If you want to know how you can make Snapchat filters, you are at the right place; we will tell you the four best ways by which you can make Snapchat filters. Snapchat is one of the most famous messaging applications that are mainly multimedia-based.
Over the years, this platform has become more popular. One of the main features of Snapchat was disappearing messages and pictures that the users could send each other.
Another important feature was the introduction of several filters. This is also one of the reasons why Snapchat is still strong in its game. Snapchat users still use the application due to the variety of filters available.
There have been other features added over the years; one of them is the Snapchat geofilter. The users have the liberty to add their artwork, logos, or names in the chats. However, this feature only works in specific locations and has a fixed time.
Along with this, Snapchat has now given users a way to create their filters. They can either make their regular filters or geofilters through several methods.
Types of Snapchat Filters
Snapchat filters are a bit different from Snapchat lenses. So when it comes to Snapchat filters, there are two types, community and custom filters. Community filters are free, and any user can create and submit them on the platform.
If you want to submit your filter, which is a community filter, Snapchat will review it and accept it if it meets the guidelines of their platform. On the other hand, Custom filters mean that it is used either for business or personal use.
Community filters are completely free and can be used by anyone. However, there can’t be a specific date or event attached to it; these sorts of customizations are not available on community filters.
Normal filters are also available on Snapchat, which is preset, and they keep getting updated. These effects comprise face-changing filters, colorful backgrounds, and others. These normal filters are categorized into filters and lenses.
Geofilters are mostly based on location and can be used for personal or business reasons. These filters are tied to a certain landmark, city, or university. These are free to either create or use. However, the users will have to pay for personal filters, such as these, since they will be related to either business openings or weddings.
The Snapchat team also checks customized Geofilters, and it takes around a few days to 24 hours to approve them. After the Snapchat team has approved the Geofilter, you will have to make the payment.
The filter will automatically go live on the date and time that you had fixed while making the filter. This will then allow you to use it during that time and save it, depending on the time scale of the filter.
How To make Snapchat filters
- Create Community Snapchat Filters on the application
- Make a Snapchat Filter on the Web
- Design your Snapchat Geofilter
- Import custom Snapchat Geofilter
1. Create Community Snapchat Filters On The Application
Snapchat has introduced several features to its user through which they can make their filters from the application itself. Before 2017, Snapchat filters could be created only through specific tools.
Moreover, there is no necessity of using the Snapchat desktop website to create or design the filters. To create your own Snapchat filter, you can follow these steps.
- Launch the Snapchat application
- Open the general photo screen.
- Click on the filter icon on the right side of the capture button.
- Once you are on the filter page, the menu is available at the bottom of the page.
- On the left side of the menu, click on the Create option.
Once you open the Create menu, you will see multiple options. You can scroll through them right, left to right. There are a variety of categories to choose from, and you can select a category and start editing your filter.
Even though users can create and design their own Snapchat filter on the application itself, there is a certain limit for the same. Snapchat does not allow free customization of the filters multiple times.
Additionally, the user is also not allowed to save it readily. If you want to use it as soon as you make it and also save it for later, you might want to customize it from the browser.
2. Make a Snapchat Filter On the Web
Even though creating a Snapchat filter has been easier on the phone application, there are some additional features on the web browser. You can save the filter for later use and use it as soon as you design your filter.
To create your Snapchat filter on the web, you can follow these simple steps.
- Visit the official Snapchat website.
- Several options are available on the menu at the top of the page.
- Select Create and click on Filters.
You will then be taken to the filter tool, wherein there are multiple tools and other editing features. You can then create your filter from there.
Select a theme you want to design and create a Snapchat filter. Some of the themes include Weddings, Birthdays, and more. After selecting a theme, you can move on to selecting a design.
You can also customize the theme design. You can click on any part of the design and edit it based on your liking. You can also add texts from the menu available on the right side of the page.
Another feature is changing the color scheme. You can select the color to go with the main theme and design. While adding other elements, you will have to follow these steps.
- Click on Elements.
- Select the Upload button
- Import any design or element that you want.
Apart from the signs or symbols available, you can also import PNG files from your computer. Moreover, you can add your Bitmoji by logging in and connecting it to your account. Click the log-in option, which is next to the Bitmoji graphic.
After you are done designing and editing your filter, you can click on Next at the bottom right.
You can then set your filter period or the location, especially if you create a geo filter.
3. Design Your Snapchat Geofilter
Creating your Snapchat geofilter works best on the browser. You can set a date, time, and location to your filter and customize it based on the event. This option can also promote your business or a special event.
