Scratched texture

Scratched Texture

Create a classic film look with real scanned scratches, dust, and film grain that add authentic texture and character to your photos.

Add ScratcheS TO PHOTOS

Scratched texture overlay on image of a rear view of a vintage orange car with air vents and a chrome handle parked on cobblestone pavement.

Make your photos look like scratched film

Add authentic scratches, dust, and distressed textures for a realistic analog look. Give your work depth and history without extra gear or complicating your editing workflow.

STEP 1

Import your photo

STEP 2

Apply a scratched texture overlay

STEP 3

Fine-tune and share

Add Scratch OVERLAYS

Wide view of a rocky canyon with a river flowing through it under a pastel-colored sky at sunset with a scratch texture overlay.

When To Use Scratched Texture

Scratched texture works best when you want to introduce character, mood, or intentional imperfection. Apply it to portraits for a timeless feel, landscapes to evoke atmosphere, and product shots for a bold, retro edge that stands out.

It pairs naturally with muted color palettes, high-contrast looks, and black-and-white edits. For a more refined analog result, layer scratches with Grain, Fade, or VSCO’s light leak effects—building depth and visual interest while maintaining a cohesive, film-inspired look.

TRY ScratcheD TEXTURES

Three green pears resting on golden satin fabric with a vintage scratched texture.

How To Apply Scratched Texture

Upload Your Photos

Open the VSCO mobile app on iOS or Android and import your photo.

Add A Scratch Texture OVERLAY

Tap edit, then head to the FX tab to explore Film FX textures. Select a scratched texture overlay to instantly add distressed detail.

Adjust and Fine-Tune

Adjust intensity, size, and color using Grain and Fade tools for a more authentic film look.

Download, Save, and Share

When you’re finished, save or share your edit directly from the app.

Distressed image of person wearing a cap and gray sweater holding a Canon film camera up to their face on a beach with blurred mountains in the background.

Experiment With Film-Inspired Details

Every scratch adds meaning. VSCO’s scratched texture effect gives you precise control, from subtle signs of wear to bold, distressed detail. Layer it with film filters, combine it with other textures, or keep it restrained for a realistic, film-worn feel.

Whether you’re recreating classic 35mm aesthetics or exploring a more raw, experimental direction, scratched textures help your edits feel expressive and authentic.

ADD Scratched Texture

Download VSCO

Add scratches and texture to your photos using the VSCO app for iOS and Android.

Frequently asked questions

What is scratched texture in VSCO?

Scratched texture is a Film FX effect that adds realistic dust, scratches, and distressed details inspired by analog film scans, giving your photos a nostalgic, vintage look.

Can I use scratched texture on videos?

The scratched texture overlays are only for photos, but Dust, Grain, and other distressed textures let you add gritty, cinematic texture to videos.

Are the scratches customizable?

Absolutely. Choose between three different scratch textures and further customize those by adjusting the strength and blend each effect to shape how the texture interacts with your image, keeping the result intentional and balanced.

Can I combine scratched texture with other effects?

Yes. Scratched texture pairs well with photo filters, grain, fade, film frames, and VSCO’s 25 light leak options, giving you flexibility to create layered, analog-inspired edits.

Scratched Texture