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How to Change Face Expression: 3 Pro Techniques that Actually Work

Change face expressions in your photos with three powerful techniques! Begin with Dreamina and learn how to change your facial looks into smiles, frowns, and more in minutes.

*No credit card required
Dreamina
Dreamina
Jun 10, 2025
9 min(s)

Do you sometimes wish you could change a facial expression in a photo—turning a neutral look into a bright smile or adding a thoughtful frown? Thanks to advanced tools, transforming expressions is easier than ever. No more spending time or making an apology for retaking the photo; you can now change facial expressions right in the photoshoot with impressive accuracy. Sounds impossible? Let's get started with these three magic tools to remove your doubt now!

Table of content
  1. How to change facial expression with AI generation
  2. How to change facial expression with a facial filter
  3. How to change facial expression in photo using Deepfake
  4. Common scenarios: When to change face expressions
  5. Conclusion
  6. FAQs

How to change facial expression with AI generation

When people think of AI generation, they often associate it with cutting-edge advancements—and rightly so. Dreamina attests to this innovation by making face expression changes both natural and effortless. With its powerful Inpaint tool, you simply select the area of the face to modify, and enter the prompts, and the AI seamlessly handles the rest, turning the expression into whatever you want. Whether you’re turning a drooping mouth into a smile, fixing blinks in group photos, or crafting diverse expressions for online sharing, Dreamina ensures realistic and desired change every time.

Dreamina

Steps to change face expression using Dreamina

Changing facial expressions with Dreamina is simple and fast. In just three easy steps, you can transform your photos with lifelike results. Ready to give it a try? Click the button below to start using Dreamina for free:

    STEP 1
  1. Upload your photo

Once you're on the Dreamina platform, click on the "Create on canvas" option to open the editor. From there, look for the "Upload Image" button, select your photo, and watch it load onto the canvas, ready for editing.

upload your photo
    STEP 2
  1. Change face expression

Now your photo is on the canvas, click on "Inpaint" above your image to open the face expression editor window. You can now use the brush to paint over the facial features you want to change. For example, you can paint over an entire face if you want to change the mood from sad to happy. Next, in the text box, write a prompt to guide the AI. You can write something as simple as "A happy face." Once you are done, click "Inpaint" again and watch how Dreamina's AI processes the request.

change facial expression ai

After a few seconds, Dreamina's AI will present you with 4 unique images with the changed expression. Click on the "Done" when you find the option you like the most to accept the effect.

change facial expression online
    STEP 3
  1. Download

To save your high-quality photo, click on "Export." Choose a preferred file type and size, then hit "Download" to save it on your computer.

download ai-changed face expression photo

Find more AI features

  • AI Blending

Seamlessly merge two images into one cohesive masterpiece with the Blend feature. Dreamina's AI analyzes textures, lighting, and colors to blend photos naturally, whether you're combining landscapes or adding creative elements to portraits. Perfect for designing flyers or product posters

AI Blending
  • Smart retouching

Bring out the best in your photos effortlessly. With Dreamina's Retouch tool, you can fix lighting, enhance details, and balance colors to achieve professional-level quality. It's ideal for rescuing underexposed photos or adding subtle polish for social media and prints.

Smart retouching
  • HD upscaling

Say goodbye to pixelation! Dreamina's HD Upscale feature enhances resolution intelligently, sharpening details and improving clarity. Whether you want a clearer photo or make it printable, this tool ensures high-quality results.

HD upscaling
  • Magic remover

Remove unwanted elements from your photos with precision with the Remove tool. Simply highlight the distracting object—like a photobomber or clutters—and Dreamina's AI will edit the objects out of the photo, leaving no trace.

Magic remover
  • AI text effects

Transform your images with creative text overlays. Dreamina's AI Text effects allow you to add stylized captions or logos that match your photo's mood, lighting, and texture, making it perfect for marketing materials or personal projects.

AI text effects

How to change facial expression with a facial filter

Photoshop provide an innovative and powerful way to change facial expressions with the help of a smart filter. By using intuitive sliders, you can effortlessly create natural-looking smiles, refine subtle emotions, or even transform entire expressions—all while preserving the authenticity of the subject’s features. Whether you’re enhancing a professional portrait, fixing a group photo, or adding a creative twist to your social media content, Neural Filters make the face expression change natural and impressively realistic.

Photoshop

Steps to change face expression in Photoshop

    STEP 1
  1. Load your photo

Start by opening your photo in Photoshop. You can drag and drop the image directly onto the canvas or use the Open option to select your photo.

