How to Create a Pencil Sketch Effect in Adobe Photoshop

If you want to try something different when using Photoshop, you can try out pencil sketches. I would love to be able to say that I can draw, but all the evidence points to the contrary! Here’s where Photoshop can help. I’m not a terrible photographer, so I can upload an image and then use the tools to make it look like a can draw. Turning photos into pencil sketches can give your images a timeless, artistic touch. Whether you’re working with a JPG, PNG, or another image type, Adobe Photoshop makes it easy to create a pencil sketch effect quickly and professionally. Let’s have a look at the process.

Choose a Photo to Import

Start by selecting a high-resolution image with strong contrast. Portraits often work particularly well, but any image with clear details will do the trick. The important thing here is contrast. Using a blurry photo won’t give you a sharp, realistic pencil sketch effect. Once you’ve selected your photo, open it in Photoshop.

Select a Subject for your Effect

If you want to apply the sketch effect to just part of your image, you’ll need to make a selection. To achieve this, do the following:

1. Use the Object Selection Tool or any other selection tool to outline the area you want to convert.
    
2. Once selected, copy and paste the area to a new layer.
3. Select the new layer, then select Image > Adjustments > Desaturate to convert the image to grayscale.
   

Tip: If you want to duplicate the entire image, just drag the layer to the New Layer button.

Duplicate and Invert the Layer

Now create a duplicate of your desaturated layer, and make sure it’s selected.

1. Select Image > Adjustments > Invert. This reverses the colours, which is going to look weird, but stay with me!
   
   
   
2. Change the layer’s blending mode to Colour Dodge. Your image might temporarily appear completely white, but that’s normal.
   
   
   
3. Right click this layer and select Convert to Smart Object. This will enable you to make non-destructive edits, so you can easily undo or refine your adjustments later.
   

So far, so good. Now it’s time for the best bit.

Creating an Adobe Photoshop Pencil Sketch Effect

1. Select Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur.
   
   
   
   
2. Adjust the Radius slider to find the effect that best suits the sketch style you want.

• Lower values create a rough, charcoal-like effect.
• Higher values produce a smoother, fine-lined pencil sketch.

You’ll need to experiment a bit until you’re happy with the look.

Fine Tuning

At this stage, your sketch should look pretty good, but a few extra tweaks can give it a bit more pizzaz. You can start this by adding an Adjustment Layer for Levels

1. From the Layers Panel, click the New Adjustment Layer button and select Levels.
   
2. Adjust the levels to refine the contrast and shadows in your sketch.
3. Change the blending mode of the adjustment layer to Multiply.
4. Adjust the opacity and layer levels by balancing light and dark areas until your sketch has the exact feel you want.
   

Conclusion

Converting photos to pencil sketches in Photoshop can be a great way to transform your images into something truly unique. With these steps, you can create a wide range of effects, from soft charcoal to fine pencil lines, while keeping control over every detail.

So, grab a photo and give it a shot!