Since this method is not available on the application, you cannot create or design any of your Snapchat geofilters on your phone. You will have to navigate to the official website. The steps to create the filter are as follows.
- Open the official Snapchat website.
- Click on Filters and Lenses from the menu at the top of the page.
- Scroll down the page and click on Filters.
- You will then have to Log in to your account. This option will allow you to use the filter later and save it to your account.
- There are several categories available you can select any of them.
- Use the tools available in the menu.
- Click on Next after you have finished designing the filter.
- Select the date and time for the Snapchat filter to be launched.
- You can also select the time scale for it and then click on Next.
After you select the date and time for the Geo-Filter, you will also have to create a geographical location or area. The minimum geographical area that you can include is around 20,000 square feet. The maximum would be 4 million.
You can also draw the area on the map given on the page. You can drag the area you want to include with the help of your mouse. Once you are done with this, you can click on Checkout.
After this step, you will have to complete the submission form on the next page. You will have to fill in your details which include your email address and the filter details as well. After you enter your credentials, you will also have to add your payment details.
After making the payment for the filter, submit the filter. Once you submit the filter, the Snapchat team will revert to you either in the next 24 hours or a few days later.
You will have to note that the GPS of your PC or Mac should be exact while creating geofilters. One of the main reasons for this is that the cost you will have to pay is calculated based on the area you want to cover and how long you want it to be live.
All these factors play a major role in the payment method. Hence make sure that you do not unnecessarily add more area to the location. Additionally, keep a note of the time scale you want the filter to be available.
After Snapchat has manually verified the filter, it will be approved or rejected. As soon as it is approved, you can also make the payment. You will have to note that there is no need for you to make the payment while creating and designing the filter.
Enter the payment details before the filter gets approved but only pay for it after approval. As soon as you make the payment, the filter will automatically go live as you had set earlier.
4. Import Custom Snapchat Geofilter
Several applications and websites allow users to edit photos and even make their designs. You can design your filter on either of those applications and then import it to Snapchat.
Some photo editing applications include Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud Express, Snappylnk, Fotor, etc. We will be taking Canva as an example to demonstrate the process of designing and importing the filter.
- Visit the official editing website; in this case, it would be Canva.
- You can choose a template from the platform itself or design a new one.
- After you are done designing the filter, click on Download.
- The resolution of the file should be 1080x 2340.
After you are done with this process, you will have to visit the official website of Snapchat to import the filter.
- After you have navigated to the Snapchat website, click on Upload.
- Select the PNG file you downloaded from Canva.
- After you have uploaded the file to Snapchat, you will be taken to the editing page again.
You can either make a few more changes if you would like in the editing interface of Snapchat; if not, you can click on Next. You will then have to follow the same steps as mentioned above.
You will have to enter your contact details, payment details, etc.
Conclusion
Designing and creating your own Snapchat filter initially might seem difficult. However, the process has been made much easier now. You can create your Snapchat filters either from your phone or your PC browser.
Even though some filters require you to make payments, you can create other personal filters that do not require a geo-tag for free. Having the option of creating Snapchat filters is beneficial for businesses as well.
Personalizing your own Snapchat filter allows you to explore your creative side, and you can also share it with your friends and other users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is creating a Snapchat filter free?
Designing and creating a Snapchat filter is not free for private events that require a geo-tag. However, creating Community filters is completely free. Even though it has to be approved by the Snapchat team first, making and submitting a community filter is free.Â
Can we make Snapchat filters for special events?
The option of Geo filters gives users the liberty to design and create their filters for specific events. They can make filters for events like weddings, birthdays, business promotions, etc.
Moreover, these filters can be customized to go live on a certain day with a particular time scale. The users will have to pay for the customized filters depending on the area covered and the number of days the filter will be available. Â
Will I be able to make a Snapchat filter?
Making a Snapchat filter is much easier these days. Users can create filters from their phones themselves. Even though, apart from community filters, other filters should be paid for, the designing and editing process is rather simple. So anyone can design and make their filter.Â
How to make a birthday Snapchat filter?
Snapchat offers the feature of making filters for special occasions. You can easily create a Snapchat filter for a birthday by selecting a theme and design. Snapchat has several options to choose from, and you can select a birthday theme and template and then create a filter based on that.Â
This might also require you to make your filter go live at a fixed date; you will have to add a date and preferably a location. However, after you are done with the entire process, the approval of the Snapchat team is the most integral part.Â