The Old Film: Scratches filter simulates vertical scratches caused by physical wear in analog film.
In traditional motion-picture formats (such as 8 mm, 16 mm, or 35 mm film), images were recorded on a physical strip that could be scratched, abraded, or damaged through handling, projection, or aging.
This filter recreates those artifacts by overlaying animated scratch marks for a vintage film appearance. It is intended for creative effect, not restoration.
Parameters
Width (1–100)
Controls the thickness of the scratches.
-
Lower values
Thin, hairline scratches -
Higher values
Wider, more visible scratches
Amount (1–100)
Controls the density of scratches visible in the frame.
-
Lower values
Few, isolated scratches -
Higher values
Many scratches appearing simultaneously
At high values, scratches may overlap and merge, producing broader visual artifacts rather than distinct lines.
Darkness (1–100)
Controls the intensity of dark scratches.
-
Lower values
Dark scratches are faint -
Higher values
Dark scratches become dominant
This simulates scratches that reduce or block light in the film material.
Lightness (0–100)
Controls the intensity of bright scratches.
-
0
No light scratches are visible -
Higher values
Bright scratches become dominant
This simulates scratches that reflect or scatter light during projection.
Parameter interaction
- Width controls scratch thickness
- Amount controls scratch density
- Darkness and Lightness operate on the same scratch pattern
Darkness and Lightness are mutually influential: increasing one reduces the visual influence of the other. Scratches are rendered as either predominantly dark or predominantly light, reflecting how physical scratches interact with light rather than appearing as both simultaneously.
At high Amount and/or high Width values, overlapping scratches may interact with color channels and produce chroma artifacts (magenta & green). This can resemble analog videotape degradation (VHS/Betamax) rather than film scratches and is considered a stylized effect.
Visual characteristics
Typical effects include:
- Vertical scratch lines of varying thickness
- Animated motion over time
- Either dark or bright scratch dominance
- Possible color artifacts at high scratch density
The scratches are an overlay effect and do not alter the underlying image content.
Recommended use cases
- Vintage or retro film simulations
- Archival-style visuals
- Historical reenactments
- Stylized degradation effects
- Combination with other Old Film filters (grain, dust, Technocolor)
Limitations
- Procedural effect, not film restoration
- Does not react to image content
- Uniform application across the frame
- High Amount values may produce non-film-like artifacts