Effects — Print
Linocut / engraving effect
Carve your photo into engraved lines. Control line spacing, wave, wavelength and angle for linocut and engraving looks.
- Status
- Live
- Category
- Settings
- 6
What is the Linocut / engraving effect?
Linocut and engraving both build an image from lines. In linocut a design is carved into a block of linoleum, inked and pressed onto paper, giving bold, graphic lines. Engraving cuts fine lines into metal, with thicker or closer lines for darker areas, a style familiar from banknotes and old book illustrations.
This effect draws your photo as a set of lines whose spacing, waviness and angle you control. Straight lines feel like classic engraving; adding wave makes the lines flow like hand-cut grooves.
Linocut / engraving settings
- Line spacing
- Wave
- Wavelength
- Angle
- Ink
- Paper
Best photos for it
- Portraits and busts
- Landscapes and architecture
- Poster and print-style illustration
Tips for better results
- Tip 01
Tighter line spacing keeps more detail but looks finer; wider spacing is bolder.
- Tip 02
Add a small wave for a hand-carved feel, and increase the wavelength for long, gentle curves.
- Tip 03
Angle the lines against the main direction of your subject for contrast.
Common questions
What is the difference between linocut and cross-hatch?
Linocut and engraving use one set of lines that vary in weight or spacing. Cross-hatch layers lines at crossing angles to build darker tones.
Similar effects
- Cross-hatchShade your photo with pen-and-ink cross-hatching. Adjust spacing, line width and angle for sketchbook and engraving styles.Available
- StippleBuild your photo from thousands of tiny dots, like a pointillist ink drawing. Set density and dot size, and choose ink and paper.Available
- MezzotintA grainy, velvety engraving look built from fine random noise. Adjust grain size and contrast, and pick your ink and paper colours.Available
Also searched as: Engraving filter, Linocut effect, Line art print.