Yes, it is possible to apply Snapchat filters to regular photos not taken through the Snapchat app. There are a few different ways to do this, depending on if you want to use mobile apps, websites, or desktop software to add Snapchat-like filters to photos.
Using Mobile Apps to Add Snapchat Filters
If you want to put Snapchat filters on photos on your mobile device, there are some apps you can use:
- Snapseed – This free photo editing app from Google has a large selection of filters, lenses and editing tools to make your photos look just like they would with Snapchat filters applied.
- Lens Distortions – This app has unique filter options like light leaks, sun flares, fog and haze that can give your photos a Snapchat filter vibe.
- PIP Camera – This app lets you take photos or videos with real-time filters and effects. Many of the filters mimic Snapchat ones.
- YouCam Makeup – Though mainly a beauty camera app, YouCam does have some Snapchat-like filters and effects you can apply to photos.
- Photo Wonder – This app has a “Snapchat” category featuring the app’s popular filters.
The main benefit of using mobile apps for Snapchat filters is that you can do it all right from your smartphone. The downside is that the filter selections may be more limited than a website or desktop tool.
Using Websites to Get Snapchat Filters
There are also some websites you can use to put Snapchat filters on photos:
- Photofunia – This online photo editor has templates that let you add Snapchat-esque filters. They have categories for filters, frames, effects, and text.
- Befunky – This creative photo editor has a collage maker, photo effects, touch up tools and templates for popular Snapchat filters like flower crowns.
- Canva – The graphic design platform Canva has a templates section with filters mimicking Snapchat. You can customize them and add to your own photos.
- Snapchat Geofilters – Snapchat’s website allows you to create custom geofilters for one-time use like at an event or party. These have the authentic Snapchat look.
- ILoveIMG – This online image toolbox lets you add filters, stickers, text, and frames to photos. Some options are very Snapchat-like.
The main advantage of using websites for Snapchat filters is the wide range of filter options. The only downside is you need an internet connection to access and edit photos. Some sites also have free and paid subscription tiers.
Using Desktop Apps to Get Snapchat Filters
A couple desktop options for putting Snapchat filters on photos include:
- Fotor – This photo editor and collage maker has customizable filters, frames, stickers, and overlays for the Snapchat effect.
- PicMonkey – This graphic design platform has some templates mimicking popular Snapchat filters. You can use these as overlays.
- Canva – Like the website, the Canva desktop app also has Snapchat-like templates to add to photos.
The advantage of desktop apps is having more advanced editing features than mobile apps. But these tools are only usable on a Mac, PC, or laptop device. The selection of filters may also be more limited compared to websites.
How to Add Snapchat Filters Using Photo Editing Apps
Once you’ve chosen a mobile app, website, or desktop program to use, the general process for adding Snapchat-like filters is as follows:
- Open the photo edit tool and upload or open the photo you want to edit.
- Browse the available filters, lenses, effects, overlays, frames, or templates and select a Snapchat-esque one to use.
- The app will apply the filter over your photo. Adjust as needed and edit the intensity.
- Some apps will let you resize, rotate, or further edit the photo with the filter applied.
- When done, save or export the edited photo with the filter to your device or photo library.
The specific steps can vary a bit depending on the app, but the general idea remains adding the filter as an overlay layer on top of your original photo. Some tips for getting the best Snapchat-like effect include:
- Use filters playing off the photo content – for example, add a flower crown to portraits or the dog filter to pet pics.
- Edit filter intensity so it looks natural – often lowering the intensity looks more realistic.
- Crop photos to match Snapchat’s square format if desired.
- Add fun captions or text overlays to mimic Snapchat captions.
- Use frames, stickers, geofilters, and other embellishments for an authentic edit.
It may take some practice to achieve the perfect Snapchat vibe for your photos. But apps make it easy to undo edits or re-apply filters until you get the look you want.
Do Snapchat Filters Only Work on Photos Taken Through Snapchat?
Snapchat lenses and filters were originally designed to only work on photos and videos taken directly through the Snapchat app. But as covered in this article, there are now plenty of ways to add Snapchat-like filters to camera photos using other apps and programs.
Snapchat lenses rely on the app’s augmented reality technology to superimpose effects over faces or scenes in real-time as you take a Snapchat photo. These precise effects can’t be exactly recreated in editing. But similar aesthetic filters applied after the fact can give regular photos a recognizable Snapchat look and feel.
So you are not limited to only using filters on Snapchat captures. With the right editing tools, you can adapt most photos to look like they have Snapchat filters, even if they were not originally taken in the app.
Conclusion
Whether you want to make photos for Snapchat Stories more unique or simply give your camera photos a fun, filtered look, it is possible to emulate Snapchat’s filters and lenses through photo editing apps. Mobile apps like Snapseed, websites like Photofunia, and desktop programs like PicMonkey have templates that mimic popular Snapchat filters.
Simply open your photo in the editing tool, browse the Snapchat-inspired filters, and overlay on your image. Adjust intensity and edit if needed to get the perfect Snapchat vibe. The process is easy and apps often have a range of options to achieve the filtered look you want.
So go ahead and put those Snapchat-esque flower crowns, geofilters, light leaks, and other fun effects on your photos. With the help of editing apps, you can make your own camera photos look just like they came straight from Snapchat.
| Photo Editing App | Platform | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Snapseed | Mobile | – Wide range of quality filters and editing tools – Made by Google specifically for mobile – Completely free to use |
| Lens Distortions | Mobile | – Unique filters like light leaks, fogs, sun flares – Paid app but has free trial available – Known for very Snapchat-style effects |
| Photofunia | Website | – Large library of photo editing templates – Specific categories for Snapchat-esque filters – Completely free to use |
| Fotor | Desktop | – Advanced editing capabilities – Collage making, filters, overlays, frames – Free and paid tiers available |
As you can see, the top apps for putting Snapchat filters on photos all have their own standout features like mobile optimization, specialized filter options, free access, or pro editing capabilities. Ultimately, choose the one that best fits your needs and level of editing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you add a Snapchat filter to old photos?
Yes, with the help of photo editing apps you can add Snapchat-like filters to old photos just as you would new photos. Many apps and websites have specific filters designed to mimic Snapchat’s retroactively.
How do I make my own Snapchat filter for any photo?
You can create custom Snapchat filters and geofilters by using the Snapchat website creator tool. Or use editing apps like PicMonkey that allow you to design your own filters to get the same effect on regular photos.
Is there an app to make Snapchat filters for Instagram?
Apps like Instasize allow you to use Snapchat-inspired filters on photos that you can then save and upload to Instagram. OR use sites like Photofunia to edit pics with Snapchat filters for Instagram.
Do you have to edit Snapchat photos to add filters?
Filters can only be added to photos taken within Snapchat at the time they are captured. But by using photo editing apps you can add filters and effects to photos after the fact to make them look just like Snapchat snaps.
How do I make filters for free?
Some free options for making custom Snapchat-like filters include using Snapchat’s own web-based geofilter creator or apps like PicMonkey that have free basic editing features. Sites like Canva also have free access to Snapchat templates.
In summary, yes you can absolutely put Snapchat filters on regular photos not taken in the app. There are now many great mobile apps, websites, and desktop programs to help you do it. With the right editing tool, you can easily give any photo a fun Snapchat filter makeover.