Do you want to apply black and white chalk effects to your images to give them a hand-drawn look? Well, guess what? You don’t need to be a pro artist with actual chalk and a blackboard to get that same vibe.
In this short guide, we’ll discuss two methods to get this done in Photoshop and provide steps for the most simple and quick one.
Table of Contents
Methods to Apply Black and White Chalk Effects to Image
You can use any of these two methods to draw an image on a blackboard in Photoshop:
Method 1: Photocopy Filter
The Photocopy filter is a special filter that turns your picture into a simple, rough drawing, like chalk. However, it doesn’t offer much control over how the final image turns out.
Method 2: Chalk Brush
Photoshop has chalk brushes you can use to draw the effect yourself. You can even adjust the pressure to make it look more realistic. The catch? It takes more time and some actual drawing skills.
Steps for Drawing an Image on a Blackboard Using Photoshop
We are using Photocopy Filter for this short guide because it’s the quickest and easiest way to apply black and white chalk effects.
Step 1: Upload Your Images
After launching Adobe Photoshop, click “Open” or “Shared With Me” to find the picture you want to turn into a chalk drawing, along with a separate blackboard image. You’ll need both! Bring the image layer on top of the blackboard layer.
Right-click the image (the one you want to add the chalk effect to), layer in the “Layers” panel, and choose “Convert to Smart Object.”
Look at the layers panel (it’s usually on the right side of the screen). You’ll see the picture you opened. Double-click the name of that layer and type in “Chalk Fill” to rename it. Right-click it again and choose “Duplicate Layer” or press “CTRL/CMD+J” if you’re quick with shortcuts to duplicate it and name the new layer “Chalk Effect Outline.”
Step 2: Apply the Photocopy Filter
Press “X” on the keyboard to make sure your “foreground color” is set to white. Find the “Filter” menu at the top of your screen, click it, and then select “Filter Gallery.”
Inside the Filter Gallery, look for a folder called “Sketch” and open it. Choose the “Photocopy” filter. You’ll see sliders for “Details” and “Darkness.” Set “Details” to 7 and “Darkness” to 24, then click “OK.”
Step 3: Make Some Adjustments
Select the “Chalk Effect Outline” layer and change the blending mode to “Screen” to make the “Background” layer visible.
Choose the “Chalk Fill” layer, click “Filter” (top menu ribbon), and select “Filter Gallery.”
Pick the “Graphic Pen” filter, set the “Stroke Length” to 2, “Dark/Light Balance” to 9, and click “OK.”
Now, set the “Chalk Fill” blending mode to “Screen” to make the blackboard layer. Press “Shift” on your keyboard, select both “Chalk Fill” and “Chalk Effect Outline” layers, and press “CTRL/CMD+G.” Click “Add Layer Mask” to add a layer mask, select it, go to “Filter,” choose “Noise,” and click “Add Noise.”
Set the amount between 15% and 50%, select “Distribution” to “Uniform,” and click “OK.”
Next, click the “Create Adjustment Layer” button (it looks like a half-black, half-white circle at the end of the layers panel) and choose “Levels.” This lets you tweak the black and white parts of your image so you can make the chalk effect look just right.
Adjust the blacks and whites slider to fine-tune the effect.
Step 4: Export the Image
Finally, to save your chalk drawing, click “File” at the top of the screen, go to “Export,” and choose “Export As.”
Set the file resolution, choose the size, and click “Export” to download the picture to your computer.
Tips and Tricks
Use a Soft Eraser for Smudging
Chalk drawings are never perfect, and neither should your effect be. So, select a soft eraser brush, lower its opacity, and add some smudges and uneven spots to your image to create a natural look.
Always Convert Your Picture to a Smart Object
Make sure to convert your image to a “Smart Object” before applying the “Photocopy” filter. This way, you can reopen the filter settings later and make any adjustments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using a Low-Resolution Image
If you use a low-quality photo, it can get pixelated when you apply the filters. Therefore, always start with a high-resolution image for the best results.
Ignoring the Details
Since chalk drawings usually have a grainy, rough texture, it won’t feel realistic if your effect looks too smooth. It’s best to add some grain or noise so the effect appears as real chalk marks.
FAQs
Why Does My Image Look Too Sharp After Applying the Chalk Effect?
The “Photocopy” filter often creates too sharp edges, due to which your images appear harsh. Try lowering the “Detail” settings in the filter. You can also increase the white level in the “Level” adjustment layer to fix this issue.
Can I Remove Any Unwanted Elements From the Chalk Effect?
Absolutely! Simply select the “Eraser” tool from the left panel. It looks like a regular eraser. In the options at the top of the screen, pick a “soft round brush.” This will make the edges of your erasing look smooth and natural. Drag it over the area from where you want to erase elements in your picture after applying the black and white chalk effect.
Conclusion
As we conclude, you’ve learned how to apply black and white chalk effects to your portrait images using the “Photocopy” filter in Photoshop. We’ve also discussed some tips and tricks to follow and common pitfalls to avoid.
It’s now your turn to experiment with different settings and add some texture to create some digital chalk art!
