25 Photoshop Actions for Creating Cool Drawing Effects

Best Photoshop Actions for Drawing Effects

Photoshop actions are useful tools for applying various artistic effects to your images or photographs. One of the ways you can spice up your photography is by applying drawing Photoshop actions to your photos. These can also be termed as sketching Photoshop actions.

Many times after taking shots, you aspire to create sketching or drawing versions of your photography. Needless to say, it’s time-intensive and sickening to manually sketch your photographs. Chances of errors are also high in the manual drawing.

This is where Photoshop drawing actions come into play as you can turn your images into sketch versions effortlessly with these actions. Withdrawing actions, you can not only get the guesswork out of the process but also ensure photography shadows and lights are maintained.

In this write-up, we will introduce you to some drawing or sketch Photoshop actions that you can apply to enhance your photography. In our earlier post, we introduced some Cartoon Photoshop Actions for our audience. You may also have a look at them.

Best Photoshop Actions for Drawing Effects

Plenty of Photoshop sketching actions exist online. Some of them are absolutely free while some of them you have to buy. In this round-up, we will enlist both free and paid drawing Photoshop actions. For each of the Photoshop actions, we will provide a link for purchase or free download.

1. Concept Sketch Photoshop Action

Concept Sketch Photoshop Action

If you are an engineer or architect, Concept Sketch Photoshop action is a delight for you! With this Photoshop action, you can turn any architectural drawing into a professional-looking sketch effortlessly.

You can leverage the action set for building interiors, exteriors, and product designs. On top of that, it comes with hand-drawn brushes and textures, including 12 brushes and 18 patterns.

2. Hand-drawn Pencil Sketch Photoshop Action

Hand-drawn Pencil Sketch Photoshop Action

With the Pencil Sketch Photoshop Action, you can convert any portrait-style photo into a digital piece of art appearing as if it was hand-drawn. Besides portraits, it works on objects too.

You have the option to select from 10 color presets. Everything can be applied with a single click, and the result is fully layered and non-destructive.

3. Pencil Sketch Photoshop Actions

Pencil Sketch Photoshop Actions

The next sketch Photoshop action for drawing effects we have in our collection is this set of Pencil Sketch Photoshop Actions. It encompasses 15 different actions that you can leverage to turn portraits into sketches.

Along with that, it is non-destructive and comes with instructions and editable layers. It can be used for photos too that will be leveraged on both the web and print media.

4. Da Vinci Sketch Photoshop Actions

Da Vinci Sketch Photoshop Actions

The Da Vinci Sketch Photoshop action immediately transforms any photo into a sepia-toned illustration that appears as it came out of Da Vinci’s sketchbook. It functions best with portraits and objects.

It also produces finished photos that are layered so they can be customized further. On top of that, it comes with 5 pen color tones and 10 color presets.

5. Sketch Portrait Photoshop Actions

Sketch Portrait Photoshop Actions

With Sketch Portrait Photoshop Actions, you can achieve an eye-catching hand-drawn effect. The resulting image will showcase a sleek look while still being realistic.

It embodies well-organized layers and serves as an excellent time-saver. In addition, it works best with black and white photos.

6. Architecture Sketch Art Photoshop Actions

Architecture Sketch Art Photoshop Actions

Another drawing Photoshop action you can go for is the Architecture Sketch Art Photoshop Action. This set comes with full layer control and also it is non-destructive.

Additionally, it works for a wide range of photos like landscapes and portraits. This one-click action can be leveraged for both the web and print as well.

7. Pen Sketch Photoshop Action

Pen Sketch Photoshop Action

Pen Sketch Photoshop action is another interesting choice to consider. The Pen Sketch Photoshop Action provides your photos with the look of a hand-drawn sketch.

What makes the hand-drawn sketch stand out is how the action brings out a crosshatch pattern for shading. It embodies well-organized layers and holistic instructions.

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8. Digital Sketch Photoshop Action

Digital Sketch Photoshop Action

Another Sketch Photoshop action that you should consider is the Digital Sketch Photoshop Action. This one produces a digital sketch effect when added to your photography.

It operates best with portraits and has a softness to it that’s really engaging. On top of that, it comes with 10 color effects as well.

9. Sketch Art Photoshop Actions

Sketch Art Photoshop Actions

The Sketch Art Photoshop Actions work to bring out a soft and catchy sketch appearance on your photos. The outcome turns out a realistic sketch that takes many cues from your original image.

Along with that, your original image layer remains intact, so you always have the option to revert to it if needed.

10. Color Sketch Photoshop Action

Color Sketch Photoshop Action

If you are looking for a stand-out Photoshop action for drawing effects, Color Sketch Photoshop action can be one that you can consider. This action absolutely sets itself apart from the pack.

Photoshop Action produces a professional-looking, colorful sketch from your photography, and it accomplishes this using hatching and abstract effects.

11. High-Quality Pencil Sketch Photoshop Action

High-Quality Pencil Sketch Photoshop Action

If you are searching for an easy-peasy way to create digital artwork from photos with one click, do keep High-quality Pencil Sketch Photoshop action in your arsenal.

It has a myriad of layers you can adjust and modify. And towards the end, you’ll get a photo that looks as though it has cross-hatching, blending, and many more characteristics of hand-drawn art.

12. Portretum Sketch Drawing Photoshop Action

Portretum Sketch Drawing Photoshop Action

When it comes to adding flair to your portrait photography, Portretum Sketch Drawing Photoshop Action is a perfect one.

This one-click action can be employed on any portrait and it comes with the action file, brushes, 10 color presets, graphic elements, and a user’s guide.

13. Sketch Photoshop Action Presets

Sketch Photoshop Action Presets

You can consider the Sketch Photoshop Action Presets too. When it comes to these presets, apply them to a particular spot on your photo, and then play the action.

