Anime style is the #1 requested feature in AI art. But getting that perfect "aesthetic" isn't easy. Some tools make you look like a distorted cartoon, while others capture the soul of Studio Ghibli. We found the best ones.
Whether you want a profile picture for Discord, a character for your VTuber debut, or just want to see yourself as a shonen protagonist, these tools have you covered.
Table of Contents
1. Percify (Best Overall)
Best For: Turning selfies into anime characters.
Percify has a dedicated "Niji" model specifically trained on millions of anime images. It understands the difference between 90s cel-shaded style (like Sailor Moon) and modern Makoto Shinkai lighting (like Your Name).
Key Features
- Image-to-Image: Upload a selfie and it keeps your pose and hair color, but makes you anime.
- Style LoRAs: Switch between "Retro 90s", "Studio Ghibli", "Cyberpunk Edgerunners", and "Oil Painting Anime" with one click.
- High Resolution: Exports crystal clear 4K images suitable for printing.
Pros
- ✅ Most accurate "Image-to-Anime" conversion
- ✅ Huge library of anime sub-styles
- ✅ Easy to use (no complex prompting)
Cons
- ❌ Web-only interface (no mobile app yet)
2. Midjourney Niji (Best for Backgrounds)
Best For: Creating full anime scenes and wallpapers.
Midjourney partnered with Spellbrush to create "Niji Journey", a specific mode for anime. It is incredible at generating detailed backgrounds and complex scenes.
Key Features
- --niji 6: The latest version is mind-blowingly detailed.
- Pan & Zoom: Expand your anime image to create a wide wallpaper.
Pros
- ✅ Stunning artistic quality
- ✅ Great for landscapes and scenery
Cons
- ❌ Hard to get a specific character likeness
- ❌ Requires Discord subscription
3. Waifu Labs (Best for RPGs)
Best For: Quickly generating random characters.
Waifu Labs is a classic. It uses a "breeding" mechanic where you pick your favorite from a grid, and it generates more like it. It's great for generating NPCs for a game.
Pros
- ✅ Fun, gamified interface
- ✅ Infinite random variations
Cons
- ❌ Only does "head and shoulders" portraits
- ❌ Art style feels a bit 2020 (dated)
Popular Anime Styles to Try
When using Percify or other tools, try these keywords in your prompt to get different looks:
- "Studio Ghibli Style": Soft colors, food looks delicious, fluffy clouds.
- "Cyberpunk": Neon greens and pinks, chromatic aberration, high tech.
- "90s Retro Anime": Grainy texture, pastel colors, simplified shadows.
- "Makoto Shinkai": Lens flares, hyper-realistic skies, emotional lighting.