How to Make Pictures Into Cartoons & Edit

Turn yourself into a cartoon using photo editing software.

Digital photo editing software allows you to create cartoons from any digital images at home. Depending on your experience with the software you are using and the complexity of the cartoons you want to make, the method can be easy or quite complicated. It is fairly simple, however, to make a cartoon version of any digital photo using the filters and special effects settings in your program. The subsequent editing process can be as simple or complex as you choose.

Things You'll Need

• Digital photograph
• Photo editing software e.g. Adobe Photoshop

Instructions

1. Open your photo editing software program, then open the photograph or image you want to turn into a cartoon. You usually do this by clicking "File" in the upper tool bar, then "Open," and then selecting the appropriate file from your documents, but refer to the instructions for your particular program if you are unsure how to open a photograph. If the photo appears too small to see clearly in the window, adjust the zoom percentage.

2. Save your picture at this stage so that you can revert to an unedited version at any time.

3. Open the filter gallery or similar special effects settings on your program. Experiment by clicking on the different filters and effects and examining the effects they have on the photograph. You are only previewing the effects at this stage, so try as many different filters as you like. Cartoons encompass a variety of styles, and several of the filters will produce a cartoon-like effect. If you are using Adobe Photoshop, for example, try the Poster Edges, Cutout, Ink Outlines and Photocopy filters.

4. Adjust the settings for the filter or special effects you have chosen. You are usually able to change the thickness of any outlines, the definition and color settings. Experiment with the settings, making changes until you are happy with the look, then apply the filter or effect by clicking "OK" or "Apply." Save the picture so that you can revert to this version later, if necessary.

5. Edit your "cartooned" picture using the various tools in your software program. Most offer numerous ways to edit pictures, including cropping them, adding text, adding multiple images to one page, reducing or enlarging pictures, adding freehand artwork with paintbrush and pencil tools and many other functions.

Tips & Warnings

• When you are experimenting with the different filters, make a note of the names of the effects you like so that you can go back to them.

References

• Photoshop Essentials: The Filter Menu