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How do you make a Snapchat filter online?

How do you make a Snapchat filter online?

Snapchat filters allow users to add fun overlays and effects to their photos and videos in the app. While Snapchat offers a variety of filters, you can also create your own custom filters through the Snapchat website. Making your own Snapchat geofilter allows you to personalize your posts and share fun designs with friends.

What You Need to Make a Snapchat Filter

To make a Snapchat filter, you need:

  • A computer
  • A Snapchat account
  • The Snapchat website
  • A graphics editing program like Photoshop, GIMP, or Canva
  • Your custom filter design

You’ll create your Snapchat filter design using a graphics editor. Then, you’ll upload it through the Snapchat website to make it available as a filter in the app.

How to Design a Snapchat Filter

When designing a Snapchat filter, you need to follow specific guidelines:

  • The dimensions should be 1080 x 1920 pixels
  • Your design should be under 300KB
  • Stick to a simple background color or gradient
  • The focal point should be centered
  • Include your text or graphics in the middle
  • Make sure any text is large and easy to read quickly

Keep in mind the filter will be used over Snapchat photos and videos. The design should overlay well on top of varied content. Bold, simple designs tend to work best.

For a geofilter that will be available in a certain location, you also need to set a geofence. This defines the geographic area where the filter will appear. You can use tools like Snapchat’s Geofilter Submission Tool to set the boundaries.

How to Create a Snapchat Filter in Photoshop

One of the easiest ways to make a Snapchat filter is using Photoshop. Here is a step-by-step guide:

  1. Open Photoshop and create a new 1080 x 1920 px document.
  2. Fill the background layer with a color or gradient.
  3. Add a new layer for your design elements.
  4. Create, edit, and position your text, shapes, illustrations, etc using Photoshop’s tools.
  5. Make sure the design is centered and text is large and legible.
  6. Save the finished design as a high quality .PNG file.

For geofilters, you’ll need to set the geo fence in Snapchat after uploading the filter. Photoshop lets you easily create custom Snapchat overlays with the graphics tools and editing features.

How to Make a Snapchat Lens in Lens Studio

In addition to filters, you can also make customized Snapchat lenses using Lens Studio. Some things to keep in mind:

  • Lens Studio is free desktop software for Windows and Mac.
  • 3D modeling skills are required to create augmented reality lenses.
  • Lenses can include 2D and 3D objects, facial tracking and more.
  • Snapchat needs to approve any submitted lenses before launch.

To make a Snapchat lens with Lens Studio:

  1. Download and install Lens Studio.
  2. Watch tutorials to learn the interface and AR development.
  3. Model and build custom 3D objects and environments.
  4. Incorporate tracking to apply effects and objects to faces or surfaces.
  5. Set up interactivity with buttons, touch pads and gestures.
  6. Preview your lens and export to submit to Snapchat.

It takes practice to make compelling AR experiences. But Lens Studio gives you access to powerful tools for developing innovative Snapchat lenses.

How to Upload Your Snapchat Filter

Once you finish designing your Snapchat filter in Photoshop or a similar graphics app, here’s how to upload it:

  1. Go to Snapchat.com and log in to your account.
  2. Click on Create in the top navigation bar.
  3. Select Filter from the menu.
  4. Choose Get Started for the type of filter you want to upload.
  5. Give your filter a name and description.
  6. Set your geofence if creating a geofilter.
  7. Upload your filter design and confirm the file requirements.
  8. Submit your filter and wait for approval from Snapchat.

It may take up to 1 week for Snapchat to review and approve your submitted filter. If approved, you’ll receive a notification letting you know your filter is live!

How Much Do Snapchat Filters Cost?

Snapchat has different pricing models for filters depending on the type:

Filter Type Pricing
Community Geofilter Free to create your own and submit for approval.
On-Demand Geofilter $5 minimum for 20k views.
Sponsored Lens $450K+ per day for nationwide sponsorship.

Sponsored lenses that appear across Snapchat based on targeted advertising are the most expensive at over $400K per day. On-demand geofilters for specific events or locations start at just $5 for 20,000 views.

Using the community option to submit your own geofilter is free. This makes it easy to create fun custom overlays to share with friends and family wherever you are.

Fun Examples of Snapchat Filters

Need a little inspiration for your own Snapchat filter? Here are some fun examples of geofilters and lenses:

  • Wedding geofilters featuring the couple’s names and wedding date
  • Birthday geofilters with the person’s name and birthday celebration info
  • Event geofilters for conferences, festivals, parties and more
  • City or neighborhood geofilters celebrating local areas
  • Holiday and seasonal geofilters like Christmas, Halloween and Pride
  • Sponsored branded lenses like the Star Wars BB-8 lens
  • Funny lenses that add animated objects, effects and distortions

You can get creative with Snapchat filters for holidays, events, personal occasions, branded content, artwork, and just for fun. The possibilities are endless!

How to Use Your Snapchat Filter

Once your filter is approved by Snapchat, using it is easy!

  1. Open the Snapchat app and create a new Snap or video.
  2. Tap the square smiley face icon to bring up the filters.
  3. Swipe left or right to browse the filters until you find yours.
  4. Tap to preview and confirm you want to apply it.
  5. Take your Snap as usual with your custom filter added.

For geofilters, your filter will show up if you’re within the set geofence area. Make sure to try out your creation and share snaps featuring your filter. Have fun with it!

Conclusion

Creating custom Snapchat filters lets you add a personal touch to your snaps. Design your own using Photoshop or other graphic apps, set a geofence if making a geofilter, and submit it for approval. For the best results, stick to their requirements and design guidelines. Get creative with text, graphics, holiday themes, locations, photos, and more to make fun overlays. Once approved and in the app, your Snapchat friends can enjoy your custom creation too!