Skip to content

AI & API

Cartoon Filters in Online Design: What They Add to a Print Store

Cartoon filters turn a customer's photo into a cartoon-style or artistic image inside the online design tool, ready to print on t-shirts, mugs, cards or stickers. Customers use them for creative expression, visual appeal and privacy. Printmaker added curated cartoon filters to its Printcart design tool, tested them and supported customers with instructions.

By , Founder & CEOOriginally written by Lynn JonesPublished Updated

Requirements

  • A web-to-print store with an online design tool (for example Printcart)
  • Products where customers upload photos, such as gifts and apparel
  • A curated set of filter styles

Key takeaways

  • Cartoon filters turn ordinary photos into artistic images inside the design tool.
  • Customers use them for creative expression, visual appeal, branding, fun and privacy.
  • Printmaker added a curated set of cartoon filters to its Printcart design tool and tested them before launch.
  • A design tool gains value from an easy interface, templates, mobile support, direct ordering and regular updates.
On this page

What are cartoon filters in online design?

Cartoon filters transform ordinary photos into cartoon-style or artistic images. In an online design tool, the customer applies a filter to an uploaded photo and uses the result on a printed product, such as a t-shirt, a mug, a card or a sticker.

Filters panel in the Printcart design tool, with artistic filter styles next to a photo on the canvas

The original article lists why people use them:

  • Creative expression: a photo becomes a unique, artistic piece.
  • Visual appeal: colors and style make the image stand out.
  • Branding and marketing: businesses can create a consistent illustrated look.
  • Entertainment: filters are fun to use and to share.
  • Privacy: a cartoon version can replace a recognizable photo.
  • Versatility: the same filter works for gifts, apparel and marketing materials.

How did Printmaker add cartoon filters to its design tool?

This article was first published as a client profile of Printmaker, an online printing service whose products include cards, invitations, banners, t-shirts, stickers and labels. As the original profile describes it:

  1. Printmaker saw the popularity of cartoon filters and wanted customers to be able to turn their images into artwork directly in its online design tool.
  2. Printcart integrated the cartoon filters into Printmaker's online design tool, with the filters easy to find and apply in the interface.
  3. Printmaker's design team curated a collection of filters that vary in style, color and effect.
  4. The integration was tested in various scenarios before launch, and Printmaker provided instructions and support for customers using the filters.

How can you make a design tool more valuable to customers?

The original article closes with practical points for any web-to-print design tool:

  • User-friendly interface: customers with little design experience should be able to use it, with clear instructions and tooltips.
  • Customization options: fonts, color palettes, image editing tools and design elements.
  • Templates and pre-designed assets: starting points for different industries and purposes.
  • Sharing: let customers share designs for feedback.
  • Mobile compatibility: the tool should work on phones and tablets.
  • Integration with printing: customers order the printed product directly from the design tool.
  • Regular updates: add features, templates and elements based on customer feedback.

How should you present cartoon filters to customers?

Show before-and-after examples so customers see what a filter does to a photo, and present the filters on the products where they fit, such as personalized gifts and apparel.

Where can you use photo-to-art effects with Printcart today?

To turn customer photos into art for canvas and wall-art products, see the AI photo-to-art canvas workflow service. New designer features can be built with Printcart product designer features development.

Frequently asked questions

What is a cartoon filter in a design tool?

A filter that transforms an uploaded photo into a cartoon-style or artistic image, which the customer can then print on a product.

Why do customers use cartoon filters?

For creative expression and visual appeal, for a consistent illustrated look in branding, for fun, and to replace a recognizable photo for privacy.

How did Printmaker add cartoon filters?

Printcart integrated the filters into Printmaker's online design tool, Printmaker's design team curated the filter styles, and the integration was tested before launch.

What makes an online design tool more valuable?

An easy interface with clear instructions, customization options, templates, sharing, mobile compatibility, direct ordering of the printed product and regular updates.

About the author

Founder & CEO, Printcart

Huy Nguyen (David) is the Founder and CEO of Printcart. Questions about this article go straight to him and the Printcart team. This article was originally written by Lynn Jones for the Printcart blog.

LinkedIn

Tell us what you want to sell. Huy Nguyen (David), our CEO, and the sales team reply on WhatsApp and by email with a written scope and quote.