Load your photo
    STEP 2
  1. Using Skin Portrait Neural Filter

Next, open the Neural Filters panel from the Filter menu. In the panel, find the Skin Portrait filter, download it (if needed), and toggle it on.

change facial expression in photo

Once the Skin Portrait Filter is active, ensure "Auto balance combinations" is checked. Then, use the Happiness slider in the Featured section to adjust the expression. Slide it to the right to add a smile or to the left for a more neutral or frowning expression. Aim for a value that gives a natural look. Set the output to Smart Filter and click OK to accept the changes.

change face expression photoshop
    STEP 3
  1. Save your image

If you are happy with the result, you can save it on your computer by clicking File > Save As…Image

Save your image

Key features

  • Intuitive expression sliders: Adjust facial features like happiness, surprise, or anger with easy-to-use sliders.
  • Non-destructive editing: Work on a duplicate layer and output as a Smart Filter to preserve your original photo.
  • High customizability: Fine-tune expressions while maintaining natural textures and proportions.
  • Advanced AI precision: Photoshop's AI-powered filters deliver lifelike results, perfect for both casual edits and professional projects.

How to change facial expression in photo using Deepfake

Deepfake technology uses advanced algorithms to replicate or alter existing media to mimic someone else’s appearance or actions. This innovation has made it remarkably easy to change facial expressions online. Tools like OpenArt let you adjust expressions with precision, whether you’re adding a smile, a wink, or refining subtle details like eyebrow positions—all in just a few clicks.

OpenArt

Steps to change facial expression online using OpenArt

    STEP 1
  1. Upload your image

Visit OpenArt's Change Facial Expression page. Under the "Upload your image" tab, click on the empty space to select the photo you'd like to edit.

Upload your image
    STEP 2
  1. Adjust facial features

Scroll down to various expression sections, where you can adjust features like eyebrow position, mouth roundness, or even add a playful wink. Use the sliders to fine-tune the intensity of each expression and tweak the settings until you achieve the perfect look.

change face expression photo
    STEP 3
  1. Create & save your photo.

Once you're satisfied with the adjustments, click on the "Create" button. OpenArt's AI will process your changes and create a new version of your photo.

change face emotion online

To preview the result, click on the image for a larger view. If you're happy with the outcome, hit the Download icon to save your edited image to your computer or other sharing button for fun.

Save your image

Key features

  • Customizable expression sliders: Fine-tune smiles, winks, and other subtle features with adjustable sliders for precise control.
  • AI-powered realism: Ensures natural-looking edits that maintain the integrity of the original photo.
  • User-friendly interface: Simplified workflow for quick edits—perfect for both beginners and professionals.
  • Wide range of edits: Beyond smiles, modify eyebrow positions, mouth shapes, and other facial features for complete customization.

Common scenarios: When to change face expressions

    1
  1. Professional headshots

First impressions matter, especially in professional settings. A confident smile or a thoughtful expression can elevate your headshot, making it more appealing for LinkedIn profiles, resumes, or company websites.

    2
  1. Group photos

Group photos often suffer from someone blinking or showing an awkward expression. Adjusting these minor details ensures everyone looks their best, preserving the perfect group shot.

    3
  1. Memes & pranks

Looking to add humor or playfulness to your photos? Changing expressions can be a hilarious way to create memes or pull lighthearted pranks on friends, giving your images a creative twist.

    4
  1. Social media content

Your profile picture is often the first thing people notice online. A warm smile or engaging expression can make your social media presence more inviting and relatable, whether it's for Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

    5
  1. Special occasions

Photos from weddings, birthdays, or other events capture priceless memories. Adjusting expressions can help enhance these moments, ensuring every shot reflects the joy and emotion of the occasion.

Conclusion

In this guide, we've explored 3 effective ways to change face expressions in photos, from Photoshop's advanced filters to the convenience of AI-powered tools like Dreamina. Among these, Dreamina stands out for its user-friendly approach and professional results. Its AI-powered tools make it simple to turn frowns into smiles, fix blinks, or adjust expressions for any occasion—all while maintaining natural-looking results. Ready to transform your photos? Try Dreamina's face expression editor today and unlock a world of possibilities for your images.

FAQs

    1
  1. Can I change facial expression online for free?

Yes, you can change facial expressions online without spending a dime! Dreamina, for example, offers multiple free daily credits, letting you experiment with different expressions and perfect your photos. Each day, you'll get fresh credits to edit your images, and you can download them in HD quality at no upfront cost. Ready to transform your photos? Head over to Dreamina and start editing with your free credits today.

    2
  1. Can I change facial expressions in a photo without distorting real facial features?

Absolutely. Dreamina's AI-powered tools are designed to make expression changes while preserving the integrity of facial features. Its advanced algorithms ensure the edits look lifelike and natural, maintaining the original structure and unique traits of the subject. See it in action—start transforming your photos with Dreamina today!

    3
  1. Can AI change facial expressions in animated characters or avatars?

Yes, AI can effectively modify expressions in both animated characters and avatars. In fact, it often works even better on animated content since these images have clearer, more defined features. Simply enter Dreamina and access its Inpaint, enter whatever you like, and tap the button to make the magic happen. Make a smile with Dreamina today.