This tutorial shows a simple, repeatable way to match grain between a subject and background in After Effects. Even when everything else is working, mismatched grain can instantly give a composite away.
Rather than eyeballing noise or stacking effects until it “kind of works”, this approach uses a grain matte to apply grain consistently across elements.
You’ll learn how to:
Create a grain matte for controlled grain application
Match grain between foreground and background
Avoid over-texturing or muddying the image
Add subtle texture that helps sell the composite
This is often the final step that pulls everything together, small, easy to overlook, but crucial if you want the shot to pass inspection.
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