Apply Old Tape to images and videos online
Give a clean digital image the soft color and uneven edges of an old videotape. Old Tape combines Color Grading, Curves, and VHS for deep shadows, noisy color, and horizontal tape movement.
Before
After
Ideas for using the effect
Home-video artwork
Give family snapshots a camcorder-inspired treatment for a personal video cover.
Music visuals
Use softened color and tape movement on a portrait or performance clip.
Retro travel edits
Bring daylight street scenes and landscapes into a worn video palette.
Found-footage graphics
Build an aged source image for a fictional archive or analog-style title sequence.
Made with this effect
More inspiration on Instagram @effect_app
Use Old Tape in Photoshop, Figma or on your desktop
One account, the same effect everywhere.
In Photoshop
Apply it to a layer in Photoshop 2022 and later, on macOS or Windows. The plugin renders on your own GPU and hands the result back as pixels on a new layer.
get the Photoshop plugin →In Figma
Run it on images and frames without leaving the canvas. The Figma plugin is this same editor, pointed at whatever you have selected.
get the Figma plugin →On desktop
Install the macOS or Windows app when you want a window of its own, with your account and your presets already there.
download the desktop app →Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply Old Tape online?
Open the Old Tape preset, add your photo or video, and adjust the loaded effect layers. Preview at your intended output size before exporting.
What creates the tape look?
The VHS layer reduces image detail and adds tape waves, chroma noise, and color delay. Color Grading and Curves establish the palette and contrast before that treatment.
Can I reduce the distortion?
Lower tape wave and chroma noise in VHS. Adjust its internal width and color controls to retain more of the source detail.
Why do shadows become very dark?
The saved grade and curve deepen dark areas. Lift the shadows or soften the curve when a face or outfit loses detail.
Does it add a timestamp?
The saved preset contains no text layer. Add your own text separately if you want a date or camcorder label.