Make Photoshop Cartoons Fast - 1 Minute Tutorial

Transforming Photos into Cartoon Art with Photoshop
The phrase "cartoonify yourself!" has become a common internet trend. However, with a short amount of time spent in Photoshop, you can bypass online tools and directly convert your photographs into appealing cartoon-style filters.
The process is surprisingly quick and accessible. Even a single minute can be sufficient to achieve a noticeable transformation.
Achieving the Cartoon Effect
Not all images are created equal, and some photographs will yield better results than others. Nevertheless, it’s generally feasible to convert nearly any photo into a “cartoon” image characterized by distinct lineart and vibrant, even colors.
The simplicity of this technique is noteworthy. The estimated time required – one minute – may even be an exaggeration for many users.
Steps to Cartoonize Your Images
- The core of the effect relies on creating strong outlines.
- Subsequent color simplification enhances the cartoon aesthetic.
- Experimentation with different photos will reveal optimal results.
This method allows for a personalized and creative approach to image editing. It provides a unique alternative to pre-made filters.
Ultimately, this technique offers a fast and effective way to add a playful, artistic touch to your photographs.
Transforming Photographs into Cartoon Filters
The process of converting a photograph into a cartoon-style image begins with selecting a high-resolution source image. Ideally, this image should depict a person with clearly defined features and relatively even skin tones. A photograph taken of a woman during the San Francisco Carnavale Parade serves as a suitable example for this demonstration.

It’s crucial that the chosen image exhibits well-defined facial characteristics, but avoids excessive contrast or harsh shadows. Once a suitable image is identified, it should be opened within Photoshop. Alternatively, users of GIMP, a free and open-source image editor, can apply these techniques with comparable results.

To safeguard the original image, duplicate the background layer. This is achieved by right-clicking on the layer within the layers panel and selecting the duplicate option. This preventative measure ensures that any modifications do not irreversibly alter the original file.

Next, navigate to the Filters menu, then select Blur, and finally choose Smart Blur. The following values can be used as a starting point, though adjustments may be necessary to achieve the desired effect based on the specific image.

Applying the Smart Blur filter serves to reduce skin textures and create a smoother appearance. This smoothing effect is an important preparatory step for subsequent filtering processes.

A levels adjustment, accessible via Ctrl + L, can further enhance contrast and optimize the image for cartoon conversion. Experiment with different settings to achieve the most visually appealing result.

The goal is to achieve flatter skin tones, minimal skin detail, and recognizable facial features, while retaining sufficient detail in other areas of the image. Even if the initial image isn’t perfect, proceeding with the process is encouraged.

After completing the levels adjustment, create another duplicate copy of the modified layer. This is done by right-clicking on the layer and selecting “Duplicate.” Ensure that you are duplicating the filtered layer, not the original background layer.

Proceed to the Filters menu, then select Sketch, and finally choose Photocopy. GIMP users can find the Photocopy filter under Filters > Artistic > Photocopy. Adjust the detail and darkness sliders to achieve the desired cartoon effect.

A potential issue with the Photocopy filter in Photoshop is its reliance on the currently selected foreground and background colors in the toolbox. Pressing the “D” key on the keyboard will quickly reset these colors to their defaults, potentially resolving unexpected results.

The application of the Photocopy filter should yield an image resembling the example provided. Minor cleanup using the eraser or brush tool may be necessary to refine skin or facial areas.

Select the topmost layer and change its blending mode to “Multiply.” This setting is highlighted in blue in the image above.

The image is now beginning to coalesce, but a more convincing flat-color layer is needed for the base.

Select the bottommost copy layer, which is likely the middle layer if you have followed the steps correctly.

Navigate to Filter > Artistic > Cutout to apply the cutout filter. Adjust the sliders to achieve a balance between detail and simplicity, while preserving color information.

The final result is a vibrant image with smooth colors and well-defined lineart. While it may not produce professional-quality artwork, this technique offers a fun and creative way to transform photographs.
Do you have questions or comments regarding Graphics, Photos, Filetypes, or Photoshop? Send your inquiries to ericgoodnight@howtogeek.com, and they may be featured in a future How-To Geek Graphics article.
Pretty blue feathered latina dancer by Chris Willis, available under Creative Commons.
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