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24 Best Photo to Pencil Drawing Effect Actions for Photoshop

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Read Time: 10 min
This post is part of a series called Photoshop Portraits.
How to Convert Photos Into Paintings Fast With Photoshop Actions
12 Best Online Photo Editors for Filters and Effects (Free + Paid)

Learn how to make photo drawing effects using Photoshop actions! Check out this awesome resource list below.

How do you draw a person? A building? Or the sky? These simple questions open the floodgates to different design and art theories, but often people get intimidated by them.

That's why you should always take advantage of different mediums to explore your creative thoughts. Photoshop line drawing actions can deliver promising, expert-level results by transforming any photo into a realistic pencil drawing.

Pencil Sketch Effect ActionPencil Sketch Effect ActionPencil Sketch Effect Action
Get this stunning action to convert photos to sketches in Photoshop in a few clicks

Explore varying textures and more, with exciting actions perfect for any art enthusiast. Enjoy this selection of amazing hand-picked sketch art Photoshop actions and fantastic PS drawing effects from Envato Elements. See how easily you can convert a photo to a sketch.

Envato Elements: Get the Best Photoshop Effects (With Unlimited Use) 

To get you started on the art of converting your photos to hand-drawn sketches, Envato Elements has a great, all-inclusive offer you can't ignore. You get unlimited downloads of 60+ million creative assets, with no commitment. If you don't love it, simply cancel any time.

Envato Elements saves you both the time and energy needed when you're designing from scratch. That's a key benefit you can't miss from our offer.

24 Best Photoshop Sketch Filters to Download From Envato Elements

To show you what I'm talking about, I've gathered 24 of the best drawing filters and actions for sketches from Envato Elements. You'll be able to convert a picture to a drawing in just a few clicks!

1. Sketch Art Photoshop Action (ABR, ATN)

Sketch Art Potoshop ActionSketch Art Potoshop ActionSketch Art Potoshop Action

Experiment with some of the best sketch actions in Photoshop. For a little texture, this is a great photo to sketch converter. I went with this pretty Sketch Art action for Adobe Photoshop. Easily make your photos into gifts, packages, or souvenirs with this quick and effective sketch action. You won't find sketch plugins in Photoshop as good as this one.

2. Concept Sketch Photoshop Action (ABR, ATN, PAT)

Concept Sketch - Photoshop ActionConcept Sketch - Photoshop ActionConcept Sketch - Photoshop Action

This sketch effect action for Photoshop will convert any picture to a drawing in seconds. This drawing filter is perfect for architectural photos. Use this PS drawing action for Photoshop for any kind of engineering or architectural design and save yourself hours of work! It's a great pencil sketch Photoshop action.

3. Da Vinci Sketch Photoshop Action (ABR, ATN, PAT)

Da Vinci Sketch Photoshop ActionDa Vinci Sketch Photoshop ActionDa Vinci Sketch Photoshop Action

Stop looking for Photoshop sketch plugins. This is one of our best pencil sketch effects. This drawing filter will give you artworks in the style of the great Renaissance painter, Leonardo da Vinci. The photo to hand drawing converter works best with portraits and inanimate objects and other photos. Try this Photoshop drawing action with one of your photos! 

4. Vintage Sketch Photoshop Action (ABR, ATN, PAT)

Vintage Sketch Photoshop ActionVintage Sketch Photoshop ActionVintage Sketch Photoshop Action

Ever wanted to convert any photo to a sketch? You can do it quickly with this photo to sketch Photoshop action converter and give your portraits a unique vintage look. Get this Photoshop sketch filter and download it from Envato Elements to impress your friends.

5. Pencil Sketch Photoshop Action (ABR, ATN, PAT)

Pencil Sketch - Photoshop ActionPencil Sketch - Photoshop ActionPencil Sketch - Photoshop Action

This is a fantastic line drawing action for Photoshop for any logo. You can convert any photo to a pencil sketch in Photoshop very easily with this drawing filter. Apply this photo filter as many times as you wish, and get a different result every time. Don't miss out on this action sketch and turn any photo into a pen and ink drawing.

6. Sketch Photoshop Action (ABR, ATN)

Sketch Photoshop ActionSketch Photoshop ActionSketch Photoshop Action

Dedicate a special portrait to your furry friend with this amazing pencil sketch Photoshop action. This Photoshop action for drawing features a Photoshop line drawing action, with accompanying brush textures to complete the look! This drawing action for Photoshop has been tested on Photoshop CS3 and above, so make sure to try it out with recent versions!

