Quick Start
This guide covers every Fotor feature:
- Getting Started — Create account and basic setup
- How to Use AI Image Upscaler — Enlarge photos to 4K without losing quality
- How to Use Photo to Sketch Converter — Turn any photo into a pencil drawing
- How to Use AI Face Swapper — Swap faces in photos instantly
- How to Use AI Video Editor — Edit and enhance videos with AI
- How to Use Free Logo Maker — Design custom logos in minutes
- How to Use Video Enhancer — Upscale video quality to HD or 4K
- How to Use Free PNG Maker — Create transparent PNG images
- How to Use Background Changer — Remove and replace photo backgrounds
- How to Use AI Image Generator — Create images from text prompts
Time needed: 5 minutes per feature
Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Troubleshooting | Pricing | Alternatives
Why Trust This Guide
I’ve used Fotor for over a year and tested every feature covered here. This tutorial comes from real hands-on experience — not marketing fluff or vendor screenshots.
Fotor is one of the most powerful AI photo editing tools available today.
But most users only scratch the surface of what it can do.
This guide shows you how to use every major feature.
Step by step, with screenshots and pro tips.
Fotor Tutorial
This complete Fotor tutorial walks you through every feature step by step, from initial setup to advanced tips that will make you a power user.
Fotor
Edit photos, create designs, and generate AI images in one platform. Fotor gives you access to powerful AI tools like background removal, image upscaling, and face swapping. Try it free — no credit card required.
Getting Started with Fotor
Before using any feature, complete this one-time setup.
It takes about 3 minutes.
Watch this quick overview first:
Now let’s walk through each step.
Step 1: Create Your Account
Go to Fotor’s website.
Click “Sign Up” in the top right corner.
You can sign up with Google, Facebook, Apple, or email.
Enter your details and confirm your account.
✓ Checkpoint: Check your inbox for a confirmation email if you signed up with email.
Step 2: Choose Your Platform
Fotor works as an online editor, desktop app, and mobile app.
The web version works in any browser — no download needed.
For mobile, download the Fotor app from the App Store or Google Play.
Log in with your new account.
Here’s what the dashboard looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the main dashboard with editing options.
Step 3: Explore the Dashboard
The dashboard shows all major tools in one place.
Click “Edit a Photo” to open the photo editor.
Click “Make a Design” for templates and graphic design.
AI tools are listed in the left sidebar menu.
✅ Done: You’re ready to use any feature below.
How to Use Fotor AI Image Upscaler
AI Image Upscaler lets you enlarge photos up to 4x without losing quality.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch AI Image Upscaler in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Upload Your Image
Open Fotor and go to the AI Image Upscaler tool.
Click “Open Image” or drag your photo into the window.
Fotor supports JPG, PNG, HEIC, HEIF, and WebP formats.
Step 2: Choose Your Upscale Level
Click the “AI Enlarger” tool in the left menu.
Select 2x for standard upscaling or 4x for maximum quality.
Fotor will process your image automatically.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a preview of the enhanced image.
Step 3: Download Your Enhanced Photo
Click “Apply” when satisfied with the result.
Download your enlarged image in JPG or PNG format.
✅ Result: Your image is now upscaled to higher resolution with sharp details.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the batch upscaler to process up to 50 images at once. Select “Advanced” mode for 4K output on multiple photos.
How to Use Fotor Photo to Sketch Converter
Photo to Sketch Converter lets you turn any photo into a pencil drawing or sketch.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Photo to Sketch Converter in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Upload Your Photo
Open the Photo to Sketch tool from Fotor’s dashboard.
Click “Open Image” and select the photo you want to convert.
Step 2: Choose a Sketch Style
Browse the available sketch effects in the left panel.
Pick from pencil sketch, charcoal, or color sketch styles.
Click on a style to preview it on your photo.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see your photo transformed into a sketch.
Step 3: Adjust and Download
Fine-tune the intensity with the adjustment slider.
Click “Apply” and then download your sketch image.
✅ Result: Your photo is now a beautiful sketch ready to share or print.
