Transforming a photo into a drawing is a unique way to breathe new life into your memories. Whether you're looking for a quick, free solution, or simply the most accurate rendering, there are many options... especially in the age of artificial intelligence. But how do you know which one to choose?
Some tools offer automatic filters that do the trick, while others rely on customization for a more realistic result. We tested the best tools for you, to help you find the one that best suits your needs, your budget and your project.
🤖 With AI: The quick solution
Turning a photo into a drawing using AI tools is a quick, convenient, and accessible method. Platforms like Canva, Fotor, and MyEdit offer advanced filters that turn your photos into works of art. Here’s a detailed look at these tools, their features, and how to use them effectively.
Canva: The best known
Canva is a must-have for transforming your photos into drawings thanks to its built-in creative filters. Accessible on browser or via mobile application, this tool allows you to give an artistic look to your images in just a few clicks . Among the available styles, there are sketch, painting, cartoon or minimalist effects, perfect for projects such as social media posts, invitations, or posters.
Although very easy to use, Canva has its limitations : filters apply predefined transformations and customization is limited. However, its speed and diversity make it an excellent choice for accessible creative projects.
🧡 Our favorite: We particularly like their "Cartoonify" effect which caricatures you like a cartoon character. With its sharp edges and bright colors, it is ideal for transforming a photo into a fun drawing.
Fotor: Simple but basic results
Fotor is a good alternative to Canva to transform your photos into drawings. With an intuitive interface and tools suitable for both amateurs and professionals, it is very easy to use. Fotor offers more advanced options , such as manually adjusting the intensity of effects and details, allowing for a fairly precise rendering.
You can find many styles here, from realistic sketches to detailed digital paintings. Perfect for fun artistic creations or marketing visuals!
💡 A must-try: The "Drawing" effect, which sublimates your portraits into a detailed sketch with subtle shadows. The best for an elegant portrait that looks like it was hand-drawn.
MyEdit: The most original transformations
MyEdit focuses on the essentials: fast and efficient transformations . Unlike Canva and Fotor, MyEdit does not overload the user with a ton of options. Here, each filter is optimized for specific renderings, such as "Line Art", ideal for precise line drawings or "Sketch", for a hand-drawn effect.
Where MyEdit stands out is in its ability to automatically adjust line density and brightness, without manual intervention. Just perfect if you're looking for an instant result without having to make any adjustments.
✨ Our favorite filter: We really liked the Anime filter, which we found quite successful. We really feel like we're a manga character!
What is the best option with AI?
After spending hours testing different image generators, we have to admit that MyEdit has impressed us. While Canva and Fotor remain safe bets for basic drawings, they remain very, very basic.
| - | MyEdit 🥇 | Canva 🥈 | Photo 🥉 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personalization | Automatic | Basic | Advanced (manual settings) |
| Accuracy of renderings | Excellent | Average | Weak |
| Ease of use | Ultra simple | Simple | Moderately intuitive |
| Transformation time | Instant | Very fast | Fast |
📱 With mobile applications: Simplicity
Mobile apps offer a convenient way to turn your photos into drawings right from your smartphone. Quick and easy to use, they allow you to give your images an artistic style in just a few clicks, wherever you are.
Prisma: The best results
Prisma is a mobile application that transforms your photos into digital works of art thanks to its filters inspired by famous artistic styles . Available on iOS and Android, it offers a simple and fast interface: upload your photo, select a filter and adjust the intensity if necessary.
With Prisma, you can imitate artists like Van Gogh, Picasso or Munch, with a unique painterly effect. Prisma preserves image details well while applying realistic transformations . However, image resolution may be reduced and some advanced filters require a premium subscription.
👍 We liked: The "Drawing" filter, which transforms your photos into a pencil drawing. Clean and simple, the result is really great!
ToonMe: Transform yourself into a Cartoon character
ToonMe is a mobile application specialized in transforming photos into cartoon characters . Easy to use, it allows you to create fun and varied renderings in just a few clicks. ToonMe offers styles inspired by classic or modern cartoons, perfect for fun portraits.
