
Filters in [photo editing](/learn/photo-editing-basics) can transform your photographs into works of art with just a few clicks. They are pre-set configurations used to quickly adjust various aspects of an image, including brightness, contrast, saturation, and color hue. This versatility makes them an essential tool for both beginners and professional photographers alike.

While the idea of using filters may seem simple, it's important to understand how they work to effectively apply them. Filters essentially apply a set of predetermined changes to an image's pixels. These changes can be broad (such as enhancing overall color saturation) or more specific (like focusing on the highlights or shadows of a photo).

In essence, filters provide a quick and easy way to dramatically alter the look and feel of your photos. But while they offer convenience, they shouldn't replace the need for learning basic photo editing techniques. Balancing the use of filters with manual editing can help produce the best results.

## How to Apply Filters in Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop offers a vast array of filters for users to enhance their images. To apply a filter, first open the image you want to edit in Photoshop. Navigate to the 'Filter' menu located on the top menu bar, where you'll find a wide variety of filter options, grouped by type.

To apply a filter, simply select one from the drop-down menu. For instance, if you want to apply a blur effect, you would go to 'Filter' > 'Blur' and then choose the specific type of blur effect you want. After you've chosen a filter, a dialog box usually appears with additional options to adjust the intensity and characteristics of the filter.

Remember, applying filters should be one of the final steps in your editing process. This is because once a filter is applied, the changes it makes to your image can be challenging to reverse. Therefore, it's always a good idea to keep an original, unedited copy of your image.

## Effects of Different Filters on Images
Different filters can have varying effects on images, dramatically altering the mood, tone, and overall aesthetic. For instance, a sepia filter can give your photos a warm, vintage look, harking back to early photography. On the other hand, a black and white filter can provide a classic, timeless feel, emphasizing textures and shapes over colors.

Cooling or warming filters adjust the white balance of your image, affecting the color temperature and tint. This can make your photo feel 'warmer' (more red and yellow) or 'cooler' (more blue). It's an excellent way to convey a specific mood, time of day, or season.

High contrast filters, as the name suggests, increase the contrast between the darkest and lightest parts of your image. This can help to make certain elements of your photo stand out. However, overuse can lead to loss of detail, especially in highlights and shadows. As with all editing tools, moderation and balance are key when applying filters to your images.

## Using Filters for Vintage Photo Effects
Filters can be an effective way to create vintage or retro-style photo effects. These can range from sepia tones (which mimic old-fashioned photos from the late 19th and early 20th centuries) to faded colors and grain effects, reminiscent of photographs from the 1960s and 1970s.

To create a vintage effect, start by applying a sepia or faded color filter. Then, adjust the contrast to your preference – lowering it can often enhance the old-time feel. You may also consider adding a grain effect to mimic the texture of older film stock. Lastly, don't forget to experiment with vignettes, which can further enhance the vintage feel by subtly darkening the corners of the photo.

Remember, the goal is to enhance your photos in a way that supports the mood and story you're trying to convey. Too much editing can be distracting, so always aim for a balance between the original image and the applied effects.

## Instagram Filters vs. Professional Photo Editing Apps
Instagram, a popular social media platform, has made photo filters mainstream. Users can quickly apply filters to their photos, altering the aesthetics with just a tap. However, Instagram filters are different from those found in professional photo editing software in several ways.

Firstly, Instagram filters are essentially one-size-fits-all. They apply predetermined adjustments to the entire photo, without any granular control over the specific changes. This makes them user-friendly and accessible, but less flexible and nuanced than professional editing tools.

In contrast, professional photo editing software like [Instasize](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/instasize-ai-photo-editor-crop/id576649830) or [VSCO](https://vsco.co) provides a much higher degree of control over your images. You can selectively apply adjustments to specific parts of the photo, and you have a wider range of parameters to tweak, including color balance, contrast, exposure, and more.

This isn't to say that one is inherently better than the other – rather, they serve different purposes. Instagram filters are great for casual users who want to quickly enhance their photos, while professional apps is better suited for those seeking precision and advanced editing capabilities.

