Turning photos into drawings

[takavulla]

In this time of Pandemic, I want to be able to give granchildren something to do.  I read or saw somewhere that in Elements, one can turn photos into like a coloring book photo, if that makes sense.  So the children can take crayons an color them.

Any heard of anything like this.

tim

[Greg_S.]

What version of Elements do you have?  Probably the easiest way to do this is to use the Pencil Effect which can be found under Quick Edit mode in the Effects panel.

To make the lines darker, you may have to increase the contrast, using a Levels adjustment layer.

[Greg_S.]

Also, look at the Guided Edit>Black and White>Line Drawing which does the same thing.

[takavulla]

how would I use the Levels ahjustment Layer

BTW, I have the 2020 version of Elements

thanks

tim

[takavulla]

Tried to use the levels adjustment in the "Quick Editing" but n othing seems to happen.  Maybe this is not working well.

tim

[Greg_S.]

Try the Quick Edit which has an automatic Levels adjustment button.  If you're not happy with the results, come back and I'll give you more detailed instructions for the Expert mode.

[takavulla]

i would like more details because  I was not happy with Quick Editing.  Tried itseveral times, and just not getting the clarity I want.

thanks

tim

[Greg_S.]

Actually, adding a threshold layer may be better.  So, once you have applied the pencil effect to your photo in Quick mode, do the following:

1. Change to the Expert mode tab.
2. Under the Layer menu, select New Adjustment Layer>Threshold.
3. Move the slider to the right to make the lines darker.