Do you want to turn your ordinary photo into a cartoon or comic-like image? You may think that the only way to achieve this is by using a professional photo editing software like Photoshop. However, there are actually several ways to cartoonize a picture without Photoshop. In this article, we’ll take you through some of the best methods to achieve this effect using free or affordable tools.
Online Cartoonizers
There are various online cartoonizer tools available that allow you to cartoonize your photo instantly. There are several popular and reliable online tools for cartoonizers that are easy to use and can help you create fun and unique cartoon images. Here are some of the best ones:
BeFunky – BeFunky is a popular photo editing tool that includes a cartoonizer feature. It allows you to turn your photos into cartoon images, as well as add text and other graphic elements to your images.
AiPassportPhotos – This online tool is a great option for those who want to create cartoon images from their photos with only a few clicks. Simply upload your photo, choose a cartoon style, and voila! You have created your own unique cartoon image within a few seconds.
Cartoonize – Cartoonize is another popular online tool that can turn your photos into cartoon images. It offers a variety of cartoon styles, including pop art and pencil sketches, and allows you to adjust the settings to create your perfect cartoon image.
Cartoon.pho.to – This online tool offers a variety of cartoon styles to choose from, including caricatures and vector cartoons. It also offers advanced customization options, including the ability to adjust the color and intensity of your cartoon image.
To use these online tools, simply upload your photo and follow the instructions provided by the tool. Depending on the tool you choose, you may be able to adjust settings such as color, contrast, and saturation to create your desired cartoon image. Once you’re happy with your creation, you can save and share your cartoon image with friends and family.
Mobile Apps
With the rise of mobile photography, there are also many mobile apps that offer cartoonization features.There are several great apps that can help you cartoonize your photos, each with their own unique features and capabilities. Here are some of the best apps for cartoonizing your photos and a guide on how to use them:
Prisma – Prisma is a popular app that offers a variety of artistic filters, including several cartoon styles. To cartoonize your photo using Prisma, simply open the app, select the “Cartoon” filter, and adjust the settings to your liking. You can then save and share your cartoon image.
Cartoon Photo Editor – Cartoon Photo Editor is another great app for cartoonizing your photos. To use this app, simply open it, select the photo you want to cartoonize, and choose from a variety of cartoon filters. You can also adjust the brightness, contrast, and other settings to create your perfect cartoon image.
Cartoon Yourself – Cartoon Yourself is a fun and easy-to-use app that can transform your photos into cartoon images. To use this app, simply choose the photo you want to cartoonize, select a cartoon filter, and adjust the settings to your liking. You can then save and share your cartoon image with friends and family.
ToonCamera – ToonCamera is an app that allows you to capture live video or photos and apply a cartoon filter in real-time. To use this app, simply open it, select the cartoon filter you want to use, and start capturing your live video or photos. You can then save and share your cartoon images or videos.
In general, the process for cartoonizing your photos using these apps is similar. Simply choose the app you want to use, select the photo you want to cartoonize, and choose the cartoon filter and settings that best fit your needs. Once you’re happy with your cartoon image, you can save and share it with others.
Using GIMP
GIMP is a free and open-source photo editing software that can be used as an alternative to Photoshop. here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use GIMP to cartoonize your photo:
Open GIMP: Start by opening the GIMP software on your computer.
Import your photo: Click on File and select Open to import the photo you want to cartoonize into GIMP.
Duplicate your photo: Right-click on the photo layer in the Layers panel and select Duplicate Layer. This will create a copy of your photo layer that you can work on without affecting the original.
Apply the Cartoon filter: With the duplicate layer selected, click on Filters, then choose Artistic, and select Cartoon. This will open the Cartoon filter dialog box.
Adjust the settings: In the Cartoon filter dialog box, you can adjust the settings to achieve the desired cartoon effect. You can play with the sliders to adjust the Edge Thickness, Number of Levels, and Smoothness to create the cartoon effect you want.
Add a background layer (optional): If you want to add a background layer to your cartoon image, you can do so by creating a new layer and filling it with a color or pattern of your choice.
Export your cartoon image: Once you’re happy with your cartoon image, you can export it by clicking on File, then Export As. Choose the format you want to export your image as, and select the location where you want to save it. Click Export to save your cartoon image.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can easily cartoonize your photos using GIMP.
Manually Cartoonizing Your Photo
If you want to have more control over the cartoonization process, you can try to do it manually. We’ll guide you through the steps of manually cartoonizing your photo using GIMP or other similar software.
here’s a step-by-step guide on how to manually cartoonize your photo using GIMP or other similar software:
Open your photo in the software: Start by opening your photo in GIMP or other similar software.
Duplicate your photo layer: Create a duplicate layer of your photo so that you can work on it without affecting the original. To do this, right-click on the layer in the Layers panel and select Duplicate Layer.
Convert the duplicate layer to a black and white layer: With the duplicate layer selected, convert it to a black and white layer. In GIMP, you can do this by clicking on Colors, then Desaturate, and selecting the Desaturate option. In other similar software, look for a similar option to convert the layer to black and white.
Apply a Threshold filter: With the black and white layer selected, apply a Threshold filter to create distinct areas of black and white in your image. In GIMP, you can do this by clicking on Colors, then Threshold, and adjusting the slider until you achieve the desired effect. In other similar software, look for a similar option to apply a Threshold filter.
Apply a Posterize filter: Apply a Posterize filter to reduce the number of colors in your image and create a more cartoon-like effect. In GIMP, you can do this by clicking on Colors, then Posterize, and adjusting the number of levels until you achieve the desired effect. In other similar software, look for a similar option to apply a Posterize filter.
Add color to your cartoon image: If you want to add color to your cartoon image, create a new layer and use the paintbrush tool to add color to specific areas of your image. You can also use the fill tool to quickly fill larger areas with color.
Add final touches: Once you’re happy with your cartoon image, you can add final touches like shadows, highlights, and textures to create a more polished look.
Export your cartoon image: When you’re ready, export your cartoon image by clicking on File, then Export As. Choose the format you want to export your image as, and select the location where you want to save it. Click Export to save your cartoon image.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can manually cartoonize your photo using GIMP or other similar software.
Tips for Cartoonizing Your Photo
We’ll share some tips and tricks for achieving the best results when cartoonizing your photo, including adjusting the color, contrast, and saturation levels.
Here are some tips for cartoonizing your photo:
Choose a high-quality photo: To achieve the best results, start with a high-quality photo that has good lighting, sharp details, and clear lines.
Experiment with different filters: There are many different filters and effects you can apply to your photo to achieve a cartoon effect, so don’t be afraid to experiment and try different settings.
Don’t overdo it: It’s easy to get carried away with filters and effects, but it’s important to remember that less is often more. Try to strike a balance between a cartoon-like effect and maintaining the recognizable features of the original photo.
Consider adding color: Adding color can help to enhance the cartoon effect and make your image more visually appealing.
Pay attention to detail: When cartoonizing your photo, pay attention to details like the shape of facial features, the outline of clothing, and the direction of shadows. These details can help to make your cartoon image look more polished and professional.
Practice and have fun: Cartoonizing your photo can be a fun and creative process, so don’t be afraid to practice and experiment with different techniques. With some practice and patience, you can create a unique and eye-catching cartoon image.
In conclusion
You don’t need to have Photoshop or be a professional photo editor to cartoonize your photos. There are several easy and affordable ways to achieve this effect using online tools, mobile apps, or free software like GIMP. With the help of this article, you’ll be able to transform your photos into fun and playful cartoon-like images.