[Mobile photo editing](/learn/photo-editing-on-mobile) apps have brought advanced editing capabilities to the fingertips of casual photographers. Among their features, filters have become especially popular. These allow users to quickly apply a variety of looks and styles to their photos, instantly enhancing their images without needing deep technical knowledge.

Offering a range of pre-set filters that emulate different film stocks, provide vintage effects, or creatively adjust colors and tones. Instagram, too, has a robust collection of filters for various moods and styles.

Despite their simplicity, filters in mobile apps can greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal of photos. However, their use should be balanced with other editing tools offered by these apps, like exposure adjustment, [cropping](/learn/image-cropping-basics), and straightening, to ensure the final image is not overly processed.

## Using Filters to Enhance Landscape Photos
Filters can significantly enhance landscape photos, amplifying their mood and bringing out hidden details. For instance, a polarizing filter can deepen the blue of the sky, make white clouds pop, and reduce glare from bodies of water. A graduated neutral density filter, on the other hand, can balance exposure between a bright sky and a darker foreground.

In digital photo editing, these effects can be replicated using software. Saturation and vibrancy adjustments can mimic a polarizing filter, while gradient tools can simulate the effect of a graduated neutral density filter.

However, while filters can add drama and impact to your landscapes, they should be used with care. Over-editing can make a photo look unnatural. Always remember to retain some sense of realism and stay true to the original scene.

## Creating Custom Filters for Your Photos
Creating a custom filter allows you to give your photos a consistent look and feel. This can be particularly useful if you're curating a photography portfolio, managing a brand's [social media](/learn/photo-editing-for-social-media) presence, or simply want your photos to have a unique aesthetic.

To create a custom filter, start by editing a photo to your liking, adjusting parameters like brightness, contrast, saturation, and color balance. Once you're happy with the result, save the adjustments as a preset. This preset can then be applied to other photos, effectively becoming your custom filter.

Different software will have different methods for saving presets. For instance, in [Adobe Lightroom](https://adobe.com/lightroom), you can create a preset by clicking on the "+" button in the Presets panel and selecting "Create Preset". Remember to give your preset a name that reflects its effect or purpose.

## Filters and Their Impact on Photo Mood
Filters can have a profound impact on the mood of a photo. They can take a standard shot and transform it to evoke feelings of nostalgia, warmth, cold, happiness, melancholy, and more.

For instance, a filter that enhances warm colors and adds a soft haze can give an image a dreamy, summery feel. A high-contrast, black-and-white filter can create a dramatic, intense mood. A desaturated filter with a green tint can evoke feelings of melancholy or nostalgia.

Experimentation is key when it comes to filters and mood. Try different filters, tweak their settings, and observe how they change the mood of your photo. This will help you understand which filters to use to evoke specific emotions.

## Mistakes to Avoid When Applying Filters
While filters can be an excellent tool in photo editing, they can also be easily misused. One common mistake is to overuse filters. While they can enhance a photo's mood or hide minor imperfections, too much filtering can make a photo look artificial or overprocessed.

Another mistake is to apply the same filter to every photo, regardless of its content or context. Different photos have different qualities and may require different editing approaches. A filter that works well for a sunny landscape photo may not work as well for a nighttime cityscape.

Lastly, relying solely on filters and neglecting other basic editing tools can be a mistake. Adjusting the exposure, contrast, white balance, and other parameters can often make more of a difference than applying a filter. A good practice is to make basic adjustments first and then apply a filter as a finishing touch, if needed.

## Conclusion
Filters in photo editing offer a quick and versatile way to enhance and transform your images. Whether you're a casual Instagram user or a professional photographer, understanding how to use filters can significantly improve your photo editing skills. From basic applications to creating custom presets, the world of filters is vast and exciting. While it's important to avoid overuse and ensure each image is treated individually, when used effectively, filters can elevate your photos and help express your unique creative vision.

Learn how to apply filters effectively in various editing software, create custom filters, and understand their impact on photo moods and styles.

Unlocking the Power of Photo Editing Filters: The Complete Guide


Instagram has become more than just a platform for sharing photos and videos; it's now a space where creativity thrives. One of the primary tools that has contributed to this creative boom is Instagram filters. With a seemingly endless array of filters available, you can enhance your content in unique and engaging ways. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to search filters on Instagram, discover new filters, and optimize your Instagram experience.

