Splat App: AI Converts Photos to Kids' Coloring Pages - AI News Today Recency

# Splat App: AI Converts Photos to Kids' Coloring Pages

In a creative twist on generative AI technology, the team behind Retro, a photo-sharing app for close friends and family, has launched Splat—an innovative application that transforms ordinary photos into custom coloring book pages for children.[1] This new tool represents a growing trend of using artificial intelligence to inspire children's creativity while offering parents a screen-time alternative that feels productive and engaging.

How Splat Works: Turning Photos Into Coloring Art

Splat's functionality is remarkably straightforward, making it accessible to both tech-savvy parents and those less familiar with AI tools.[1] To get started, users simply take a picture or select an existing photo from their Camera Roll. The app then allows customization by choosing from various artistic styles—including anime, 3D movie, manga, cartoon, and comic styles.[1] Once a style is selected, the app's AI engine transforms the photo into either a digital coloring page or a printable version ready for ink and paper.

The generation process is impressively fast, allowing users to move quickly from concept to finished product.[1] Whether parents prefer to have children color digitally on-screen or print pages for traditional coloring with markers and crayons, Splat accommodates both preferences. This flexibility proves particularly valuable for managing screen time—parents can print pages for home use while keeping the digital option available for travel or unexpected moments when children need entertainment.

Features That Set Splat Apart From Traditional Coloring Books

What distinguishes Splat from standard coloring book apps is its combination of personalization and educational content.[3] The application offers over 300 pre-made educational pages organized into kid-friendly categories such as animals, space, flowers, fairy tales, robots, and cars.[1] This curated library ensures parents have quality content options beyond their own photo library.

The app's design philosophy emphasizes mindful entertainment without the typical digital distractions.[3] There are no ads, no infinite scrolling feeds, and no chaotic elements that might overwhelm young users. Instead, Splat provides a focused experience where every drawing begins with a child's own story, whether that's a family photo, a pet picture, or one of the app's educational illustrations.[3]

Parents have responded enthusiastically to these features, with users praising how the app bridges the gap between personalized content and screen-time management.[3] One reviewer noted that printing coloring pages reduces screen time at home while keeping the digital option available for on-the-go situations. Others appreciate how the app enables creative gift-giving—custom coloring pages featuring family photos or a child's favorite objects create memorable, personalized presents.[3]

The Broader AI Creativity Movement for Children

Splat is part of a larger ecosystem of AI-powered tools designed to foster children's imagination and creativity.[1] Similar applications like Stickerbox offer printed AI-generated stickers for coloring, while other companies are exploring different approaches to creative AI for kids. Even toy manufacturers like Casio are entering this space with products like Moflin, a fluffy robotic pet that uses AI to develop its personality over time.[1]

This movement reflects a shift in how parents and educators view AI technology—not as a threat to creativity, but as a tool that can enhance and inspire it. By allowing children to see their own photos and ideas transformed into art, these applications encourage imaginative thinking and provide a sense of ownership over the creative process.

Availability and Getting Started

Splat is available on both iOS and Android platforms, making it accessible to most smartphone and tablet users.[1] The app uses a streamlined onboarding process that skips tedious sign-up requirements, instead guiding users through customization options on first use.[1] Users select their preferred app icon and check off content categories relevant to their child's interests, personalizing the experience from the start.

The free-to-download model with in-app purchase options makes Splat an affordable addition to any parent's digital toolkit. With quick generation times and immediate printability, the app bridges the gap between digital innovation and traditional offline activities—a balance many modern parents actively seek.

Frequently Asked Questions

What styles can I choose when converting photos with Splat?

Splat offers multiple artistic styles for photo transformation, including anime, 3D movie, manga, cartoon, and comic styles.[1] This variety allows parents and children to experiment with different visual aesthetics and find the style that best suits their preferences.

Can I use Splat without creating an account?

Yes, Splat streamlines the user experience by avoiding a tedious sign-up process.[1] Instead, the app guides you through customization options the first time you use it, allowing you to quickly start creating without traditional account registration requirements.

Is Splat available on all devices?

Splat is available on both iOS and Android platforms,[1] making it compatible with most smartphones and tablets. This cross-platform availability ensures that families using different devices can all access the app.

Can coloring pages be printed directly from the app?

Yes, Splat generates pages in a format ready for home printing.[1] Users can choose between digital coloring on-screen or printable pages, depending on their preference and situation. The generation time is brief, allowing quick movement from idea to printed art.

What educational content does Splat offer?

Beyond personal photos, Splat provides over 300 pre-made educational pages organized into categories including animals, space, flowers, fairy tales, robots, and cars.[1] These curated selections ensure parents have quality content options that align with their children's interests and learning goals.

How does Splat help manage screen time?

Splat offers flexibility between digital and printed coloring options, allowing parents to reduce screen time when desired.[3] Printing pages for traditional coloring at home provides a screen-free activity, while the digital option remains available for situations where printing isn't practical, giving parents control over how their children engage with the app.