How to Add Grain Effect in Figma

Adding texture to your designs can elevate their visual depth, and one of the most popular ways to do this is by using a grain effect. While Figma doesn’t have a native “grain” filter like some raster-based design tools, you can easily add this look using plugins or imported assets. Here’s how to do it.

Option 1: Use a Plugin for Grain

Figma’s vibrant plugin ecosystem offers several tools that make adding grain fast and flexible.

Step-by-Step Using the “Noise & Texture” Plugin:

Install the Plugin: Go to Figma’s plugin library and search for “Noise & Texture” or “Grainy Gradients.”
Launch the Plugin: Right-click anywhere on your canvas and select Plugins > Noise & Texture (or whichever plugin you installed).
Customize the Effect: Adjust grain amount, contrast, and overlay blending to your liking.
Apply to Your Frame: The plugin generates a frame or image with the grain which you can position above your design.
Change Blending Mode (Optional): Use the Multiply or Overlay blend mode in the right-hand sidebar to let your design show through.

Option 2: Import a Grain Texture Image

If you want full control or prefer a manual method:

Step-by-Step:

Download a Grain Texture: Look for transparent PNG grain textures or noise overlays online (or generate your own in Photoshop or an AI tool).
Drag into Figma: Upload the PNG into your Figma file and place it over the section you want textured.
Adjust Layer Settings:
- Lower the Opacity to around 5–15% depending on the intensity you want.
- Set the Blending Mode to Overlay, Soft Light, or Multiply for a seamless effect.

Tips for Realism

Don’t overdo it: Subtle grain often works better than high contrast noise.
Apply to backgrounds or cards: Grain can bring tactile warmth to flat designs, especially in minimalist UI.
Test in light and dark modes: Grain might appear differently depending on background contrast.

Why Use Grain in UI Design?

Grain adds a sense of depth and realism, making designs feel more tactile and less sterile. It’s particularly useful in:

Branding projects with a vintage or organic feel
UI elements that need extra visual interest without adding color
Hero sections or landing pages that feel too flat

Final Thoughts

Even though Figma doesn’t include a built-in grain tool, it’s easy to mimic the look with plugins or textures. Whether you’re designing for web, mobile, or brand visuals, adding subtle noise can make your work stand out. Experiment with grain levels and blending modes to find what best enhances your design.