💡 Pro Tip: Use high-contrast photos with clear subjects for the best sketch results. Portraits work especially well.
How to Use Fotor AI Face Swapper
AI Face Swapper lets you swap faces between photos in seconds.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch AI Face Swapper in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Upload Your Base Photo
Open the AI Face Swapper from Fotor’s AI tools menu.
Upload the photo where you want the face to appear.
Step 2: Upload the Face Photo
Click “Upload Face” and select the face you want to swap in.
Fotor’s AI will detect faces automatically in both images.
The swap happens in seconds with natural blending.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the face swapped onto the base photo.
Step 3: Preview and Save
Review the result to make sure it looks natural.
Click “Download” to save your face-swapped image.
✅ Result: Your face swap looks realistic with proper skin tone matching.
💡 Pro Tip: Use photos where the face is clearly visible and well-lit. Similar head angles between photos give the most natural results.
How to Use Fotor AI Video Editor
AI Video Editor lets you create and edit videos with AI-powered tools.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch AI Video Editor in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open the Video Editor
Go to Fotor’s AI Video tools from the main dashboard.
Select “AI Video Editor” from the available options.
Step 2: Upload or Generate Video
Upload a video in MOV, MP4, or WebM format.
Or use the AI text-to-video feature to create a video from a prompt.
Apply edits like trimming, effects, and text overlays.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see your video on the editing timeline.
Step 3: Export Your Video
Preview the final video and make any last adjustments.
Click “Export” and choose your preferred resolution.
✅ Result: Your edited video is ready to share on social media.
💡 Pro Tip: Use Fotor’s AI text-to-video feature to turn a script into a shareable video in minutes. Great for social media content.
How to Use Fotor Free Logo Maker
Free Logo Maker lets you design custom logos with templates and icons.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Free Logo Maker in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open Logo Maker
Click “Make a Design” on the Fotor dashboard.
Select “Logo” from the template categories.
Step 2: Customize Your Design
Browse hundreds of logo templates and pick one you like.
Change the text, fonts, colors, and icons to match your brand.
Fotor suggests color themes to keep your branding consistent.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see your custom logo in the design canvas.
Step 3: Download Your Logo
Click “Download” and choose PNG for a transparent background.
You can also download in JPG or PDF format.
✅ Result: You have a custom logo ready for your website or social media.
💡 Pro Tip: Export as “Transparent PNG” so your logo works on any background. This option is available in Pro and Pro+ plans.
How to Use Fotor Video Enhancer
Video Enhancer lets you upscale video quality from low resolution to HD or 4K.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Video Enhancer in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Upload Your Video
Open the Video Enhancer tool from Fotor’s dashboard.
Click “Upload” and select a video in MOV, MP4, or WebM format.
Step 2: Let AI Enhance Your Video
Fotor’s AI analyzes each frame of your video automatically.
It adjusts brightness, contrast, sharpness, and color balance.
Wait for the processing to finish.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a preview of the enhanced video.
Step 3: Download the Enhanced Video
Preview the result and click “Download” to save it.
Your video will have sharper details and cleaner colors.
✅ Result: Your low-resolution video now looks sharper and more vibrant.
💡 Pro Tip: The video enhancer works best on footage that is slightly blurry or grainy. Severely degraded videos may not show dramatic improvement.
How to Use Fotor Free PNG Maker
Free PNG Maker lets you create transparent PNG images from any photo.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Free PNG Maker in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Upload Your Image
Open the PNG Maker tool from Fotor’s dashboard.
Upload the image you want to convert to PNG.
Step 2: Remove the Background
Fotor’s AI automatically detects and removes the background.
You’ll see the subject on a transparent (checkered) background.
Fine-tune edges manually if needed using the eraser tool.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see your subject with a transparent background.
Step 3: Download as PNG
Click “Download” and select PNG format to keep transparency.
Your image is now ready for use in designs or presentations.
✅ Result: You have a transparent PNG image ready for any project.
💡 Pro Tip: High-resolution transparent PNG exports are available on Pro and Pro+ plans. Free users get standard resolution output.
