Add a photo
Choose a JPG, PNG or WebP up to 5 MB, drop it into the editor, or paste it from your clipboard.
VHS Filter
Turn a still image into a worn tape frame. The VCR treatment adds scan lines, soft chroma bleed and small tracking slips without uploading your photo.
Your photo stays on this deviceJPG / PNG / WebP · up to 5 MB
Home Recording — Sample photo
OriginalHome RecordingChoose a photo to start editing.
Adjustments
Fine tune this look
More adjustments
Sample photo
JPG · no watermark · up to 1080px wide
Loading the sample photo.
Your photo stays in this browser. Nothing is uploaded.
About the VHS tape and VCR effect
Your image stays in the browser while the editor applies the effect. Use the preview divider to check the difference before downloading.
Tracking, scan lines and color bleed controls
The main controls set tape wear. More controls add optional VCR details and frame bend.
Before & after: real Y2K edits
The same original sample is rendered locally with each preset. It is a generated demo image, not customer work.
Original
Rental Tape
Original
Third Generation
How to use the vhs filter
Choose a look
Start with a preset. Open More controls when you want to tune the individual effect.
Compare and download
Drag the divider to compare the original and edit, then export a no-watermark free copy up to 1080px wide within the daily allowance.
Free VHS tape-effect exports and limits
Every current effect and preset is free to use. Downloads have no watermark, are limited to 1080px wide and share a limit of 5 exports per UTC day. Pro is not available yet.
| Capability | Free | Pro (coming soon) |
|---|---|---|
| Photo effects & presets | All available presets | No paid preset is live |
| Image exports | No watermark · up to 1080px wide | Original-size export · Coming soon |
| Daily export allowance | 5 exports · resets at midnight UTC | Not available yet |
| Batch processing | One image at a time | Coming soon |
| Video filters | Photo editing | Coming soon |
| Saved presets | Use built-in presets | Save and share presets · Coming soon |
| Commercial use | Personal use | Commercial license · Coming soon |
No account or payment is needed for free editing. Paid features and the waitlist are not open yet.
Embed this tool
Share the browser editor on a compatible site. Photos are still processed on the visitor’s device.
FAQ
Can I get the tracking-jitter look without a VCR?
Yes. Choose Tracking Loss or increase Tracking jitter to shift short horizontal bands in the photo. The editor simulates a tape-playback look on a still image; you do not need a tape, VCR or capture device.
What is the difference between VHS tracking and CRT scan lines?
In this editor, Tracking jitter moves horizontal image bands, while Scan lines darkens alternating rows. They are independent controls: reduce tracking for a steadier frame, or reduce scan lines when you want tape-like color bleed without strong display stripes.
How do I make a copied-tape look instead of a clean VHS frame?
Start with Third Generation for stronger color bleed, tape noise and frame bend. Rental Tape is the quieter starting point. Adjust Color bleed and Tape noise separately so a worn-copy treatment does not overwhelm faces or small details.
Can I bend a VHS frame without adding a timecode?
Yes. Open More adjustments, increase Frame bend and switch VCR timecode off. Frame bend changes the image rows, while the timecode is a separate decorative overlay; neither requires the other.
What does a VHS filter change?
It adds scan lines, slight color bleed, tape noise, horizontal tracking shifts and optional VCR timecode.
Can I add a VCR timecode?
Yes. Open More adjustments and turn on VCR timecode. It appears on the still image you export.
How is VHS different from a glitch effect?
VHS imitates analog tape playback with scan lines, color bleed and tracking drift. Glitch emphasizes digital-looking RGB separation, tearing and static.
Is the VHS Filter free, with no watermark?
Yes. All current presets and controls are free, and downloads have no watermark. Choose a JPG, PNG or WebP up to 5 MB; no app or account is needed.
Are my photos uploaded to a server?
No. Your photo is decoded, edited and exported on your device; the image is not uploaded to an image-processing server.
What are the free export limits?
Free downloads are limited to 1080 pixels wide and five exports per UTC day. The allowance resets at midnight UTC.
Can I use the edited photo commercially?
Current free exports are for personal use. A commercial license is planned, but it is not available yet.