Filter Node

Filter is the quick choice when you want a standard effect without setting up a kernel. Pick a preset from the list, adjust 1-2 parameters (strength, size), and you are done.

For more specific needs (a truly custom kernel, asymmetrical weights, an exact directional filter), use Custom Filter instead. For statistical ranks (min/max/median with more control over the shape), use Rank Filter.

• Effects Library: Tools > Filter > Filter
• Quick add: right-click in the Node Editor → Add Tool > Filter > Filter

Filter

Ready-to-use presets (Sharpen, Soften, Emboss...). Quick to set up. The default choice for a simple filter.

Custom Filter

A matrix you edit cell by cell. Maximum flexibility. For an exotic kernel or a precise directional one.

Rank Filter

Statistical filters (min/max/median with Shape and Size). For salt-and-pepper denoising or advanced morphology.

• Input (yellow) - image to filter.
• Effect Mask (blue) - optional.

MediaIn → Filter (choose a preset) → MediaOut

Classic sharpen + denoise chain:
MediaIn → Filter (Median, Size 3) → Filter (Sharpen, Amount 0.5) → MediaOut

Filter Type

Preset to apply. See the Available presets section.

Amount

Intensity of the effect (0-1 or more depending on the preset). A blend between the input image and the filtered image.

Size

Size of the neighborhood (for the filters where it applies: Median, Minimum, Maximum).

Red / Green / Blue / Alpha

Channels processed.

Sharpen

Boosts local contrast. A quick sharpen without going through an Unsharp Mask. Controlled with Amount.

Soften

A light blur (the equivalent of a blur with a uniform 3×3 kernel). To soften an image effortlessly.

Emboss

A relief / fake 3D effect: the edges stand out with an oblique directional light. An engraving / lithograph look.

Edge Detect

Highlights the edges. The inside of uniform surfaces turns black, the edges are white. A basis for stylization or an automatic mask.

Median

Median filter. Removes impulse noise (dust, scratches, salt-and-pepper) without blurring the edges.

Minimum

Takes the darkest pixel in the neighborhood. The equivalent of an erode (shrinks the bright areas).

Maximum

Takes the brightest pixel. The equivalent of a dilate (grows the bright areas).

• Quick sharpen before export - Filter (Sharpen, Amount 0.3) for a small sharpness boost without the artifacts of a badly tuned Unsharp Mask.
• Light denoising - Filter (Median, Size 3) before a sharpen = removes low-amplitude grain without crushing detail.
• Cartoon / comic effect - Filter (Edge Detect) + invert + Multiply Merge over the color image = black comic-book outlines.
• Engraving / stamps - Filter (Emboss) + Levels = an inked stamp effect.
• Matte cleanup - Filter (Minimum) on a noisy matte = erodes the overspill, Filter (Maximum) to fill the holes.
• Title stylization - Text+ → Filter (Emboss) + Color Corrector → titles with vintage relief.

• Gradual Amount - always start low (0.2-0.3) and go up if needed. Amount 1 often gives an overdone result.
• Filter = convenient, Custom Filter = precise - if the presets do not fit your need, replace it with a Custom Filter with a specific kernel.
• Emboss + a light tint = a vintage photographic engraving look. Add a Color Corrector afterward to shift it toward sepia.
• Edge Detect can serve as a mask - a threshold afterward + invert = a mask that pulls out the detail, useful for selective sharpening or localized grading.
• Median Size 3 is often enough. Size 5+ gives visible blur.
• For a luminance-only filter, disable R/G/B and keep only alpha → apply the effect to the luma only, or use a YUV Custom Tool.