20 Best Photo to Pencil Drawing Effect Actions for Photoshop

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

20 Best Photo to Sketch & Art Photoshop Actions

How do you draw a person? A city? Or 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 actions can deliver promising, expert-level results by transforming any photo into a realistic pencil drawing.

Explore varying textures and more, with exciting actions perfect for any art enthusiast. Enjoy this selection of amazing handpicked assets from Envato Market and Envato Elements.

Want to see these resources in action? Check out our examples below.

Make Amazing Photo Effects Fast: See Our Examples!

To give you an idea of how easy it is to use these resources, here are two fun examples we've tried out!

Pencil Sketch Photoshop Action

First, I tried out this pencil sketch action. It quickly changes your photos to pencil drawings and works with all the latest versions of Adobe Photoshop. For the best results, use it with high-resolution photos between 1,500 and 6,000 pixels in size.

Here I tried this action on this Student Stock from Pixabay. All I needed to do was open the photo and press play. Pretty simple setup! Check out the result below.

Sketch Art Photoshop Action

For a little more texture, 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 action.

Here I used this action on this Man Stock from Pixabay. Initially, I created a simple color fill around the man's entire body before pressing play. It's a pretty big file, so give it some time to load. Check out my result below.

Want to see more options? Check out the rest of these amazing resources below.

Mixed Ink Sketch Photoshop Action

Use Photoshop actions to help update your space! This mixed ink sketch action combines ink and pencil textures for an abstract, modern painting. It's been tested on dozens of photos with quality results and creates stunning images you'll want to hang up. Try it out!

Sketch Photoshop Action

Dedicate a special portrait to your furry friend with this amazing action. This download features one Photoshop action with accompanying brush textures to complete the look! It's been tested on Photoshop CS3 and above, so make sure to try it out with recent versions!

Pencil Sketch Photoshop Action

Discover the beauty of hatching and crosshatching pencil marks with this sketch Photoshop action. Convert any photo into a masterpiece with the two-step process. First, create a new layer dedicated to the pencil details, and then brush over your image. Press the action and presto! You've got one stunning traditional result.

Scribble Pen Sketch Photoshop Action

Some artists are so talented that they can create epic drawings with pens! Now you can too with this incredible Photoshop action. Dedicate a new layer to the areas where you want the most details, and then play the action. Within a matter of moments, you'll get a cool drawing like the one below.

Graphitum - Charcoal Sketch Photoshop Action

Charcoal is another great medium many artists enjoy. Now you can explore these dramatic tones with this fun Graphitum Photoshop action. Included in this pack is one main Photoshop action with access to 10 colorful presets for more options. Check it out!

Pencil Sketch vs Camera Photo Effect Photoshop Action

Easily change your cityscapes into dramatic pencil sketches with this Photoshop action. This action simulates a person holding 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.

Tech Sketch Photoshop Action

Design the tech you've always wanted with this brilliant Photoshop action. Try it out on amazing car concepts and more for fantastic tech-inspired drawings. Save countless hours with this simple action packed with well-organized layers.

Pencilogy - Pencil Sketch Photoshop Action

Prefer a colored sketch instead? Then try out this clever Pencilogy Photoshop action. Get fast results with easy-to-use folders you can turn off and on to adjust your drawings. Enjoy the classic black-and-white effect or switch it up with full-blown color.

Pencil Sketch Photoshop Action

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

Art Pen Photoshop Action

Make your photography even more beautiful with this art pen Photoshop action. Designed to combine two traditional textures into one, this action is highly effective. Play around with different looks by jumping into the folders section and experimenting with texture. Check it out!

Pencil Print Photoshop Action

Design epic prints with traditional pencil textures. This new Photoshop action brings you phenomenal results with simple instructions. As with most actions, you'll need to follow the initial steps of preparing your photo before playing the action. Pair this design with posters, prints, and more.

Architectum - 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 action 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!

Architectum 2 - Sketch Tools Photoshop Action

A sequel to the original Architectum action, this action is one you don't want to miss! Add varying straight and diagonal lines for more dynamic energy in your work. Apply this action to objects, places, or transportation like the image below. Check it out!

Construct Photoshop Action

Construct a clean and dynamic composition with this helpful Photoshop action. Specifically made for design images and architecture-friendly content, this action is super simple to master. Try out the colored pencil effect by itself or add more color to match your brand.

Archi Sketch Photoshop Action

Architects are known for bringing their work to life with traditional pencil sketches. Now you can get the same look with your favorite architectural imagery. Perfect for exteriors, interiors, and other types of building design, this action is highly effective and easy to use.

Pen Sketch Photoshop Action

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

ModernArt Photoshop Action

Highlight your family photos with this charming and modern Photoshop action. This ModernArt action comes with one Photoshop action to quickly convert your work. Save the original background or upload your own textures for more variety. Try it out!

Vintage Sketch 2 Photoshop Action

Mix and match vintage styles and textures with beautiful color presets. This amazing Photoshop action is inspired by vintage drawings and even places your photo on weathered paper. Customize your result by playing with different brushes to make your work unique.

Show Us Your Sketch Effects!

Tried any of these assets? Let us know! Tell us your favorite Photoshop sketch effects in the comments below.

Or make your own! Create amazing photo to sketch effects using the following tutorials:

This has been a collection of premium resources perfect for the avid designer and photographer. For more cool Photoshop sketch actions, check out Envato Market and Envato Elements, or enlist the help of our talented professionals at Envato Studio. Happy designing!