Neon Photo Filter
Turn a photo into a glowing neon-edge outline. Upload an image, pick a glow color, and download a cyberpunk-style result.
Click to upload an image
Your file is processed entirely in your browser
Recommended Settings
Pro Tips
- •This effect works by detecting edges in your photo and redrawing them as a glowing colored outline on a black background
- •Images with clear, high-contrast subjects against a simpler background produce the cleanest neon outlines
- •Try different colors - cyan and magenta tend to give the most classic cyberpunk look
- •The whole file is processed locally in your browser - nothing is uploaded anywhere
Most Popular
Most users try cyan or magenta first for a classic neon look
When to Use This Tool
Turn a photo into a glowing neon-outline graphic for a cyberpunk or synthwave aesthetic.
Create an eye-catching neon-style image for social media posts or profile art.
Generate a striking outline-based graphic suitable for posters or album art.
Explore how different subjects and colors translate into a neon-edge look.
How It Works
Read the uploaded image and decode it using the browser's native image support
Convert the image to grayscale and run a Sobel edge-detection kernel to find areas of high contrast
Recolor the detected edges with the selected neon color
Layer a blurred glow copy underneath a sharp copy on a black background for a luminous effect
100% Private
Files never leave your device. All processing happens locally in your browser.
Lightning Fast
Powered by Sobel edge detection + canvas compositing for optimal performance on modern browsers.
Open Source
Built with verified, open-source libraries. Fully transparent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my result look mostly black?
This effect keeps only detected edges and discards flat, low-contrast areas, which become black. Photos with a clear subject and defined edges against a simpler background work best.
Can I use a custom color instead of the presets?
Currently this tool offers four preset neon colors. For a custom color, you could apply a hue-adjustment filter to the result afterward in an image editor.
Is my image uploaded to a server?
No. The entire process runs locally in your browser using the Canvas API and JavaScript. Your image never leaves your device.
What format is the output?
The result is downloaded as a PNG file with a solid black background.
Why does the same photo look different with different colors?
The underlying edge detection is identical - only the color used to render those edges changes, so the overall brightness and contrast of the glow can look different with each hue.