Changing a photo to a cartoon in Photoshop involves a series of techniques leveraging filters, adjustments, and artistic rendering to distill the image into a stylized, cartoon-like representation. The process, while seemingly complex, can be broken down into manageable steps, resulting in eye-catching visuals suitable for social media, graphic design, or simply artistic expression.
Understanding the Cartooning Process
The core idea behind cartooning a photo revolves around simplifying the image, exaggerating key features, and introducing a painterly or graphic aesthetic. This is achieved by:
- Reducing details: Blurring, smoothing, and noise reduction are used to minimize unnecessary visual clutter.
- Enhancing edges: Outlines and defined borders are created to emulate the characteristic line work of cartoons.
- Boosting colors: Saturation and contrast adjustments make the colors vibrant and impactful.
- Simulating brushstrokes: Filters like “Dry Brush” or “Oil Paint” add a textured, hand-drawn feel.
While Photoshop offers numerous approaches, the following method presents a solid foundation for creating stunning cartoon effects.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cartooning Photos
This method emphasizes a non-destructive workflow, allowing for easy adjustments and refinements along the way.
Step 1: Duplicate the Background Layer
Always start by creating a duplicate of your original background layer. This preserves the original image and allows you to work on a copy, making it easier to revert if needed. Go to Layer > Duplicate Layer, or simply press Ctrl+J (Cmd+J on Mac).
Step 2: Apply the Smart Sharpen Filter
The Smart Sharpen filter helps to bring out details and edges, which are crucial for defining the cartoon look. Go to Filter > Sharpen > Smart Sharpen. Experiment with the settings. A good starting point is:
- Amount: 100-200% (adjust based on image sharpness)
- Radius: 1-2 pixels
- Reduce Noise: 10-20%
Click “OK” to apply the filter.
Step 3: Create a Poster Edges Effect
The Poster Edges filter is essential for creating those bold outlines that define a cartoon. Go to Filter > Filter Gallery > Artistic > Poster Edges. Suggested settings are:
- Edge Thickness: 2
- Edge Intensity: 3
- Posterization: 2 or 3 (adjust based on desired level of simplification)
Click “OK”. You might find this step creates unwanted noise. We will deal with this in the next stage.
Step 4: Reduce Noise with Surface Blur
To smooth out the image and remove any noise introduced by the Poster Edges filter, use the Surface Blur filter. Go to Filter > Blur > Surface Blur. Adjust the settings until the noise is reduced while retaining the edges. A good starting point is:
- Radius: 10 pixels
- Threshold: 15 levels
Click “OK”.
Step 5: Adjust Levels for Contrast
Enhance the contrast to make the cartoon effect more pronounced. Go to Image > Adjustments > Levels. Drag the black and white input sliders towards the center to increase contrast. Aim for a strong separation between light and dark areas.
Step 6: Optional: Add a Color Lookup Table (LUT)
A Color Lookup Table (LUT) can dramatically alter the colors of your image, adding a stylized and vibrant look. Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Color Lookup. Choose a LUT that complements the cartoon style. Experiment with different options to find the best fit. Popular choices include “Crisp_Winter.look,” “EdgyAmber.3DL,” or custom LUTs designed for cartoon effects. Reduce the layer opacity if the effect is too strong.
Step 7: Create Outlines with the Find Edges Filter
This step refines the outlines and adds more definition. Duplicate the original background layer again (Ctrl+J/Cmd+J) and place it on top of all other layers. Go to Filter > Stylize > Find Edges. Invert the colors by pressing Ctrl+I (Cmd+I on Mac).
Step 8: Change Blend Mode to Multiply and Adjust Opacity
Change the blend mode of the “Find Edges” layer to Multiply. This will make the black outlines blend with the underlying layers. Adjust the opacity of the layer to fine-tune the intensity of the outlines. A value between 50% and 70% is often suitable.
Step 9: (Optional) Hand-Drawn Effects with the Brush Tool
For a more personalized touch, you can use the Brush Tool (B) to manually add details, highlights, and shadows. Create a new layer above all others. Use a small, hard-edged brush with black or white to enhance outlines or add subtle shading.
Step 10: Final Adjustments
Review the overall effect and make any necessary adjustments. You might want to adjust the levels, saturation, or opacity of individual layers to achieve the desired result.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best image resolution for cartooning in Photoshop?
A higher resolution image generally yields better results. Aim for at least 300 DPI (dots per inch), especially if you plan to print the cartoon. Working with a larger image allows for more detail and reduces the risk of pixelation when applying filters.
2. Can I cartoon multiple photos at once in Photoshop?
Yes, you can use Actions in Photoshop to automate the cartooning process for multiple photos. Record yourself performing the steps on one image, then apply the Action to a batch of photos. This is a huge time-saver.
3. Which Photoshop version is recommended for cartooning photos?
Any recent version of Photoshop (CS6 or later) will work well. The core filters and tools used in the cartooning process have been around for a while. Newer versions may offer slightly improved performance or additional features.
4. How can I achieve a more “painterly” cartoon effect?
Use the Oil Paint filter (Filter > Stylize > Oil Paint) after applying the Smart Sharpen and Poster Edges filters. Adjust the stylization, cleanliness, scale, and bristle detail settings to achieve the desired level of painterly texture.
5. Is there a way to cartoon only specific parts of a photo?
Yes, use layer masks. After applying the cartoon effect to the entire image, add a layer mask to the affected layer. Then, use the Brush Tool with black paint to hide the effect in areas where you want the original photo to show through. White paint will reveal the effect again.
6. How do I make the cartoon outlines thicker?
There are several ways to thicken the outlines. You can duplicate the “Find Edges” layer and set the blend mode to Multiply. Alternatively, use the Stroke effect (Layer > Layer Style > Stroke) on the “Find Edges” layer to add a customizable border.
7. What are some common mistakes to avoid when cartooning photos?
- Oversharpening: Excessive sharpening can create harsh edges and artifacts.
- Over-simplification: Removing too much detail can make the image look flat and lifeless.
- Ignoring color balance: Incorrect color adjustments can result in an unnatural-looking cartoon.
8. Can I use these techniques on portraits?
Yes, these techniques work well on portraits. However, pay close attention to facial features and avoid over-simplifying them. Subtle adjustments and careful use of layer masks can help preserve the subject’s likeness.
9. Are there any plugins or actions that automate the cartooning process?
Yes, numerous Photoshop plugins and actions are available that automate the cartooning process. While these can save time, it’s important to understand the underlying techniques to customize the results to your liking. Look for options on marketplaces like Adobe Exchange or Creative Market.
10. How do I create a cartoon effect with speech bubbles and text?
After cartooning the photo, add a new layer for the speech bubble. Use the Ellipse Tool (U) or Custom Shape Tool (U) to create the bubble. Add text using the Type Tool (T). Choose a font that complements the cartoon style. Consider adding a tail to the speech bubble using the Pen Tool (P).
11. How can I make the colors in my cartoon photo more vibrant?
Use the Vibrance and Saturation adjustment layers (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Vibrance/Saturation). Increase the Vibrance slider to boost the intensity of muted colors without oversaturating the already vibrant ones. Adjust the Saturation slider to globally increase the color intensity.
12. How do I save my cartooned photo for web use?
Save your image as a JPEG or PNG file. For JPEGs, adjust the quality setting to find a balance between image quality and file size. For PNGs, use the 24-bit PNG format for images with transparency or gradients, and the 8-bit PNG format for simpler images with fewer colors. Use “Save for Web (Legacy)” to control the final output size and quality.