How to Use Fotor Background Changer
Background Changer lets you remove and replace photo backgrounds with AI.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Background Changer in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Upload Your Photo
Open the Background Changer tool from Fotor’s AI tools.
Upload the photo you want to edit.
Step 2: Remove and Replace the Background
Fotor’s AI removes the background automatically in seconds.
Choose a new background from solid colors, images, or patterns.
You can also upload your own custom background image.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see your subject with the new background applied.
Step 3: Save Your Image
Adjust the position if needed and click “Apply.”
Download the final image in your preferred format.
✅ Result: Your photo has a clean, new background that looks natural.
💡 Pro Tip: For product photos, use a plain white background. For social media portraits, try Fotor’s solid color options for a clean look.
How to Use Fotor AI Image Generator
AI Image Generator lets you create images from text descriptions.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch AI Image Generator in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open the AI Image Generator
Go to Fotor’s AI Image Generator from the dashboard.
You’ll see a text prompt box and style options.
Step 2: Enter Your Text Prompt
Type a detailed description of the image you want.
Include details about style, lighting, colors, and composition.
Choose an art style preset if you want a specific look.
Click “Generate” and wait a few seconds for the result.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see one or more AI-generated images.
Step 3: Download or Edit Your Image
Pick the image you like best from the generated options.
Download it directly or open it in Fotor’s editor for tweaks.
✅ Result: You have a unique AI-generated image created from your text prompt.
💡 Pro Tip: Be specific in your prompts. Instead of “a dog,” try “a golden retriever sitting in a sunlit meadow at sunset.” More detail gives better results.
Fotor Pro Tips and Shortcuts
After testing Fotor for over a year, here are my best tips.
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Undo last action | Ctrl + Z |
| Redo last action | Ctrl + Y |
| Save your design | Ctrl + S |
| Zoom in on canvas | Ctrl + Plus |
Hidden Features Most People Miss
- Batch Processing: Upload up to 50 photos and apply the same filters and watermarks to all at once. Saves hours of repetitive work.
- One-Tap Enhance: Click the AI auto-enhance button to fix color, exposure, and sharpness in a single click. Works great on dull photos.
- Chat to Edit: Type natural language requests like “make this brighter” or “remove the person on the left.” Fotor’s AI follows your instructions.
Fotor Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Uploading Low-Quality Source Images
❌ Wrong: Uploading a tiny, heavily compressed image and expecting the AI upscaler to make it look perfect.
✅ Right: Start with the highest quality source image available. The AI works best when it has more detail to build on.
Mistake #2: Skipping the Free Plan Entirely
❌ Wrong: Paying for Pro right away without testing what the free plan offers first.
✅ Right: Try all basic features on the free plan first. Upgrade to Pro only when you need advanced AI tools or high-res exports.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Fotor’s Template Library
❌ Wrong: Starting every design from a blank canvas when templates already exist for your use case.
✅ Right: Browse Fotor’s 100,000+ templates first. Pick one close to what you need and customize it. Saves time and looks more polished.
Fotor Troubleshooting
Problem: AI Tools Are Running Slow
Cause: Large file sizes or a slow internet connection can cause delays.
Fix: Reduce image file size before uploading. Clear your browser cache and try a wired connection for faster speeds.
Problem: Background Removal Leaves Rough Edges
Cause: Complex backgrounds or fine details like hair can confuse the AI.
Fix: Use the manual eraser tool to refine edges. Photos with high contrast between subject and background work best.
Problem: Downloads Have Watermarks
Cause: Some features add watermarks on the free plan.
Fix: Upgrade to Fotor Pro or Pro+ to download without watermarks. The Pro plan starts at $3.33/month when billed yearly.
📌 Note: If none of these fix your issue, contact Fotor support through their help center.
What is Fotor?
Fotor is an AI-powered photo editing and graphic design platform that helps you edit photos, create designs, and generate AI images.
Think of it like a lighter version of Photoshop that anyone can use without training.
Watch this quick overview:
It includes these key features:
- AI Image Upscaler: Enlarge photos up to 4x with AI-powered quality enhancement.
