What Is a Photo Filter?

A photo filter is an editing effect that changes the colors, tones, or overall look of an image. Filters are commonly used to enhance photos, create a specific mood, or achieve a consistent visual style.

With filters, you can quickly transform a photo without making manual adjustments to brightness, contrast, or colors.

When Should You Use Filters?

Filters are useful when you want to:

  • Improve the overall look of a photo instantly
  • Create a specific mood or color style
  • Apply artistic or creative effects
  • Maintain a consistent style across multiple images

Filter Categories Explained

The Filter Tool includes several categories, each designed for different editing needs:

  • Main – Basic color filters for everyday photo enhancement
  • Natural – Subtle filters that preserve realistic colors
  • Gray – Black-and-white and grayscale styles
  • Gradient – Filters with smooth color transitions
  • Magic – Creative and effect-based filters such as blur, halftone, sketch, crosshatch, wave, edge, emboss, and more

How to Use the Filter Tool (Step by Step)

1. Select a Filter Category

Start by choosing a filter category, for example Main. Each category contains multiple filters designed for a specific visual style.

2. Choose a Filter from the List

Below the categories, you will see a list of available filters.

  • Each filter includes a live preview applied directly to your image
  • This makes it easy to see how the filter will look before applying it

Tap on any filter to apply it to your photo.

3. Adjust Filter Intensity

After selecting a filter, use the intensity slider to control how strong the effect appears.

  • A fuller slider applies the filter more strongly
  • A lower slider value keeps the effect subtle

This allows you to fine-tune the filter to match your photo.

4. Compare or Discard the Filter

The Filter Tool includes two helpful control buttons:

  • Compare – Temporarily view the original image without the filter
  • Discard – Remove the applied filter completely

These options help you decide whether the filter improves your photo.

5. Add Your Own Custom Filter

If the built-in filters are not enough, you can add your own:

  • First, scroll to the filter category list and you will see the word "image"
  • Tap on Image
  • Your gallery will open
  • Select any image with strong or unique colors

The selected image will be applied as a custom filter to your photo. You can then adjust its intensity using the same slider.

GIF: Applying filters, adjusting intensity, comparing, discarding, and adding a custom image filter

Tips for Better Filter Results

  • Use Natural filters for portraits and realistic photos
  • Lower the intensity for a more professional look
  • Try Magic filters for creative or artistic edits
  • Test custom image filters for unique styles

Common Filter Mistakes

  • Using filters at full intensity on every photo
  • Applying strong effects to low-quality images
  • Ignoring color balance after applying filters

Filter Tool in Pichype

The Filter Tool is available inside the Pichype photo editing app.

It allows you to explore multiple filter categories, apply creative effects, and customize filter strength in a simple and intuitive workflow.

Filter Tool FAQ

Can I adjust how strong a filter is?
Yes. Every filter includes an intensity slider for fine control.

What are Magic filters?
Magic filters are effect-based filters that apply artistic transformations such as sketch, blur, wave, or emboss.

Can I use my own image as a filter?
Yes. You can import an image from your gallery and apply it as a custom filter.

This guide explains how to use the Filter Tool effectively in the Pichype app.