Midjourney Photo to Cartoon: Cartoonize Image by AI

Edited by Hazel Carter Aug 20, 2025 Style Transfer

Midjourney is an AI image generation tool that transforms text prompts into visuals. This tool is known for its artistic and imaginative output. Cartoonizing photos has become a growing trend in digital art, profile customization, and social media content. As a result, many users are now interested in using Midjourney to transform their real photos into cartoons. This post will show you how to convert a photo to a cartoon in Midjourney. We aim to help you create a caricature-inspired portrait with ease. Let's explore how you can bring any subject to life in a unique cartoon form.

Part 1. How to Cartoonize a Photo in Midjourney

Midjourney is a creative processing tool that combines AI-powered visual generation and prompting. Unlike traditional editing tools, it doesn't transform an uploaded photo directly. Instead, it translates text prompts to generate cartoon-style photos, delivering artistic results. In addition, it can also operate as a photo-to-line drawing app.

Here's how to cartoonize a photo in Midjourney:

Step 1: Start by selecting the photo you want to turn into a cartoon. It can be a fictional character or a public figure. Please note that you don't need to upload the photo to Midjourney. If you're using a personal photo, upload it to an image hosting site to get a shareable link.

Step 2: Create a clear and descriptive prompt that tells Midjourney exactly how to interpret the image. Experiment with commands to control how creative and abstract Midjourney can get. Try different values to see what suits your cartoon style.

Important Note: See the prompt in the screenshot for your reference. Don't forget to input –cref, which is a character reference, at the end of your prompt. Then, copy and paste the URL of the image you want to use.

Step 3: Midjourney will return several variations of your cartoonized subject. You can also re-run the prompt with slight configurations until you get your desired results. Once you've selected the best version, download your cartoon portrait to save it for personal use.

Creative Tip: Since Midjourney doesn't accept direct photo inputs, you can describe your appearance in the prompt. However, the results are not guaranteed.

Midjourney excels in converting text prompts into imaginative artworks, including cartoon photos. By carefully entering prompts and playing with style, you can produce cartoonized versions of any image. It is ideal for creating avatars, art projects, or fun, creative expressions.

Part 2. Pros and Cons of Midjourney

Before committing to the Midjourney photo-to-cartoon transformation, it's important to understand what it does best. Knowing the pros of Midjourney helps you recognize its full potential, mainly when generating visuals. By identifying its strengths, you can apply it in ways that align with your creative goals. At the same time, understanding the cons is just as crucial. Being aware of its drawbacks prepares you to set realistic expectations. It also helps you avoid frustration and know when you need to rely on other tools to complete a project.

What We Like:

• It supports multiple styles, allowing various expressions.

• It produces detailed images with consistent artistic quality.

• It generates unique images just by describing them in text.

• It can create complex visuals within seconds to a few minutes.

• It allows anyone with a vision and a prompt to create an artwork.

What We Don't Like:

• It doesn't support direct photo-to-cartoon conversion.

• It takes several re-runs to get exactly what you envision.

• It downloads the generated cartoon photo in low resolution.

• It struggles with anatomical accuracy, particularly facial symmetry.

• It requires a strong understanding of how to phrase prompts effectively.

Part 3. Midjourney Photo to Cartoon Alternative: Picwand Free AI Art Styles Generator

Midjourney converts image to cartoon partially effective through text prompts. However, direct photo-to-cartoon transformation isn't supported. If you're looking to turn a real photo into a cartoon, Picwand Free AI Art Styles Generator is a faster alternative. This innovative tool generates AI art styles, including cartoons, with your photos. It can convert your selfie into various and trendy art styles with high-quality results. Options include Cartoon, Thick Line Cartoon, Pointilism, Hand Drawn, Pixel Art, Building Blocks, Ghibli, 3D Effect, Sketch, Colored Pencil, Clay, Fairytale, Cyberpunk, and Henri Matisse.

Why Choose Picwand Free AI Art Styles Generator:

• Converts any uploaded photo into various artistic styles instantly.

• Free access to core art styles and tools with no watermark output.

• Transforms photos to cartoons without needing to input text prompts.

• Offers numerous art styles, including Cartoon, Pixel Art, 3D Effect, Clay, etc.

Step 1: Follow the provided link to the official Picwand Free AI Art Styles Generator website. On the homepage, click the Open an Image button to load the file. Select the photo you want to cartoonize from your local files; it can be a selfie or any portrait-style image.

Step 2: Once the image is added, you'll see multiple style options. Click a cartoon style you prefer: Ghibli, 3D, Line Art, Colored Pencil, Clay, etc. You can try different ones until you find the effect that matches your vision.

Step 3: Allow the AI to apply the selected cartoon effect to your uploaded photo. Processing usually takes just a few seconds, 15 to 20 seconds. Once the cartoon image is ready, preview the result. If you're satisfied, click the Download button to save it to your local drive.

Picwand Free AI Art Styles Generator is the best photo-to-cartoon app alternative to Midjourney. This tool supports direct photo input and delivers fast AI processing of cartoon effects. It offers instant results, beginner-friendly controls, and artistic styles in no time.

Part 4. FAQ about Midjourney Photo to Cartoon

Can Midjourney take images as input?

No, Midjourney cannot take images for direct photo transformation. To use an image, you must upload it to a hosting site and include the image URL in your prompt.

What is the AI tool for photo to a cartoon?

For a true photo-to-cartoon transformation, Picwand Free AI Art Styles Generator is a top AI tool. It allows you to upload an actual image and instantly apply a cartoon effect.

How to turn a photo into Ghibli?

To turn a photo into a Ghibli-style image, you can use Picwand's Ghibli AI Art Style. It offers various AI art styles, including Ghibli, available under its style transfer options.

Conclusion

Midjourney photo-to-cartoon conversion is a great way to turn images into artistic visuals. It provides a creative process that relies on detailed prompts and AI interpretation. However, it doesn't offer a direct way to turn real photos into cartoons. If your goal is to cartoonize an actual photo, Picwand Free AI Art Styles Generator is your best alternative. With just one click, you can upload your photo and apply various AI art styles, including cartoons. Try it today and turn your photos into captivating cartoon art.