- Photo to Sketch Converter: Turn any photo into a pencil drawing or sketch art.
- AI Face Swapper: Swap faces between photos with realistic blending.
- AI Video Editor: Create and edit videos using AI-powered tools.
- Free Logo Maker: Design custom logos using templates and icons.
- Video Enhancer: Upscale video quality to HD or 4K resolution.
- Free PNG Maker: Create transparent PNG images from any photo.
- Background Changer: Remove and replace photo backgrounds with AI.
- AI Image Generator: Create unique images from text descriptions.
For a full review, see our Fotor review.
Fotor Pricing
Here’s what Fotor costs in 2026:
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (Free) | $0 | Casual users who need basic photo edits and limited templates |
| Pro | $3.33 | Freelancers and small businesses who need advanced AI tools and 100K+ templates |
| Pro+ | $7.49 | Power users who need 1M+ stock images and all premium features |
Free trial: Yes, the Basic plan is free forever with limited features.
Money-back guarantee: Contact Fotor support for refund requests on paid plans.
💰 Best Value: Pro at $3.33/month — unlocks all advanced AI tools, 100,000+ templates, and ad-free editing at a price lower than most competitors.
Fotor vs Alternatives
How does Fotor compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:
| Tool | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fotor | AI photo editing and design | $3.33/mo | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Picsart | Creative photo and video editing | $5/mo | ⭐ 4.6 |
| Canva | Graphic design and templates | $6.50/mo | ⭐ 3.5 |
| Remini | AI photo enhancement | $4.99/mo | ⭐ 4.2 |
| Photoroom | Product photo backgrounds | $7.50/mo | ⭐ 4.6 |
| VSCO | Photo filters and presets | $2.50/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
| Photoleap | Mobile photo editing | $3.33/mo | ⭐ 4.5 |
| Pixlr | Browser-based photo editing | $4.90/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
Quick picks:
- Best overall: Fotor — Most AI tools at the lowest price point for beginners and pros alike.
- Best budget: VSCO — Great photo filters starting at just $2.50/month.
- Best for beginners: Canva — Drag-and-drop templates make design easy for anyone.
- Best for product photos: Photoroom — Removes and replaces backgrounds for e-commerce.
🎯 Fotor Alternatives
Looking for Fotor alternatives? Here are the top options:
- 🚀 Picsart: All-in-one creative suite with photo, video, and design tools for content creators on every platform.
- 🎨 Canva: Best drag-and-drop design tool with thousands of templates for social media, presentations, and marketing.
- 💼 Design Pickle: Unlimited graphic design service with a dedicated designer for businesses needing consistent brand content.
- ⚡ Blaze: AI-powered content creation platform focused on marketing teams and social media management.
- 🌟 Remini: AI photo enhancer that specializes in restoring old, blurry, or low-quality photos with one click.
- 📊 Photoleap: Mobile-first photo editor with AI-powered features for creative editing and compositing on iOS.
- 💰 Pixelcut: AI-powered product photo editor built for e-commerce sellers needing quick background removal.
- 🎯 VSCO: Popular photo editing app known for film-style filters and a creative photography community.
- 🔧 Photoroom: AI background remover and product photo tool designed specifically for e-commerce listings.
- ⭐ YouCam Perfect: Selfie and beauty photo editor with AI face retouching and makeup tools for portraits.
- 🏢 Photoshop: Industry-standard professional photo editor with the deepest feature set for advanced editing.
- 🔥 Pixlr: Free browser-based photo editor with layers, effects, and AI tools similar to Photoshop.
- 👶 Photopea: Free online Photoshop alternative that opens PSD files directly in your browser.
- 🧠 Phedra: AI design assistant for creating marketing graphics and brand visuals quickly.
For the full list, see our Fotor alternatives guide.
⚔️ Fotor Compared
Here’s how Fotor stacks up against each competitor:
- Fotor vs Picsart: Fotor wins on pricing and AI upscaling. Picsart has stronger video editing and a larger creative community.
- Fotor vs Canva: Canva leads in templates and team collaboration. Fotor offers better AI photo editing tools at a lower price.
