Transform into Cartoon with Free Photoshop Action!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Downloading the Toon Artist Photoshop Action
3. Setting Up the Action Files
   • 3.1. Opening the Actions Panel
   • 3.2. Importing Actions and Patterns
4. Applying the Cartoon Effect to an Image
   • 4.1. Unlocking the Image Layer
   • 4.2. Enabling the Oil Paint Filter
5. Two Methods of Coloring the Image
   • 5.1. Method 1: Using the Brush Tool
   • 5.2. Method 2: Using Selection Tools
6. Refining Hair and Adding Text
   • 6.1. Using the Select and Mask Tool
   • 6.2. Editing Text in the Image
7. Customizing the Cartoon Effect
   • 7.1. Post FX - Border, Hue and Saturation, Levels, Grain
   • 7.2. FG FX - Lines and Dots
   • 7.3. Background FXs - Hue and Saturation, Gradient Overlay, Splash Effects, Background Patterns
8. Conclusion

Introduction

In this Photoshop tutorial, we will learn how to turn ourselves into cartoon characters using a free Photoshop action called Toon Artist. This action can transform any image into a cartoon-like artwork with just a few simple steps.

Downloading the Toon Artist Photoshop Action

To begin, You will need to download the Toon Artist Photoshop action file. Scroll down to the description section of the tutorial and access the download link provided. Right-click on the link and choose the "Extract files here" option. You will find two folders inside the extracted file, one for MAC OS users and the other for Windows users.

Setting Up the Action Files

Open the folder specific to your operating system. Inside this folder, you will find three different files. To use the Toon Artist action, we need to load the action and pattern files into Photoshop.

3.1 Opening the Actions Panel

First, open the Actions panel in Photoshop. To do this, go to the "Window" menu and select "Actions." This will open the Actions panel on your screen.

3.2 Importing Actions and Patterns

Next, go back to the "Window" menu and make sure the "Patterns" option is also selected. This will open the Patterns panel in Photoshop.

In the Actions panel, click on the small arrow icon to open the actions menu. From the menu, select "Load Actions" and locate the Toon Artist action file. Click "Load" to import the action into Photoshop.

Similarly, in the Patterns panel, open the patterns menu and choose "Import Patterns." Locate the pattern files from the Toon Artist folder and load them into Photoshop.

Once the actions and patterns are loaded, you will see them in their respective panels.

Applying the Cartoon Effect to an Image

Now that we have set up the action files, we can Apply the cartoon effect to an image. First, make sure you have the desired image opened in Photoshop. Create a new layer by going to the "Layer" menu and selecting "New" followed by "Layer." This will ensure that the effect is applied on a separate layer, preserving the original image.

Navigate to the "Filter" menu, select "Stylize," and enable the "Oil Paint" filter. If the filter option appears grayed out, it may indicate that your version of Photoshop does not support it. Check your image's color mode by going to the "Image" menu, then "Mode," and ensure it is set to "RGB Color" with "8-bit channels." Additionally, ensure that the "OpenCL" option is enabled in the "Performance" section of the "Preferences" menu.

Once the Oil Paint filter is visible, you can proceed to the next step.

Two Methods of Coloring the Image

There are two main methods to colorize the cartoon image: using the Brush Tool or utilizing selection tools.

5.1 Method 1: Using the Brush Tool

If you are not concerned about precise results and edges, this method is quicker and simpler. Select the Brush Tool from the toolbar and set the hardness to 100%. Choose your desired color and create a new layer above the main image. Color over the entire image with the selected color to cover it completely. Then, run the Toon Artist action by clicking on it.

5.2 Method 2: Using Selection Tools

For more precise control over the coloring process, select the Quick Selection Tool from the toolbar. Adjust the size of the tool using the square brackets on your keyboard. Click and drag to select the person in the image. Once selected, go to the "Select and Mask" option or use the Second tool from the toolbar. In the "Select and Mask" window, click on the "Refine Hair" button.

To view the selection more clearly, go to the "View" menu and choose the "Black and White" view. Use the Brush Tool to refine the selection by adding or subtracting from it. Ensure that the brush mode is set to "plus" and make necessary adjustments. Enable the "Decontaminate Colors" option if your hair has a tint color. Set the output to a new layer and click OK to create a new layer with the refined selection.

Refining Hair and Adding Text

Continue with the refinement of the hair by smoothing out any imperfections. Use the Brush Tool to manually paint over the hair and remove unwanted elements. Zoom in on the hair and use a black brush to erase any unnecessary lines. Hold the ALT or OPTION key and click on the mask to preview your progress. Release the ALT or OPTION key to return to the original view.

To add custom text to the image, double-click on the Smart Object layer and a dialogue box will appear. Click OK to proceed. Hide the Smart Object and select the Text Tool from the toolbar. Click and drag to create a text box and Type in your desired text. Arrange and position the text box within the work area. Close the Smart Object and save any changes when prompted.

Customizing the Cartoon Effect

You have the ability to customize various aspects of the cartoon effect to suit your preferences.

7.1 Post FX - Border, Hue and Saturation, Levels, Grain

The post FX section includes options to add a border, adjust the hue and saturation, modify levels, and enable a grain effect. Double-click on each respective layer to modify its properties and adjust the settings to achieve the desired effect.

7.2 FG FX - Lines and Dots

This section controls the foreground effects, which include lines and dots. Double-click on the layers to toggle their visibility. Use the Brush Tool to remove any unwanted lines or dots.

7.3 Background FXs - Hue and Saturation, Gradient Overlay, Splash Effects, Background Patterns

The background FX section allows you to control the background effects of your cartoon image. Adjust the hue and saturation, modify the gradient overlay, enable or disable splash effects, and choose from a variety of background patterns. Experiment with different settings to create unique and captivating backgrounds for your cartoon image.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Toon Artist Photoshop action provides an easy and efficient way to transform any image into a cartoon-like artwork. With the ability to customize various aspects of the cartoon effect, you can create unique and visually appealing images. Experiment with different settings and unleash your creativity with this powerful Photoshop action. Have fun creating your own cartoon characters!