WhatsApp has evolved from a simple messaging app to a versatile communication tool that allows users to share text, images, videos, and more. One of the fun and engaging features of WhatsApp is the ability to draw on pictures and videos before sending them. This feature lets you add annotations, doodles, and text to your media, making your messages more expressive and personalized. Whether you want to highlight a specific detail, add a funny meme, or simply doodle for fun, this guide will provide you with detailed steps and instructions on how to draw on pictures and videos on WhatsApp.
Why Draw on Pictures and Videos on WhatsApp?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand why this feature is so popular:
- Personalization: Add a personal touch to your messages by drawing and writing on your media.
- Highlighting: Draw attention to specific details in a picture or video.
- Fun and Creativity: Express your creativity and have fun with doodles and annotations.
- Communication: Use drawings to explain something visually, making it easier for the recipient to understand.
- Engagement: Make your messages more engaging and interactive.
How to Draw on Pictures on WhatsApp: Step-by-Step Guide
Drawing on pictures in WhatsApp is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Open WhatsApp and Select a Chat
First, open the WhatsApp application on your smartphone. Navigate to the chat where you want to send the picture.
Step 2: Access the Camera or Gallery
To send a picture, tap on the attachment icon (usually a paperclip or a + sign) located next to the text input field. This will open a menu with several options.
You have two choices here:
- Camera: Take a new picture directly from the WhatsApp camera.
- Gallery: Select an existing picture from your phone’s gallery.
Tap on either “Camera” to take a new picture or “Gallery” to choose an existing one.
Step 3: Select or Capture Your Picture
If you chose “Camera,” take the picture you want to send. If you chose “Gallery,” browse through your albums and select the picture you want to use.
Step 4: Access the Drawing Tools
Once you’ve selected or captured your picture, you will see a preview of it on the screen. At the top of the screen, you’ll find several editing tools, including:
- Crop: Allows you to crop the picture.
- Emoji: Adds emojis to the picture.
- Text: Adds text to the picture.
- Drawing Tool: This is the tool we’re interested in for drawing on the picture. It’s usually represented by a pencil or pen icon.
Tap on the drawing tool icon (pencil/pen).
Step 5: Start Drawing
After selecting the drawing tool, you can start drawing on the picture. Here’s what you need to know:
- Color Selection: Before you start drawing, choose a color from the color palette that appears on the screen. The palette usually consists of several basic colors, and you can often slide to see more color options.
- Drawing: Use your finger to draw directly on the picture. Simply drag your finger across the screen to create lines, shapes, or doodles.
- Undo/Redo: If you make a mistake, you can use the undo button (usually an arrow pointing left) to remove the last stroke. Some versions of WhatsApp also offer a redo button (arrow pointing right) to restore the last undone action.
- Thickness: While WhatsApp doesn’t offer a direct option to change the thickness of the drawing tool, applying more pressure while drawing can sometimes result in slightly thicker lines.
Step 6: Add More Elements (Optional)
You can combine drawing with other elements to make your picture even more engaging:
- Emojis: Tap on the emoji icon to add emojis to your picture. You can resize and reposition the emojis as needed.
- Text: Tap on the text icon to add text to your picture. You can type your message, choose a font color, and adjust the size and position of the text.
Step 7: Send Your Edited Picture
Once you’re satisfied with your drawing and other additions, tap on the send button (usually a paper airplane icon) to send the picture to the selected chat.
How to Draw on Videos on WhatsApp: Step-by-Step Guide
Drawing on videos in WhatsApp follows a similar process to drawing on pictures. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open WhatsApp and Select a Chat
Open the WhatsApp application on your smartphone and navigate to the chat where you want to send the video.
Step 2: Access the Camera or Gallery
Tap on the attachment icon next to the text input field. This will open a menu with options to send different types of media.
You have two choices:
- Camera: Record a new video directly from the WhatsApp camera.
- Gallery: Select an existing video from your phone’s gallery.
Tap on either “Camera” to record a new video or “Gallery” to choose an existing one.
Step 3: Select or Capture Your Video
If you chose “Camera,” record the video you want to send. If you chose “Gallery,” browse through your albums and select the video you want to use.
