How Do I Turn a Photo Into a Paint by Number in Photoshop?

September 8, 2023 photoshop

Turning a photo into a paint by number in Photoshop can be a fun and creative way to transform your images into unique pieces of art. With the help of Photoshop's powerful tools and features, you can easily convert any photo into a paint by number template that you can later print and color.

Step 1: Selecting the Right Photo

Before you begin, choose a photo that has distinct shapes and clear boundaries between different objects or areas. This will make it easier to create separate paintable sections later on. Landscapes, portraits, and still-life photographs are all excellent choices for this project.

Step 2: Opening the Photo in Photoshop

To start the process, open your chosen photo in Adobe Photoshop. You can do this by going to File > Open or by dragging and dropping the image file directly onto the Photoshop workspace.

Step 3: Creating a New Layer

In order to keep your original photo intact, it's essential to work on a separate layer. To create a new layer, go to the Layers panel (usually located on the right-hand side of your screen) and click on the "New Layer" button at the bottom.

Step 4: Converting the Photo into Black and White

In order to create distinct sections for each color in your paint by number template, you need to convert your photo into black and white. To do this, go to Image > Adjustments > Black & White. Adjust the sliders until you achieve the desired level of contrast.

Step 5: Enhancing Contrast (Optional)

If necessary, you can enhance the contrast of your black and white image to make it easier to distinguish between different areas. Use adjustment layers such as Levels or Curves to adjust brightness and contrast. Experiment until you're satisfied with the result.

Step 6: Creating a Posterized Effect

To further simplify the image and create distinct sections, we'll apply a posterize effect. Go to Image > Adjustments > Posterize and adjust the number of levels according to your preference. This will reduce the number of colors in the image.

Step 7: Dividing the Image into Sections

Now it's time to divide your image into separate sections, just like a paint by number template. Select the Pen Tool from the toolbar (shortcut: P) and create paths around different areas or objects in your photo. Once you've finished outlining an area, right-click and select "Make Selection." This will create a selection based on your path.

Step 8: Assigning Numbers to Sections

To assign numbers to each section, create a new layer for each color. Use the Paint Bucket tool (shortcut: G) to fill each section with solid color. Then, using the Text tool (shortcut: T), add a number inside each section corresponding to a specific color.

Step 9: Printing and Coloring

Once you've finished assigning numbers to all sections, save your paint by number template. You can now print it and start coloring! Use colored pencils or markers following the assigned numbers for each section.

Tips for Better Results:

Select high-resolution photos: Higher resolution images provide better detail and make it easier to define distinct sections.
Create more sections: Dividing your image into smaller sections will result in more intricate paint by numbers.
Experiment with colors: Feel free to modify or replace colors in your template to match your personal preferences.

With Photoshop's versatile tools, you can turn any photo into a paint by number template and unleash your creativity. Have fun exploring different photos and creating unique pieces of art!