Add Vignette to Images Free - Edge Darkening Effect Online

Vignette is the gradual darkening of image edges that draws the eye toward the center. Use it for portraits (focus on face), product photos (spotlight effect), or romantic/nostalgic compositions. Avoid it on landscapes where darkening the sky looks unnatural, or on documentary images where manipulation is undesirable.

Subtle (10-20%): barely noticeable, professional and natural. Medium (30-50%): clearly visible subject isolation, common in wedding and event photography. Heavy (60-80%): pronounced spotlight, dramatic portraits or film noir aesthetic. Extreme (90-100%): editorial or album cover look. Rule: if the viewer notices the vignette before the subject, reduce intensity.

Circular: classic spotlight effect, best for centered subjects like portraits and products. Oval: softer, matches portrait proportions (standing subjects), standard in wedding photography. Rectangular: follows frame edges naturally, best for landscapes and architecture (preserves linear perspective). Match the vignette shape to your subject shape for the most natural result.

Feathering controls how gradual the transition is from dark edges to bright center. High feather (60-80%): smooth natural gradient, professional standard for portraits. Medium feather (30-50%): defined spotlight feel for products. Low feather (10-20%): hard edge for theatrical editorial work. Avoid very low feather unless intentional - a sharp edge looks like poor masking, not a vignette.

Black is traditional and most common. White creates an airy reverse vignette (brightened edges) for high-key portraits. Warm orange/red gives a sunset or romantic mood. Blue gives a cold cinematic feeling. Match the vignette color to the image mood. Colored vignettes are a specialty effect - use them intentionally, as they can look overdone if applied carelessly.

Best candidates: centered portraits, product shots on plain backgrounds, and already-dramatic moody lighting. Problematic cases: landscapes with important sky (darkening looks unnatural), group shots spread across the frame, minimalist bright compositions, and already-dark photos (vignette creates muddy shadows). Apply a light vignette first and increase only if it helps focus without hurting the composition.