picshader.
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About picshader

Images are edited and exported on your device. Your images are never uploaded, and your favorites and presets stay in this browser :)

Built with ❤️ by rezerov

Drop an image

PNG, JPG or WebP · or paste from your clipboard
Loading editor…

Export image

— pxIncludes your frame

Copy uses the same image, frame, and output size as download.

Free VHS Photo Effect

Add analog-tape-inspired color distortion, noise, and horizontal tracking damage to a still photo.

Original autumn mountain lake photograph
Original
VHS applied to the mountain lake sample
Example result

Examples use the bundled photograph by Michal Janek. Photo credit and license. Open your own image above to edit it locally.

How to apply VHS

  1. Open your photo in the editor above. VHS is already selected, and the sample is ready to try.
  2. Adjust Strength, Noise, Tracking in the Effect tab. You can drag sliders or type validated numbers directly.
  3. Hold Original or Space to compare. Add a crop or frame if needed, then choose Export to download the finished image.

Getting the look

Use Tracking for a visibly damaged tape aesthetic or keep it low for a gentler retro treatment. The result is a still image; there is no video or animation export.

VHS controls

Strength
0–100%. Starting setting: 55%.
Noise
0–100%. Starting setting: 30%.
Tracking
0–100%. Starting setting: 45%.

Reset effect settings restores these defaults. Save a preset to reuse your own effect and frame combination on another image.

Files and export

Open a PNG, JPEG, or WebP with the file picker, drag-and-drop, or clipboard paste. All image processing happens on your device. Choose PNG or WebP to preserve transparency, or JPEG to flatten it onto a color. Exports use the original image resolution plus the frame unless you choose a smaller size.

A modern browser with WebGL2 is required. Browser and GPU limits can prevent very large exports; picshader explains the limit and offers a smaller size. No account or watermark is required.