## Why Use Instagram Filters?

Instagram filters are a valuable tool for content creators, influencers, and casual users alike. They can help you create a consistent aesthetic, showcase your unique style, and make your content stand out from the crowd. Filters not only enhance your images and videos, but they can also add a touch of fun and creativity to your posts. By learning how to search filters on Instagram, you can unlock a whole new world of visual possibilities.

## Understanding Instagram's Built-In Filters

Before diving into how to search for filters on Instagram, it's important to understand the built-in filters that come with the app. Instagram offers a variety of filters that you can access directly from the camera screen. These filters can be applied to both photos and videos and are a great starting point for enhancing your content.

To access the built-in filters, follow these steps:

1. Open the Instagram app and tap the camera icon in the top left corner or swipe right from your home feed.
2. Scroll through the filters located at the bottom of the screen by swiping left or right.
3. Tap on a filter to apply it to your photo or video.

You can also adjust the intensity of the built-in filters by tapping on the filter icon again and using the slider to control the strength of the effect.

## Exploring Instagram's Effects Gallery

Instagram's Effects Gallery is a treasure trove of filters created by talented artists and developers from around the world. To access the Effects Gallery, follow these steps:

1. Open the Instagram camera by tapping the camera icon in the top left corner or swiping right from your home feed.
2. Scroll all the way to the right in the filters tray until you see the magnifying glass icon, and tap on it to open the Effects Gallery.
3. Browse through the filters by category or use the search bar at the top of the screen to search for specific filters.

Once you find a filter you like, tap on it to apply it to your photo or video. You can also tap the "Try It" button to preview the filter before using it. If you want to save a filter for future use, tap the "Save Effect" button, and it will be added to your filters tray in the Instagram camera.

## Discovering Filters Through Instagram Stories

Another way to discover and search for filters on Instagram is through Instagram Stories. When you see a filter you like in someone else's story, you can quickly add it to your own filters collection. Follow these steps to save a filter from an Instagram Story:

1. Watch a story that uses a filter you want to save.
2. At the top left corner of the screen, you'll see the filter's name along with the creator's username.
3. Tap on the filter's name to reveal a menu with options to "Try It" or "Save Effect."
4. Tap "Save Effect" to add the filter to your filters tray in the Instagram camera.

You can now use the saved filter whenever you want by accessing it from your filters tray.

## Finding Filters Through Instagram Creators

Another way to search for filters on Instagram is by following the creators who make them. Many filter creators share their work on their profiles, making it easy to discover new and exciting filters to use.

To find filters created by specific users, follow these steps:

1. Visit the creator's Instagram profile.
2. Tap the "Effects" tab, which is represented by a smiley face icon next to the "Posts" and "Reels" tabs.
3. Browse the filters created by the user and tap on one you want to try.
4. Tap "Try It" to apply the filter to your photo or video, or tap "Save Effect" to add it to your filters tray for future use.

By following filter creators, you can stay up-to-date with their latest creations and expand your filter collection.

## Final Thoughts on Searching Filters on Instagram

Instagram filters offer endless opportunities for creativity and self-expression. By learning how to search filters on Instagram and discovering new filters through various methods, you can elevate your content and create a visually engaging and cohesive feed. Whether you're a casual user or an aspiring influencer, mastering the art of finding and using filters on Instagram will help you stand out and make a lasting impression on your audience.

Learn how to search filters on Instagram in this step-by-step guide to enhance your social media content and discover new filters.

How To Search Filters On Instagram


Want to take your Instagram to the next level? Maybe hit a followers milestone?

A great way to do it is by adopting a theme or style to create a cohesive feed. It’s time to find your Instagram aesthetic.

The quickest way is by playing around with filters. Finding the right filter that achieves the look you’re going for won’t just give you consistent photos every time, it also makes editing fairly quick and straightforward.

Instagram offers a modest library of native filters, but what if what’s available doesn’t cut it?

You want an aesthetic that is fresh, on trend, but also allows you to create a style that is uniquely yours. Choosing a different Instagram filters app such as Instasize will give you a larger collection of filters. Instasize currently has 26 free filters, but if you’re serious about finding the filter for your Instagram aesthetic, you can gain access to more filters by subscribing to the premium membership.  
  

