Pic Sketch Free app review: convert your photos to pencil sketches

Introduction

Pic Sketch Free by chen kaiqian is a simple photo app that allows you to add a simple filter to your photos that will make them look like they have been drawn by a sketch artist. I have seen similar apps before, but never tried them. I'm very content so far with the outcome of the sketches and the simple but efficient options the app gives you. There are only a few filters available in the free version, but you can buy more for a small fee, which I will detail later in this review.

How Does the App Work?

Creating your own photo sketch is easy. As soon as the app starts up, you will be asked (in the form of sketches) to either take a photo or pick one from your Camera Roll. After this you will have your editing options. There are two filters to choose from, and four different frames for around the photo. If you decide to use a frame, your photo will simply revert to black and white. All these frames have a distinct sketch look to them.

Luckily, the filters are a lot cooler than that. The first filter will create a black and white pencil sketch of your chosen photo, which creates a really cool effect while keeping the main features of the photo recognizable and clear. The second filter option will change your photo into a colored pencil-look. This really well done, and from afar it’s rather hard to see the difference between the filtered and not-filtered photo. 

 

Other Options and In-App Purchases

If you’re not completely happy about how the filter treated your photo, there are a few options to make it more to your taste. You can play around with two different settings, namely brightness and contrast. Especially in the black and white filter setting, this can make a huge difference in the outcome of the photo sketch.

When you are happy with your photo, you can share them via email, Twitter, or Facebook. You can also copy the photo to your clipboard or save it on your Camera Roll. In addition to the free filters, loads of other ones are available for purchase. Upgrading to Pro will set you back $1.99, but it is never made really clear what you actually get for your money, or if it disables the rather annoying ads.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The app delivers on its promise
• Easy to use
• Design fits the product

 

Cons

• Not clear what you get for upgrading

 

Conclusion

Pic Sketch Free delivers on the promises it makes. If you download this app because you want to try it out, you will not be disappointed. Upgrading to Pro is at your own risk, as it’s never really clear what you get for the money you will spend, and I imagine that the best options are already available anyway. The app is compatible with both iPad and iPhone.