Creating a Snapchat filter starts with the Snapchat app on your phone

You create a Snapchat filter directly in the app using Snapchat's built-in tools — you do not need separate software or a computer. Open Snapchat, tap the smiley face icon on the camera screen, then select the sunglass icon at the bottom to enter the filter creation mode. From there, you can choose from pre-made templates, add text, stickers, and drawings, and save your filter to use on your own snaps or share with friends.

The filters you make this way are temporary and personal — they stay on your phone and appear only when you or someone you share them with opens Snapchat. If you want to create a filter that appears for everyone in a specific location (like a restaurant or event), you will need to use Snapchat's Lens Studio software on a computer, which is a different, more advanced process.

Key Takeaways

  • Personal filters made in the Snapchat app take just a few taps and use templates, text, and stickers you choose.
  • Filters you create in the app save to your phone and can be shared with individual friends or groups.
  • Location-based filters that appear for all Snapchat users in a specific area require Lens Studio, a free desktop application.
  • The in-app filter editor works on both iPhone and Android, and you can edit or delete filters anytime.

How to make a filter using Snapchat's in-app editor

Start by opening Snapchat and pointing your camera at something — a face, a room, or an object. Tap the smiley face icon in the bottom-left corner of the camera screen. This opens the filter menu. Scroll through the available filters until you see a plus sign or "Create" option, usually near the end of the list. Tap it to enter the filter creation mode.

Once you are in the editor, you will see a blank canvas. Tap the plus icon to add elements: text, stickers, shapes, or drawings. You can type a message, choose a font and color, and position it anywhere on the screen. Add stickers by tapping the sticker icon and browsing Snapchat's library. Use the drawing tool to sketch freehand. When you are done, tap the checkmark or save button. Name your filter and choose whether to save it to "My Filters" or share it with specific friends.

Sharing your filter with friends

After you save a filter, it appears in your personal filter list. To use it, open the camera, tap the smiley face icon, and swipe to find your filter. Tap it to apply it to a snap. To share it with friends, open the filter menu, long-press your filter, and select "Share." You can send it to individual friends or a group chat. They will receive a link or notification and can save it to their own "My Filters" list.

Filters you share this way remain on your friends' phones as long as they keep them. You can delete your filter anytime by long-pressing it in the filter menu and selecting "Delete." Once deleted, it will no longer appear on your phone, but friends who already saved it will still have their copy.

Creating location-based filters with Lens Studio

If you want to create a filter that appears for all Snapchat users at a specific location — such as a birthday party, wedding, or business event — you need to use Lens Studio, Snapchat's free desktop application. Download it from Snapchat's website, install it on your Mac or Windows computer, and create your filter design there. Lens Studio offers more advanced tools than the in-app editor, including custom graphics, animations, and interactive effects.

After you design your filter in Lens Studio, you submit it to Snapchat for review. Snapchat checks that your filter meets their guidelines — no offensive content, clear branding, and appropriate design. Once approved, you can activate it for a specific location and date range. During that time, anyone who opens Snapchat at that location will see your filter in their filter menu. This process takes longer than making a personal filter and requires planning ahead, usually several days before your event.

What you can and cannot do with filters

In the in-app editor, you can add text, stickers, shapes, and hand-drawn elements. You can layer multiple items, change colors, and resize them. You cannot add video, music, or animated effects in the basic editor — those features are only available in Lens Studio. You also cannot make filters that track facial movements or respond to gestures using the app editor.

Snapchat's guidelines prohibit filters that contain hate speech, violence, sexual content, or impersonation of real people or brands. Personal filters you make for yourself and friends are less strictly reviewed than location-based filters, but Snapchat can still remove them if they violate the rules. If you plan to submit a location filter, review Snapchat's content policy before you design it.

Editing or deleting filters you have made

To edit a filter you created, open the camera, tap the smiley face icon, find your filter, and long-press it. Select "Edit" if that option appears. In the in-app editor, you can only edit filters you created recently — older filters may not be editable. If you cannot edit a filter, you can delete it and create a new one with the changes you want.

To delete a filter, long-press it in the filter menu and select "Delete." The filter disappears from your phone immediately. If you shared it with friends before deleting it, they will still have their copy unless they delete it themselves. Filters you created in Lens Studio and submitted for a location can be deactivated through your Lens Studio account, which removes them from the location after the scheduled date ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add music or sound to a filter I create in the app?

No, the in-app filter editor does not support audio. You can add music or sound effects only if you use Lens Studio on a computer. When you record a snap with your filter, the snap will include whatever audio you record with your phone's microphone, but the filter itself cannot play sound.

How long does it take to create a filter?

A simple personal filter with text and stickers takes five to ten minutes. More complex designs with multiple layers and custom drawings take longer. Location-based filters created in Lens Studio take hours or days depending on how detailed you want them, plus several days for Snapchat to review and approve before they go live.

Can I use photos or images from my phone in a filter?

The in-app editor does not let you import photos directly. Lens Studio does support importing images, but they must be in certain file formats and sizes. For personal filters, you are limited to Snapchat's built-in stickers, text, and drawing tools.

What happens if Snapchat rejects my location filter?

Snapchat will send you a message explaining why your filter was rejected, usually citing content policy violations or design issues. You can edit your filter in Lens Studio and resubmit it. Most rejections are fixable — common reasons include unclear design, text that is too small, or content that violates guidelines.

Do I need to pay to create or submit a filter?

No, creating personal filters in the app is free. Lens Studio is free to download and use. Submitting a location-based filter for review is also free. Snapchat does not charge for filter creation, though some advanced features or sponsored filters may have costs for businesses.