Step 4: Access the Drawing Tools
Once you’ve selected or captured your video, you will see a preview of it on the screen. Similar to the picture editing screen, you’ll find several editing tools at the top of the screen, including:
- Trim: Allows you to trim the video length.
- Mute: Allows you to mute the video.
- Emoji: Adds emojis to the video.
- Text: Adds text to the video.
- Drawing Tool: Represented by a pencil or pen icon.
Tap on the drawing tool icon (pencil/pen).
Step 5: Start Drawing
After selecting the drawing tool, you can start drawing on the video. The process is similar to drawing on pictures:
- Color Selection: Choose a color from the color palette that appears on the screen.
- Drawing: Use your finger to draw directly on the video. Drag your finger across the screen to create lines, shapes, or doodles.
- Drawing Duration: Keep in mind that drawings on videos are static and will appear throughout the entire duration of the video. You cannot make drawings appear or disappear at specific times within the video.
- Undo/Redo: Use the undo button to remove the last stroke if you make a mistake.
Step 6: Add More Elements (Optional)
Enhance your video with additional elements:
- Emojis: Tap on the emoji icon to add emojis to your video. You can resize and reposition the emojis.
- Text: Tap on the text icon to add text to your video. Choose a font color and adjust the size and position of the text.
Step 7: Send Your Edited Video
Once you’re satisfied with your drawing and other additions, tap on the send button (paper airplane icon) to send the video to the selected chat.
Tips and Tricks for Drawing on Pictures and Videos
Here are some tips and tricks to make the most out of the drawing feature on WhatsApp:
- Use a Stylus: For more precise drawings, consider using a stylus instead of your finger. This can be particularly helpful for detailed annotations and intricate designs.
- Plan Ahead: Before you start drawing, think about what you want to convey. Planning your drawings can help you create more effective and visually appealing messages.
- Experiment with Colors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors to find the ones that best suit your picture or video. Using contrasting colors can make your drawings stand out.
- Combine Drawing with Text and Emojis: Use a combination of drawing, text, and emojis to create richer and more expressive messages.
- Keep it Simple: Sometimes, less is more. Avoid overcrowding your picture or video with too many drawings. Focus on highlighting the most important details.
- Practice: Like any skill, drawing on WhatsApp improves with practice. Experiment with different techniques and styles to find what works best for you.
- Use the Undo Button: Don’t hesitate to use the undo button if you make a mistake. It’s better to correct errors than to send a messy drawing.
- Consider the Context: Make sure your drawings are appropriate for the context of the conversation. Avoid drawing anything that could be offensive or misinterpreted.
Limitations of Drawing on WhatsApp
While the drawing feature on WhatsApp is fun and useful, it has some limitations:
- Limited Color Palette: The color palette is somewhat limited, and you may not find the exact color you’re looking for.
- No Thickness Control: There is no direct option to control the thickness of the drawing tool.
- Static Drawings on Videos: Drawings on videos are static and appear throughout the entire duration of the video. You cannot make them appear or disappear at specific times.
- Precision: Drawing with your finger can be less precise than using a stylus, especially on smaller screens.
- No Layers: The drawing feature doesn’t support layers, so you can’t easily edit or remove individual elements without affecting the entire drawing.
Alternative Apps for More Advanced Editing
If you need more advanced editing features, you might consider using dedicated photo and video editing apps. Here are some popular alternatives:
- Snapseed: A powerful photo editing app with a wide range of tools and filters.
- Adobe Photoshop Express: A mobile version of Photoshop with many of the same features.
- PicsArt: A versatile photo and video editor with drawing tools, stickers, and more.
- InShot: A popular video editor with tools for trimming, adding music, and more.
- YouCut: Another great video editor with a user-friendly interface.
Conclusion
Drawing on pictures and videos on WhatsApp is a fun and easy way to add a personal touch to your messages. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create engaging and expressive media that captures attention and enhances communication. Whether you’re highlighting important details, adding a touch of humor, or simply expressing your creativity, the drawing feature on WhatsApp is a valuable tool for making your messages stand out.
Remember to experiment with different colors, elements, and techniques to find what works best for you. And don’t be afraid to use the undo button if you make a mistake. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create stunning drawings that impress your friends and family on WhatsApp.