Studio Ghibli is famous for its beautiful, hand-painted animation style with soft colors, dreamy landscapes, and warm lighting. Many people want to create Ghibli-style images or convert their photos to look like a Ghibli scene. Luckily, there are both free and paid tools that make this possible!
Note: None of the tools mentioned in this guide are sponsored. These are unbiased recommendations based on quality and accessibility.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ What is the Ghibli Art Style?
✅ Convert images to Ghibli-Style Art from Scratch
✅ Best Free & Paid Tools to Convert Images to Ghibli-Style
✅ Step-by-Step Instructions for Each Method
What is the Ghibli Art Style?
The Ghibli aesthetic is known for:
✔️ Hand-drawn, painterly look
✔️ Soft pastel colors with high contrast
✔️ Dreamy lighting & magical realism
✔️ Lush landscapes & detailed backgrounds
Movies like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Howl’s Moving Castle have this unique, nostalgic visual appeal.
Now, let’s explore how to create or convert images into Ghibli-style art.
Method 1: Use AI Tools to Convert Photos to Ghibli-Style (Easy & Free)
1. Using Deep Dream Generator (Free & Paid)
Deep Dream Generator is an AI-powered tool that applies artistic styles to images.
Steps to Convert a Photo to Ghibli Style:
- Go to Deep Dream Generator.
- Create a free account and log in.
- Upload your original photo (a landscape or portrait).
- Choose a Ghibli-style filter (search for “Ghibli” or “anime”).
- Adjust intensity & style settings as needed.
- Click Generate and wait for the AI to process the image.
- Download your new Ghibli-style image!
✅ Pros:
✔️ No artistic skills required
✔️ Free version available
✔️ Easy one-click conversion
❌ Cons:
- Free version has limited resolution
- May require multiple tries for the best results
2. Using SnapEdit AI (Free)
SnapEdit AI offers a simple, free solution for converting images to Ghibli-style.
Steps:
- Go to SnapEdit.AI.
- Upload a photo you want to transform.
- Select “Anime” or “Ghibli” style from the filters.
- Click Process and wait for AI to generate the image.
- Download the Ghibli-style version.
✅ Pros:
✔️ Completely free
✔️ No sign-up required
✔️ Quick processing
❌ Cons:
- Less customization compared to Deep Dream Generator
- Lower quality than premium tools
Method 2: Use Photoshop to Manually Create Ghibli-Style Art (Advanced & Paid)
If you want more control over details, Photoshop is the best choice.
Steps to Manually Edit a Photo into Ghibli-Style in Photoshop
- Open Your Photo in Photoshop
- Use a high-resolution landscape or character photo.
- Apply a Painterly Effect
- Go to Filter > Stylize > Oil Paint (adjust the brush strokes).
- Use Gaussian Blur (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur) to soften edges.
- Adjust Colors & Lighting
- Use Curves & Levels to make colors more vibrant.
- Adjust Saturation to get that rich pastel look.
- Add Ghibli-Style Brush Strokes
- Download Ghibli-style Photoshop brushes (many are free online).
- Use the Smudge Tool to blend colors naturally.
- Final Adjustments
- Add a soft glow effect with Light Effects.
- Save the image in high resolution.
✅ Pros:
✔️ Full control over details
✔️ Professional-quality results
❌ Cons:
- Requires Photoshop skills
- Takes time & effort
Method 3: Use AI Anime Generators (Paid & High Quality)
1. Using RunwayML (Paid & Professional)
RunwayML is an AI art tool used by professionals for stylizing images.
Steps:
- Sign up on RunwayML.
- Upload your photo or video.
- Choose the “Anime Style Transfer” feature.
- Adjust the settings for a Ghibli-inspired look.
- Download the final Ghibli-style image.
✅ Pros:
✔️ High-quality results
✔️ Works for both images & videos
❌ Cons:
- Paid subscription required
- May require tweaking for the best look
Comparison Table: Best Methods to Create Ghibli-Style Art
Final Thoughts: Best Method for You?
✔️ If you want a free, quick solution: Use SnapEdit AI
✔️ For better AI results: Try Deep Dream Generator
✔️ For full control & customization: Use Photoshop
✔️ For high-end AI conversion: RunwayML is the best
With these methods, you can easily convert photos into Ghibli-style or create your own artwork in this beautiful anime aesthetic.
Note: None of these tools are sponsored. These recommendations are based on their effectiveness and ease of use.
Would you like a step-by-step tutorial for Photoshop or AI tools next? Contact me or Let me know at info@akmaurya.in