* * *

  

How to Pick An Aesthetic
------------------------

![How to Pick an Instagram Aesthetic](/content/how-to-pick-an-instagram-aesthetic.jpg "How to Pick an Instagram Aesthetic")  
  

Maybe you already have an idea about how you want your feed to look. If not, scroll through the accounts you currently follow and gain inspiration from your favorite feeds. Whatever your IG goals may be, you can achieve it with the right filter.

Want to adopt a dark theme for your aesthetic? The A2 filter from Instasize’s Amber Collection gives photos that broody, cool hue. Looking for something light and bright? H2 from the Havana Collection will brighten any photo in an instant. Aiming for dramatic black and white? Free filters like Radio and Nova will do the trick.  
  

* * *

  

How to Add Filters on Instasize
-------------------------------

  

Adding a filter on your photo using Instasize is just as simple as using Instagram.

*   **Step #1:** Open the Instasize app and tap the + icon. You can choose to upload existing media or take a photo or video straight from the app.
  
*   **Step #2:** Once you’ve chosen a photo, you will be taken to the app’s editor where you can appy one of over 50 filters.
  
*   **Step #3:** Tap on a filter of your choice to apply it to your photo. Tap it again to open the filter’s sliding bar, allowing you to reduce its intensity. Tap the check mark.
  
*   **Step #4:** Once you’re done applying filters and editing your photo, tap the share icon and send your photo to Instagram.

It’s so simple, it’s intuitive!

Scroll to the end of the filters option and tap the last square to manage Instasize’s Instagram filters app. You can hide filters you don’t frequently use. You can also hold down a filter and drag its position on the lineup. This way, your favorite filters will always be easy to access.

You can also edit photo settings like Exposure, Contrast, Brightness, and more, as well as add text and backgrounds to your photo.

With Instasize’s numerous features, you can recreate your chosen aesthetic for every photo and create a stunning and cohesive Instagram feed.

Boost your Instagram engagement and build a larger following by maintaining a cohesive Instagram feed using the Instasize app.

Build Instagram Aesthetic with the Perfect Instagram Filters App


With so many options presented to you on Instasize, How do you choose a filter that best fits your unique aesthetic?

Do you go by whichever reflects your mood? Maybe you choose according to whichever is right for your current feed theme. While there are many ways and reasons to pick a filter, knowing which ones work best with specific photos could help you narrow down a choice.

Here are some of our favorite filters and which types of photos they work best on:  
  

* * *

  

For Selfies: Oak, Bark, 1989
----------------------------

![No Filter Selfie](/content/no-filter-for-selfie-2.jpg "No Filter Selfie")

![Oak Filter Selfie](/content/oak-filter-for-selfie.jpg "Oak Filter Selfie")

  

**No Filter**

**Oak Filter**

  

When you’re posting selfies or portraits, you want natural enhancements, nothing too crazy or “filtered”. We highlight recommend the above filters for a “natural enhancing” edit. These 3 filters have high contrast, making colors like pop while not washing out your skin.

![No Filter Selfie](/content/no-filter-for-selfie.jpg "No Filter Selfie")

![1989 Filter Selfie](/content/1989-filter-for-selfie.jpg "1989 Filter Selfie")

  

**No Filter**

**1989 Filter**

  

They brighten up colors in a photo without overlaying other tones or hues, giving off a natural but improved look. The best thing about these filters - they’re free for all. Take a selfie and test them out!  
  

* * *

  

For Architecture: D3, F2, N1
----------------------------

![No Filter Architecture Photos](/content/no-filter-for-architecture-photos.jpg "No Filter Architecture Photos")

![D3 Architecture Photos](/content/d3-filter-for-architecture-photos.jpg "D3 Filter Architecture Photos")

  

**No Filter**

**D3 Filter**

  

Whether you’re taking a photo of new skyscrapers or old churches, these filters will add a warm hue to your pictures. They give a vintage, aged feel for older structures while reducing stark gray and blue hues of modern buildings.