7. Graphitum: Charcoal Sketch Photoshop Action (ABR, ATN, PAT)

Graphitum - Charcoal Sketch Photoshop ActionGraphitum - Charcoal Sketch Photoshop ActionGraphitum - Charcoal Sketch Photoshop Action

Looking for original drawing actions? Charcoal is another great medium many artists enjoy. And now you can use this sketch action to convert a photo to a pencil sketch in Photoshop. Explore dramatic tones with this fun action sketch. Included in this pack is one main Photoshop action with access to ten colorful presets for more options. No need to keep looking for Photoshop sketch plugins online.

8. Tech Sketch Photoshop Action (ABR, ATN, PAT)

Tech Sketch Photoshop ActionTech Sketch Photoshop ActionTech Sketch Photoshop Action

Looking for cool sketch actions for Photoshop? Design the tech you've always wanted with this brilliant Photoshop action to help you convert photos to drawings. Try this Photoshop action drawing on amazing car concepts and more for fantastic tech-inspired drawings. Save countless hours with this simple Photoshop line drawing action packed with well-organized layers.

9. Pencil Sketch Photoshop Action (ABR, ATN, PAT)

Pencil Sketch Photoshop ActionPencil Sketch Photoshop ActionPencil Sketch Photoshop Action

No matter your subject, Photoshop effects create jaw-dropping images that will wow your audience. And this pencil sketch action is no different. Try this pencil sketch Photoshop action to create a realistic pencil action sketch with Photoshop actions to which you can easily apply color effects. Keep it monochromatic for a traditional look, or just add color. 

10. Architectum: Sketch Draft Photoshop Action (ATN)

Architectum - Sketch Draft Photoshop ActionArchitectum - Sketch Draft Photoshop ActionArchitectum - Sketch Draft Photoshop Action

Need a new way to display your product photos? Try this wicked sketch Photoshop action. Featuring a fantastic, realistic look, this photo effect creates drawings that look as if they just left your drafting table. Simply pick the photo you want, and then play the action for great effects to convert a picture to a drawing!

11. Architectum 2: Sketch Tools Photoshop Action (ABR, ATN, PAT)

Architectum 2 - Sketch Tools Photoshop ActionArchitectum 2 - Sketch Tools Photoshop ActionArchitectum 2 - Sketch Tools Photoshop Action

A sequel to the original Architectum action, this is a photo to hand drawing converter you don't want to miss! Add varying straight and diagonal lines for more dynamic energy in your work. Apply this realistic pencil sketch Photoshop action to objects, places, or transportation. You won't need another Photoshop sketch plug-in after using this action sketch. Check this Photoshop sketch photo action out!

12. Scribble Art Effect Photoshop (ATN)

Scribble Art Effect PhotoshopScribble Art Effect PhotoshopScribble Art Effect Photoshop

Turn pictures into traditional pencil sketches. Get a traditional image effect and convert a photo to a drawing with this pencil sketch Photoshop action. Perfect for portraits, this action sketch art Photoshop action is highly effective and easy to use. This is a great drawing filter to start experimenting with. 

13. Pen Sketch Photoshop Action (ABR, ATN, PAT)

Pen Sketch Photoshop ActionPen Sketch Photoshop ActionPen Sketch Photoshop Action

Get clean crosshatching lines with this realistic pen sketch Photoshop action. Optimized specifically for Photoshop CS3 and above, this Photoshop effect helps you enjoy a phenomenal pen sketch look without all the fuss. Use this ink sketch Photoshop action on posters, collages, and more for different effects.

14. ModernArt Photoshop Action Sketch (ATN)

ModernArt Photoshop ActionModernArt Photoshop ActionModernArt Photoshop Action

Highlight your family photos with this charming sketch effect action for Photoshop. The ModernArt action comes with one Photoshop action sketch to quickly convert your work. Save the original background or upload your own textures for more variety. Try this photo to illustration converter!

15. 3D Sketch Photoshop Action (ATN, PAT, ABR)

3D Sketch Photoshop Action3D Sketch Photoshop Action3D Sketch Photoshop Action

Check out this fantastic photo to illustration converter. It's an amazing pencil sketch action in Photoshop. This 3D sketch Photoshop action will turn your images into engraved works of art. Use this pics to sketch converter to give your photos a sophisticated, eye-catching look. It's one of our best pencil sketches.

