digital zoom – It amplifies grain; use optical zoom or move closer.
5. Use a tripod – Stabilize your shot to prevent blur and artifacts.
6. Shoot in higher bitrates/formats – This preserves more detail and reduces compression noise.

By optimizing these factors, you can minimize grain right from the start.

Final Thoughts 

In the end, we can conclude that grain remover tools are essential for reducing noise and grain, thereby enhancing the overall video quality. We have already tested the best grain remover AI tools for a speedy workflow and impressive outcomes. By choosing the right software, you can quickly get professional-level, natural-looking videos in no time. We personally like the AI algorithms, user-friendliness, and powerful noise reduction capabilities of UniFab Denoise AI, which actually helped us achieve a noise-free and high-quality video in a matter of seconds. 

FAQs about How to Degrain Video

What does Degrain mean?

Degrain means removing grain or noise from a video to make it look cleaner and smoother. Grain usually comes from low-light conditions, high ISO settings, or compression. Degraining helps restore clarity and enhance video quality without losing important details.

How to avoid grain in video and improve video quality?

To tone down the noise in a video, the best practice is to avoid it in the first place. To remove grain from video is time-consuming and costly, so it's essential to be attentive throughout the filming process to save time in the long run. Here are some additional tips to follow:

• Learn your camera settings before filming
• Set ISO manually, avoid auto ISO mode
• Use a low ISO to reduce video grain
• Light your scene well to prevent noise
• Use sunlight outdoors for clean footage
• Film near windows for better indoor lighting

Why does grainy footage happen? 

Understanding the accurate reason for the occurrence of video noise and grain can help you avoid them in the future. Some of the reasons include: 

• Shooting videos in low-light conditions 
• Increased ISO settings in the camera 
• Small sensor cameras are more prone to video noise 
• Videos shot in low-resolution settings 
• Heavy compression can introduce noise, grains, and blocky artifacts