How do you make a sketch effect in Photoshop?

Creating a sketch effect in Photoshop typically involves desaturating an image, inverting a duplicated layer, changing its blend mode, and applying a blur filter, followed by adjustments to fine-tune the look and optionally adding texture for realism.

Basic Sketch Effect Steps

This method is a common and effective way to transform a photograph into a pencil sketch style.

Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Open Your Image: Start by opening the photo you want to apply the sketch effect to in Photoshop.
2. Duplicate the Background Layer: Right-click on the Background layer in the Layers panel and select Duplicate Layer, or press Ctrl+J (Cmd+J on Mac). This keeps your original image safe.
3. Desaturate the Image: Select the duplicated layer. Go to Image > Adjustments > Desaturate, or press Shift+Ctrl+U (Shift+Cmd+U on Mac). This removes all color, turning the image grayscale, which is essential for a black and white sketch.
4. Duplicate the Grayscale Layer: Duplicate this new grayscale layer (Ctrl+J or Cmd+J). You should now have three layers: Original, Grayscale, and Grayscale Copy.
5. Invert the Grayscale Copy: Select the top layer (Grayscale Copy). Go to Image > Adjustments > Invert, or press Ctrl+I (Cmd+I on Mac). This turns the image into a negative.
6. Change the Blend Mode: With the inverted layer still selected, change its Blend Mode from Normal to Color Dodge in the Layers panel. At this point, your canvas will likely turn completely white. This is expected.
7. Apply Gaussian Blur: Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. A dialog box will appear. Check the Preview box. Slowly adjust the Radius slider. As you increase the radius, you will start to see the sketch lines appear.
   • Practical Tip: The optimal radius depends entirely on the image resolution and desired sketch detail. A lower radius gives finer, sharper lines, while a higher radius creates broader strokes. Experiment until you achieve the desired effect.
8. Fine-Tune Contrast (Optional but Recommended): Add an adjustment layer to enhance the sketch lines and contrast. Click the half-black/half-white circle icon at the bottom of the Layers panel and select Levels or Curves.
   • Using Levels: Drag the black and white sliders inward to increase contrast.
   • Using Curves: Click and drag on the curve to adjust tones, typically creating an 'S' curve shape to deepen shadows and brighten highlights, making the sketch pop.
9. Group Layers (Optional): Select the sketch layers (all layers except the original background) and group them (Ctrl+G or Cmd+G) for better organization.

Adding a Finishing Touch: Paper Texture

To truly enhance the hand-drawn appearance and give your digital sketch more realism, you can add a paper texture. As highlighted in tutorials like "Photoshop Pencil Sketch Effect Tutorial - YouTube", adding a texture is a great finishing step.

1. Place a Paper Texture: Open a suitable paper texture image or place it into your current document (File > Place Embedded...).
2. Position and Scale: Position and scale the texture layer to cover your sketch.
3. Change Texture Blend Mode: Change the texture layer's Blend Mode. Multiply is a common choice to let the sketch lines show through while coloring them with the paper tone. Overlay or Soft Light can also work, creating a more subtle effect. Adjust the layer's Opacity if needed to control the intensity of the texture.

By following these steps, you can effectively create a convincing pencil sketch effect from any photo in Photoshop, adding a realistic touch with a paper texture.