16. Blueprint Photo Effect Sketch Photoshop Template (ATN, PAT)

Architecture BluePrint - Photoshop ActionArchitecture BluePrint - Photoshop ActionArchitecture BluePrint - Photoshop Action

Looking to convert a photo to a sketch in Photoshop? Here's a pics to sketch converter that will turn your images into a fine blueprint drawing. With a couple of clicks, you can activate this blueprint sketch Photoshop action!

17. Mixed Media Ink Sketch Photoshop Action (ABR, ATN, PAT)

Mixed Media Photoshop ActionMixed Media Photoshop ActionMixed Media Photoshop Action

Use a photo to pen and ink drawing photo filter like this to help update your space! This ink sketch Photoshop action combines ink and pencil textures for an abstract, modern painting. This Photoshop sketch action photo to illustration converter has been tested on dozens of photos with quality results and creates stunning images you'll want to hang up.

18. Pencil Sketch Photoshop Action (PSD)

Portrait Sketch Painting photoshop EffectPortrait Sketch Painting photoshop EffectPortrait Sketch Painting photoshop Effect

Discover the beauty of pencil marks with this sketch Photoshop action. This drawing filter is a good example. Convert a photo to a drawing with a simple process. Start experimenting with this pencil sketch action in Photoshop. This is one of the best photo sketch actions we have to offer!

19. Scribble Pen Sketch Photoshop Action (ABR, ATN, PAT)

Pen Sketch Photoshop ActionPen Sketch Photoshop ActionPen Sketch Photoshop Action

Some artists are so talented that they can create epic drawings with pens! Now you can too with this incredible photo to pen and ink drawing effect. Dedicate a new layer to the areas where you want the most details, and then play the action. You'll get a cool drawing like the one above with this sketch art Photoshop action.

20. Sketch Paper Torn Photo Effect for Photoshop (PSD)

Sketch paper torn photo effect for photoshopSketch paper torn photo effect for photoshopSketch paper torn photo effect for photoshop

Easily change your landscapes into dramatic pencil sketches. Check out this realistic pencil sketch Photoshop action. This photo effect simulates a torn drawing over a real-life scene. Inspired by the photo artist Ben Heine, this action creates a high-quality image we're sure you'll love. This is one of the best pencil sketches out there.

21. Scribble Photo Effect for Photoshop (PSD)

Scribble Photo EffectScribble Photo EffectScribble Photo Effect

Make your photography even more beautiful with this photo to illustration converter. A photo to pencil drawing effect is designed to give texture to your image, and this Photoshop pencil sketch action is highly effective. Experiment with this pencil sketch Photoshop action on different images.

22. Pencil Drawing Photo Effect (PSD)

Pencil Drawing Photo EffectPencil Drawing Photo EffectPencil Drawing Photo Effect

Design epic prints with traditional pencil textures. Convert any photo to a pencil sketch with Photoshop. This new photo filter brings you phenomenal results with simple instructions. Play with this photo to sketch converter. It works as a Photoshop pencil sketch action, and you can pair this design with posters, prints, and more. 

23. Sketch Paint Photoshop Action (ABR, ATN, PAT)

Sketch Paint Photoshop ActionSketch Paint Photoshop ActionSketch Paint Photoshop Action

Looking for a creative Photoshop action sketch? Create a dynamic composition with this helpful Photoshop drawing action. This photo filter is super simple to master. Try out the colored pencil effect by itself or add more color to match your brand. Convert a photo to a pencil sketch with Photoshop.

24. Vintage Sketch Photoshop Action (ATN, ABR, PAT)

Vintage Sketch Photoshop ActionVintage Sketch Photoshop ActionVintage Sketch Photoshop Action

Mix and match vintage styles and textures with beautiful color presets in this sketch effect action for Photoshop. This amazing photo effect is inspired by vintage drawings. Customize your result by playing with different brushes and make your work unique with this photo to hand drawing converter.

Learn More About Sketch Effect Actions

Learn how to convert photos to drawings and how to create your own sketch effect actions in Photoshop. It can be a little challenging at first, but don't worry—we've got you covered.

Check out this tutorial we've made for you on this topic:

Also, don't forget to follow along with us over on our Envato Tuts+ YouTube channel! We've got many more interesting and useful videos for you.

Try Out More Sketch Effects!

Tried any of these pics to sketch converters? Explore even more styles of Photoshop sketch actions. Or make your own! Convert any photo to a sketch using the following tutorials:

Conclusion

This has been a collection of premium resources perfect for the avid designer and photographer. For more cool Photoshop sketch actions and great PS drawing effects, check out Envato Elements. Happy designing!

Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions from Janila Castañeda. Janila is a staff writer with Envato Tuts+.

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