![No Filter Architecture Photos](/content/no-filter-for-architecture-photos-2.jpg "No Filter Architecture Photos")

![N2 Architecture Photos](/content/n2-filter-for-architecture-photos.jpg "N2 Filter Architecture Photos")

  

**No Filter**

**N2 Filter**

  

N2 will allow for the whites in your images to appear as crisp as ever. Perfect for capturing indoor aesthetics.  
  

* * *

  

For Bright / Clean Backgrounds: H2, M2, Arya
--------------------------------------------

![No Filter Bright Background Photos](/content/no-filter-bright-clean-backgrounds-2.jpg "No Filter Bright Background Photos")

![M2 Filter Bright Background Photos](/content/m2-filter-bright-clean-backgrounds.jpg "M2 Filter Bright Background Photos")

  

**No Filter**

**M2 Filter**

  

Feeds with bright + simple backgrounds look clean and easy on the eyes. It’s no surprise that these type of feeds are popular these days. Our M2 and Arya filters will keep the background bright and clean while allowing the subject of your images to pop - giving your images a sunkissed feel.

![No Filter Bright Background Photos](/content/no-filter-bright-clean-backgrounds.jpg "No Filter Bright Background Photos")

![Arya Filter Bright Background Photos](/content/arya-filter-bright-clean-backgrounds.jpg "Ayra Filter Bright Background Photos")

  

**No Filter**

**Arya Filter**

  

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For a B&W Effect: C1, C2, Radio
-------------------------------

![No Filter Black & White Photos](/content/no-filter-black-and-white-effect-2.jpg "No Filter Black & White Photos")

![C2 Filter Black & White Photos](/content/c2-filter-black-and-white-effect.jpg "C2 Filter Black & White Photos")

  

**No Filter**

**C2 Filter**

  

Editing with a black and white filter can completely change the feel of your image. Black and white images tend to elicit a more serious tone, adding depth to an image.

![No Filter Black & White Photos](/content/no-filter-black-and-white-effect.jpg "No Filter Black & White Photos")

![Radio Filter Black & White Photos](/content/radio-filter-black-and-white-effect.jpg "Radio Filter Black & White Photos")

  

**No Filter**

**Radio Filter**

  

Between these three black and white filters, you can pick which one works best for any photo. The right black and white filter can turn an ordinary colored photo into a dramatic work of art.  
  

* * *

  

For Nature Photos: E3, Osaka, Front
-----------------------------------

![No Filter Nature Photos](/content/no-filter-nature-photos.jpg "No Filter Nature Photos")

![Osaka Filter Nature Photos](/content/osaka-filter-nature-photos.jpg "Osaka Filter Nature Photos")

  

**No Filter**

**Osaka Filter**

  

When you’re editing nature photos, you don’t want to take away from the beauty that you’re capturing by slapping on a tacky, oversaturated filter. Instasize’s wide range of filters give you options that will enhance warmth (or cool it down), sharpen detail, and make colors pop in a very natural, controlled manner.

![No Filter Nature Photos](/content/no-filter-nature-photos-2.jpg "No Filter Nature Photos")

![Front Filter Nature Photos](/content/front-filter-nature-photos.jpg "Front Filter Nature Photos")

  

**No Filter**

**Front Filter**

  

*   **Osaka** is a bright filter, adding and highlighting yellow tones to a photograph - perfect for photos captures in harsh sunlight.
  
*   **Front** is a warm filter, overlaying a brownish tone to photos bringing out the colorful hues of nature photos, especially autumn colors.
  
*   **E3** is a cooler filter, adding a blueish hue to photos that can highlight majestic seas or convey the cool mood of winter photographs.

  

* * *

  

If you apply a filter and think it’s too harsh on your photo just double-tap to pull up the adjustment slider. You can easily decrease the intensity of the filter, allowing you to control how it enhances your photo. Fine tune minute details with our various adjustment tools, read up on how to get the most out of these tools [here](/learn/how-to-retouch-your-photos-on-mobile "Retouch Photos with Instasize Beauty Tools").

With dozens of filters available on Instasize, you’ll be sure to find one that feels right for any photo or theme. Unlock over 60 more premium filters by upgrading to a premium account. **Click on the banner below to get started.**

Knowing which filters work best with specific photos is important. Here are some of our favorite filters and the type of photos they work best on.