What sets ToonMe apart is its ability to generate realistic cartoon faces while offering options to customize colors and details. However, some filters are only accessible with the paid version.
👌 The best filter: We liked the "Brush" filter, which mixes soft touches of paint and a cartoon effect, ideal for an original and elegant rendering.
Arta: Simple and effective
Arta is a versatile mobile app that turns your photos into digital drawings and paintings. It offers a wide range of artistic filters , from realistic sketches to comic-inspired styles. Easy to learn, Arta also offers customization tools, such as color and outline adjustments, to refine your creations.
The app stands out for its precise results and well-crafted details , particularly suitable for portraits. However, like its competitors, advanced features and some filters require a premium subscription.
⭐ The filter to test: The "Pixtoon" filter, which gives your photos a retro cartoon effect with pixelated textures, ideal for a fun and nostalgic style.
What is the best photo to drawing app?
After trying all these options, Prisma is, in our opinion, the best mobile application to transform your photo into a drawing. This is thanks to its high-quality artistic filters and its ease of use. ToonMe follows closely, with its really well-made cartoon portraits, while Arta, although interesting, offers much less cool renderings.
| - | Prisma 🥇 | ToonMe 🥈 | Arta 🥉 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of free filters | A lot | Normal | Too little |
| Accuracy of renderings | Excellent | Good | Varies depending on the filter |
| Ease of use | Ultra simple | Simple | Simple |
| Transformation time | Instant | Very fast | Fast |
✍ With Cartoon You: The personalized and hand-drawn option
Cartoon Toi offers a unique experience by transforming your photos into personalized works of art drawn by professional artists. Unlike automated tools, each drawing is custom-made, allowing it to reflect your style, preferences and personality.
A unique drawing from your photos
What distinguishes Cartoon Toi is the human involvement in the process of transforming your photo into a drawing. Each order is handled by an artist who adapts the style according to your requests.
You can choose from different universes, such as manga , cartoon or comics style. You can even specify details like a pose, an expression, or accessories. For example, you can recreate the famous Wanted poster from the One Piece series or see yourself caricatured as a character from Rick and Morty .
Made by passionate artists
Unlike AI tools and mobile apps, which are limited to applying pre-existing filters, Cartoon Toi offers a handcrafted creation . The results are not standardized but custom-designed, guaranteeing optimal quality and a human touch. You get a truly unique drawing, perfect for gifting, framing or using in creative projects.
How do I create my personalized Cartoon You portrait?
To create your personalized drawing with Cartoon Toi , there is nothing simpler. You start by submitting your best photo , accompanied by your specific instructions (number of characters, background, etc.).
Once your order is validated, an artist works on your portrait following your instructions. After a few days, you will receive a first version for validation. You can request retouching if necessary before receiving the final rendering.
🤔 Your frequently asked questions
What tools to transform a photo into a drawing are free?
Most tools like Canva, Fotor, MyEdit, Prisma, ToonMe, and Arta offer free versions. However, some specific features or filters require a premium subscription.
What are the simplest tools for beginners?
For beginners, MyEdit and Prisma are the easiest to use. MyEdit is ideal for fast and precise renderings without the hassle.
What is the best tool for line drawing?
If you're looking for a minimalist line drawing, MyEdit is also the best option thanks to its "Line Art" filter. Canva also offers a sketch effect, but it's much less precise.
Can you get a Pixar or minimalist effect with Canva?
Canva does not offer a Pixar effect directly, but its "Cartoonify" filter can come close for a fun and colorful rendering. The must for a Pixar effect remains the Arta app with its "Pixtoon" filter, but which is unfortunately paid...
Why choose Cartoon Toi for an original rendering?
Cartoon Toi is incomparable to automated tools. Unlike AI, each drawing is drawn manually by artists. The customization is total and the rendering, truly unique. You can choose the details, the poses, or even embody the characters of your favorite series. It is the ideal solution for original results, and in addition it is the best to make a truly unforgettable gift.
