Apply Pencil Drawing to images and videos online
Transform a photograph into a textured, pencil-like drawing. Layered surface marks and a restrained print palette soften the digital finish while preserving the subject's broad shapes.
Before
After
Ideas for using the effect
Sketchbook portraits
Start with a well-lit face and use the texture as a sketchbook-style treatment.
Illustrated still lifes
Apply the drawing finish to plants, ceramics, or everyday objects with simple backgrounds.
Book and journal covers
Create a textured illustration base that leaves space for clean typography.
Travel diaries
Unify buildings and landscape photographs with a consistent hand-worked surface.
Made with this effect
More inspiration on Instagram @effect_app
Use Pencil Drawing in Photoshop, Figma or on your desktop
One account, the same effect everywhere.
In Photoshop
Apply it to a layer in Photoshop 2022 and later, on macOS or Windows. The plugin renders on your own GPU and hands the result back as pixels on a new layer.
get the Photoshop plugin →In Figma
Run it on images and frames without leaving the canvas. The Figma plugin is this same editor, pointed at whatever you have selected.
get the Figma plugin →On desktop
Install the macOS or Windows app when you want a window of its own, with your account and your presets already there.
download the desktop app →Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply Pencil Drawing online?
Open the Pencil Drawing preset, add your image or video, and adjust the loaded effect layers to suit your source. Preview the result before exporting.
Is this a line-tracing filter?
How do I adjust the paper and pencil texture?
Change the Layer Mix opacities and the Risograph grain controls. Smaller or softer grain can suit close portraits; stronger texture can help broad forms read as an illustration.
Can I change the drawing colors?
Yes. The Risograph layer controls the active ink colors and paper color. You can make the treatment more neutral or retain a colored-pencil feel while keeping the same texture layers.
What if the result loses too much detail?
Use a larger, sharper source and ease the texture overlays. Adjust the first Curves layer so important features remain separated. For a more explicitly line-based result, try Cross Hatch.