Create a Sharp Pencil Sketch Effect in Affinity 3 and Affinity Photo

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Want to turn your photos into detailed pencil sketches in Affinity 3 or Affinity Photo? This quick technique creates a sharp, intense sketch effect using Clarity, Edge Detection, Invert, and Adjustment Layers. Better still, you can save the entire workflow as a Macro and apply it to future images with a single click.

How to Create a Pencil Sketch in Affinity 3 and Affinity Photo

Follow these simple steps to create a powerful pencil drawing effect from any image.

1. Select the image layer you want to convert into a pencil sketch.
2. Go to Pixel > Filters > Sharpen > Clarity.
3. Set Clarity to 10% and click Apply.
4. Repeat the Clarity filter by returning to: Pixel > Filters > Sharpen > Clarity (this step can be done once, set it to 40% say - just feel it gives a nicer result)
5. Apply the effect four or five times in total for a stronger sketch appearance (in my opinion)
6. Go to Pixel > Filters > Detect > Edges.
7. Next, select Pixel > Invert.
8. Create a Black and White adjustment layer by selecting: Pixel > New Adjustment Layer > Black and White.
9. Adjust the Red, Yellow, and Green sliders as required for your image.
10. Close the panel when satisfied.
11. Create another adjustment layer via: Pixel > New Adjustment Layer > Levels.
12. Adjust the Black Level until the sketch achieves the desired contrast and intensity.
13. Close the Levels panel.

You now have a fast, detailed, and highly customizable pencil sketch effect that works exceptionally well on portraits, landscapes, and creative artwork.

Save the Pencil Sketch as a Macro

If you plan to use this sketch effect frequently, recording it as a Macro can save significant time.

Open the Macro and Library Panels

1. Select Window > Macro.
2. Select Window > Library.
3. In the Macro panel, click Start Recording.

Record the Sketch Process

Repeat the exact workflow:

• Apply Clarity at 10% four or five times.
• Apply Edge Detection.
• Invert the image.
• Add a Black and White adjustment layer.
• Add a Levels adjustment layer.

Once complete, stop recording.

Save the Macro

1. Click Add to Library.
2. Name the macro, such as Pencil Sketch.
3. Click OK.

The effect can now be applied instantly to future images directly from the Library panel.

Apply the Pencil Sketch to Part of an Image

You don't have to apply the effect to an entire photo. Using the Object Selection Tool, you can isolate a subject and create a sketch effect on selected areas only.

1. Select the subject with the Object Selection Tool.
2. Copy and paste the selection onto a new layer.
3. Select the new layer.
4. Run the saved Pencil Sketch macro.
5. Move the adjustment layers so they affect only the sketch layer if required.

This technique allows you to combine a realistic background with a hand-drawn sketch subject.

Create Alternative Pencil Sketch Styles

You can create more artistic pencil sketches by combining the effect with additional filters before running the macro.

For example, in Affinity 3 you can apply:

• Pixel > Filters > Distort > Glitch
• Adjust distortion strength and horizontal movement
• Apply the Pencil Sketch macro afterward

This creates subtle irregularities and texture, producing a more natural hand-drawn appearance. You can then experiment with blend modes such as Screen, Soft Light, Pin Light, and Darken to achieve unique results.

Tips for Better Pencil Sketch Effects

• Portraits often benefit from stronger Black Level adjustments.
• Experiment with Black and White color sliders for improved tonal separation.
• Save multiple macro variations for different sketch styles.
• Merge layers before testing blend modes for easier workflow management.
• Try combining the sketch with the original image for mixed-media effects.

Why Use This Pencil Sketch Technique?

Unlike simple edge detection effects, this workflow builds additional contrast and detail through repeated Clarity adjustments. The result is a sharper, more intense pencil sketch with greater control over tones, contrast, and final appearance.