- Fotor vs Design Pickle: Design Pickle provides a dedicated human designer. Fotor is self-service with AI tools at a fraction of the cost.
- Fotor vs Blaze: Blaze focuses on marketing content and social scheduling. Fotor is better for pure photo editing and AI image work.
- Fotor vs Remini: Remini excels at restoring old photos. Fotor offers the same enhancement plus design tools and AI generation.
- Fotor vs Photoleap: Photoleap shines on mobile with creative compositing. Fotor gives you more tools across web, desktop, and mobile.
- Fotor vs Pixelcut: Pixelcut is built for e-commerce product photos. Fotor handles product photos plus general editing and design.
- Fotor vs VSCO: VSCO has the best film-style filters. Fotor provides more AI features, templates, and design tools beyond filters.
- Fotor vs Photoroom: Photoroom is the best for product background removal. Fotor offers background removal plus a full editing suite.
- Fotor vs YouCam Perfect: YouCam Perfect focuses on selfie retouching. Fotor provides a broader set of editing and design tools.
- Fotor vs Photoshop: Photoshop has deeper professional tools. Fotor is much easier to learn and far more affordable for basic needs.
- Fotor vs Pixlr: Both are browser-based editors. Fotor has stronger AI tools while Pixlr offers more traditional layer-based editing.
- Fotor vs Photopea: Photopea opens PSD files and is completely free. Fotor has better AI features and a more beginner-friendly interface.
- Fotor vs Phedra: Phedra focuses on AI marketing designs. Fotor covers both photo editing and design with a larger feature set.
Start Using Fotor Now
You learned how to use every major Fotor feature:
- ✅ AI Image Upscaler
- ✅ Photo to Sketch Converter
- ✅ AI Face Swapper
- ✅ AI Video Editor
- ✅ Free Logo Maker
- ✅ Video Enhancer
- ✅ Free PNG Maker
- ✅ Background Changer
- ✅ AI Image Generator
Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.
Most people start with AI Image Upscaler.
It takes less than 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fotor easy to use?
Yes, Fotor is very beginner-friendly. The interface is clean and all tools are clearly labeled. You don’t need any design or photo editing experience to get started. Most features work with just a few clicks.
How to upload an image in Fotor?
Click the “Open Image” button on Fotor’s homepage or drag your photo file directly into the Fotor window. You can upload images in JPG, PNG, HEIC, HEIF, and WebP formats. The upload happens instantly in your browser.
What can you do with Fotor?
Fotor lets you edit photos, create graphic designs, generate AI images, remove backgrounds, upscale image quality, swap faces, make logos, and enhance videos. It works as an online editor, desktop app, and mobile app across all platforms.
Is Fotor good for beginners?
Fotor is one of the best photo editors for beginners. It has a simple drag-and-drop interface, one-click AI tools, and thousands of ready-to-use templates. You don’t need to learn complex software like Photoshop to get professional results.
How to edit photos in Fotor?
Go to Fotor’s website and click “Edit a Photo.” Upload your image, then use the tools in the left sidebar to adjust brightness, contrast, colors, and more. You can also apply filters, crop, resize, and use AI tools to enhance your photo automatically.
What is the easiest photo editor for beginners?
Fotor and Canva are the two easiest photo editors for beginners. Fotor is better for AI-powered photo editing and enhancement. Canva is better for graphic design with templates. Both have free plans so you can try them without paying.
What is better than Fotor?
Photoshop is better for professional-level editing with advanced tools. Canva is better for graphic design and team collaboration. Remini is better specifically for restoring old photos. But Fotor offers the best balance of AI features, ease of use, and price.
Is Fotor a Chinese company?
Yes, Fotor was originally developed by a Chinese company called Everimaging. It now serves over 300 million users around the world. The platform is available in multiple languages and accessible from any country.
English 
Spanish 
Chinese 
German 
French 
Arabic 
Russian 
Portuguese 
Japanese 
Korean 
Italian 
Turkish 
Dutch 
Polish 
Indonesian 
Thai 
Vietnamese 