It’ll transform that area into a sketch with all the subtle shading and details of a real hand-drawn piece of art. This action has entirely editable layers as well.

14. Sketch Art Smart Photoshop Action

Sketch Art Smart Photoshop Action

Sketch Art Smart Photoshop action is also another one you might want to try for applying mesmerizing effects. With well-arranged layers, you can customize this action to suit your specific needs.

These layers will also let you make selections regarding background, color, and more. It comes with 10 brushes, 5 textures, and a quick start-up guide.

15. AI Architecture Sketch Photoshop Actions

AI Architecture Sketch Photoshop Actions

If you are an architect, you have a cool option named AI Architecture Sketch Photoshop actions. With this Photoshop action, you can add some flair to architectural photos. This action converts your building photos into sketches with just one click.

It extends 10 styles, counts on AI for best results, and is fully customizable to suit your particular needs. You can even get an emphasized greenery action for highlighting foliage in your original photo.

16. Realistic Vintage Sketch Photoshop Action

Realistic Vintage Sketch Photoshop Action

Last but not least, Vintage Sketch Photoshop Action in our collection transforms any photo into a vintage-looking sketch. And the result is a top-quality drawing that’s achievable with one click.

Apart from that, it comes with 15 color presets and a video tutorial that makes it as easy as pie to get this action working.

17. Oil Paint Free Sketch Photoshop Actions

Oil Paint Free Sketch Photoshop Actions

To create majestic oil paint sketch effect on your images, leverage these free Photoshop actions. For oil paint, Photoshop offers a set of 6 actions that can be adjusted to your preference. To apply any sketch Photoshop action, you can deploy such options as brush drawing, pain strokes, digital painting, etc.

Apart from that, you can manually configure each action's settings to fit your one-of-a-kind style. You can apply these actions to different types of image files, including RAW and JPG.

18. Watercolor Painter Sketch Photoshop Actions

Watercolor Painter Sketch Photoshop Actions

Watercolor Painter Sketch Photoshop actions are basically a set of three actions that allow experimenting with watercolor effects and spicing up your images with a few clicks. The Photoshop sketch action will also let you create thematic portraits by deploying realistic textures, splashes, etc.

You will also get access to top-notch brushes and templates in one file. Take advantage of high-resolution images for notching up the best possible outcomes.

19. Professional Sketch Photoshop Actions

Professional Sketch Photoshop Actions

Next up in our collection is Professional Sketch Photoshop actions. By downloading this package, you will get five professional Photoshop actions for crafting real pieces of art.

With it, you can bring out a pencil, watercolor, outline, or digital sketch. The umpteen layers offered by this package allow playing with effects and creating catchy as well as perfect imagery.

 

20. Pop Art Sketch Photoshop Actions

Pop Art Sketch Photoshop Actions

The Pop Art Sketch Photoshop actions include 12 pop-art actions and 35 add-ons for turning your images into a graceful blend of comics and painting.

These actions will jazz up your photos, making them more polished and textured. Once the preferred effect is applied, you can further edit a photo according to your liking.

 

21. Glitch Sketch Photoshop Actions

Glitch Sketch Photoshop Actions

This collection of Photoshop actions will offer you 25 actions for applying sketch effects to various images. With the help of this Photoshop sketch effect, you can produce curved lines and wavy distortions.

Aside from that, you can make frozen or static visuals, invert colors, etc. with the Glitch Sketch Photoshop actions. This action will definitely satisfy you with premium and professional results.

 

22. VHS Sketch Photoshop Actions

VHS Sketch Photoshop Actions

When it comes to enhancing your photos, applying these VHS sketch actions can do the trick for you as it will help you to create a classic VHS look in a few seconds.

You can wholly convert your photography for attaining the perfect nostalgic style by adding glitches in the form of lines, like on old VHS videotapes. This collection incorporates 20 actions and 20 extras.

 

23. Cartoon Sketch Photoshop Actions

Cartoon Sketch Photoshop Actions

Cartoon Photoshop sketch action brings out a fast and easy effect inspired by impressionist paintings. It offers tricolor comics, pixel games, and comic book effects too.

In the collection, you will find 7 professional actions that can be deployed with CS5 versions and higher. These effects allow achieving captivating results and customizing your photography.

 

24. Dispersion Sketch Photoshop Actions

Dispersion Sketch Photoshop Actions

Leverage the actions from this collection for producing dispersion effects. The package offers 3 actions and 23 professional brushes for crafting real pieces of art.

The dispersion effects are exceptional for customizing sport and action photography as they produce the illusion of motion and focus on the moving subject.

 

25. Color Double Exposure Sketch Photoshop Actions

Color Double Exposure Sketch Photoshop Actions

If you are on the hunt for a Photoshop sketch action that lets producing striking double-exposure effects, don’t hesitate to focus on this collection. This package extends 16 premium Photoshop actions. You can beautify your photos by executing color correction, applying vintage effects, and adding highlights.

Once the process kicks off, you can tweak colors and contrast, including some gradients that are provided. Simply upload your images and run the action to produce all 16 effects. It enables you to select the best colors by turning layers on and off.

 

It’s Your Turn:

We have explored the coolest and most handy Photoshop drawing actions for your benefit. The ball is in your court now! Based on your photo or image type, you have to download Photoshop actions freely or purchase them if they are paid ones.

The best part of these Photoshop sketching actions is that they slash your effort multiple times in post-production. Wondering how? Well, if your aim is to apply sketching effects to your photography, you just download the required action and apply it right away without facing any complex process.

And the good thing is that you can apply these sketching Photoshop actions on any device with any operating system. Also, these drawing Photoshop actions work in both RAW files and JPG files!

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