FILM BORDERS

Add Film Borders to Photos and Videos

Q: How do I apply a film frame or sprocket overlay in the VSCO app?

Upload your photo or video, go to FX > Frames, and pick from the film border options including frames with sprocket overlays. Pinch and adjust to place the overlay on your image or video.

Recreate the look of scanned film with authentic 8mm, 16mm, or 35mm film frame overlays.

ADD Film Borders

Make your photos look like film

Apply authentic film borders to photos or videos in seconds. You can adjust grain, color, and light without losing that analog feel.

STEP 1

Upload your photo

STEP 2

Choose a film border

STEP 3

Refine and share

Try Film Borders

When To Use Film Borders

Bring every shot to life with film frame overlays. 35mm captures playful, casual moments, 16mm adds retro depth to landscapes and products, and 8mm infuses videos with home-movie warmth. Layer grain, light leaks, or filters, remix your edits, and experiment freely.

From everyday moments to bold, cinematic scenes, VSCO invites you to play, push boundaries, and share — our global community celebrates every creative spark.

Add film borders

35mm 2a film border overlay added to black and white grainy photo

8mm 5 film border added to image of photographer with a camera around neck

How To Apply Film Borders

Upload Your Photo or Video

Open the VSCO mobile app to import the media you want to edit.

Add a Film Border Overlay

In FX › Frames, scroll through 25 film frame options and tap one to preview it live.

Adjust and Fine-Tune

Resize, change opacity, or apply presets to perfect your look. Optional sprocket overlays add extra texture.

DOWNLOAD, SAVE, & SHARE

Save in full resolution from the mobile app, then post, print, or share your creation.

8mm, 16mm, 35mm Overlays + Film Sprockets

8mm film borders: Soft corners and subtle scratches give your photos and videos a dreamy, home-movie feel.

16mm film borders: Classic sprocket holes and faded edges add retro charm and cinematic depth.

35mm film borders: Crisp perforations and generous white space make your images gallery-ready and bold.

Film sprocket overlays: Add extra texture and authenticity with visible sprockets along your frame edges.

TRY FILM FRAMES

8mm 2 film frame overlay on image of a puddle

8mm 7a film border overlay on wedding photo

Add Film Borders to Videos

Film borders aren’t just for stills — they bring motion to life. Use 8mm, 16mm, or 35mm overlays on vlogs, reels, or short films, then layer effects like slow motion, reverse, or speed-ramping.

Add sprocket overlays for authentic film texture, and finish with VSCO’s color grading tools to make every clip feel vintage, cinematic, and ready to share anywhere.

Start Using Film Borders

Download VSCO app for iPhone and Android

Add film borders on Your Phone

Give photos and videos a gritty look with film borders in the VSCO app for Android and iPhone.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between 8mm, 16mm, and 35mm film frame overlays?

8mm gives tiny perforations and rounded corners for nostalgic, home-movie vibes. 16mm has larger sprocket holes and a taller frame, perfect for moody landscapes or product shots. 35mm delivers wide, crisp edges for gallery-ready photos. In VSCO, you can preview all three — tap each overlay to see exactly how it looks before applying.

How do I apply a film frame or sprocket overlay in the VSCO app?

Upload your photo or video, go to FX › Frames, and pick from the film border options including frames with sprocket overlays. Pinch and adjust to place the overlay on your image or video.

Can I combine film borders with other VSCO effects?

Yes. Add your film border first, then layer filters, light leaks, or grain for a cinematic finish.

Can I add film borders to videos?

Absolutely. There are 9 video film borders available to choose from in VSCO film effects. Choose an 8mm, 16mm, or 35mm film frame to make your videos look analog.

Add Film Borders to Photos and Videos