I discovered how to turn photo into drawing for free with AI: using ChatGPT and other amazing apps – and the result was incredible. Check it out:

Have you ever imagined taking a photo of yourself and seeing what it would look like as an artistic drawing?
I've always found those profiles with stylized avatars, images that look like digital illustrations or even versions of photos that look like they were hand-drawn fascinating.
It was out of pure curiosity that I started researching ways to turn photos into drawings for free, and what I found was much more than I expected.
So, I discovered online tools, free apps and even something new that few people know about: ChatGPT itself can now transform images into digital art – and the result is surreal.
So, if you want to do this too, whether for fun, to use on social media or even to create a personalized gift, stay here with me.
I'll show you how to turn your photos into drawings for free, with professional quality and without complications.
How to turn photos into drawings for free?
The first thing you need to know is that it is possible to achieve incredible effects without paying anything.
But you don't need to be a designer or understand image editing. I tested several options myself and found tools that work directly in the browser, without the need to install anything.
Among the most practical are:
- ToonMe: specialized in cartoon and 3D style
- Photo: has filters that imitate pencil, watercolor and digital painting
- Picsart: In addition to transforming photos into drawings, it also allows manual adjustments.
- Photo Lab: Great for artistic effects, paint filters and creative collages
You basically upload your photo, choose the style you want, and that's it. Within seconds, the image appears completely transformed.
Some of these apps offer paid features, but the free version already delivers amazing results.
The app that has impressed me the most so far
Of all the tools I tested, the one that I loved the most was ToonMe.
Because it takes your selfie or any other image and applies different cartoon effects.
It's the kind of effect that looks like it was done by a professional illustrator.
Plus, with it, you can choose between several styles:
- 3D Cartoon
- Pencil drawing
- Watercolor
- Pixar style
- Modern digital painting
And the coolest thing is that you can do this directly on your cell phone. Just upload the image, click on the desired filter and wait for the result.
I did this with a photo of myself and it blew my mind. So I posted it on Instagram and a bunch of people asked me how I did it.
ChatGPT now turns images into digital art
For those who like to test new tools, this one is simply incredible: because ChatGPT now has a feature that turns images into digital art.
Yes, that's right. The artificial intelligence that previously only answered questions and wrote texts, now also generates artistic versions of any image you send.
And the most impressive thing is that you can choose the type of art you want. For example:
- Want to turn a photo into a pencil drawing? He does.
- Prefer a Van Gogh style digital painting? He creates.
- Do you dream of an anime, cartoon, watercolor or oil painting style art? He delivers too.
Simply upload your image, describe the style you want, and you’re done. The AI interprets your request and applies the effect with impressive fidelity.
My test with ChatGPT
I asked to turn a selfie of mine into a digital drawing with a soft gradient background.
The result was so good that it became my new profile picture on WhatsApp. And all this without having to download an app or pay anything.
How to generate drawings from photos using artificial intelligence?
This process has become much simpler. AIs analyze every element of the image (such as face, lighting, background, colors) and redraw everything with the style you choose.
With ChatGPT with image generation, you describe the style you want and receive an artistic version of your photo, made on the spot.
It's like ordering exclusive artwork, only with instant delivery.
Which AI turns images into drawings?
Today there are several AI-based tools that do this, but some stand out for their quality and practicality:
- ChatGPT: now with integrated artistic image generation
- DeepArt: transforms photos into styles of famous painters
- Dream by Wombo: Great for creative arts and drawing from scratch
- Picsart AI: fast, easy to use and with free options
- Fotor AI: ideal for those who want more realistic results
Why is this type of digital art so popular?
Because it’s accessible, fun and allows for creativity. I’ve transformed photos of friends, landscapes and even my dog into artistic versions.
These images become avatars, personalized covers, creative gifts or just something beautiful to keep. And with so much AI facilitating the process, all of this is now within everyone’s reach.
Quick tip for better results
Use photos with good lighting, a clean background, and a well-framed face. This helps the AI to better recognize features and apply effects with greater quality.
Try it now – it’s free and instant
If you want to try what I tested, here are two options that I highly recommend:
👉 Click here to turn your photo into a drawing now — free and straight to your phone
Or, if you want something even more sophisticated:
👉 Use the ChatGPT to create your custom art.
Just upload an image and write something like:
“I want to transform this image into a digital drawing with a watercolor background and soft lines.”
The result is unique, artistic and tailor-made. It is definitely worth trying.
The trend that is going viral
Now, if you want to take the photo the way everyone else is taking it and sharing it on social media, just give the following command to the GPT chat along with the photo you want to transform.
“From this photo, create a digital artwork with the characteristics of Studio Ghibli animations. Take into account the details of models, environment and scenes. Try to make something original but that is very close to the studio’s films.”
Let your creativity blossom
Since I discovered these tools, I haven't stopped testing them. I've created avatars, personalized posts, gift images, and even a gallery with different versions of the same photo.
So, if you like creativity, want to make your photos look like professional art and still do all this for free, I recommend you try it now.
It's simple, fast and the results are truly impressive.
So do it and then tell me how yours turned out! 🙂
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She’s practically an app detective—she tests, explores, tries out and gives us her honest opinion on each app. A technology addict and a review “expert,” she separates the apps that are pure hype from those that really make a difference. If there’s something new in the tech world, you can bet she’s already tried it before anyone else!
Very cool and fun
I wanted to take my photo
Me too
Cool, I liked it
I want to turn my photo into a drawing