Edit Photos to Look Like Action Figures Using ChatGPT AI, Here's the Secret Prompt

Kapanlagi.com - The latest trend on social media is exploding and attracting attention from users of all backgrounds. From celebrities to politicians, everyone is participating in transforming their portraits into digital versions of action figures complete with packaging like collectible toys. With the help of ChatGPT's new feature that can generate images, this trend has rapidly gone viral in just a few days.

This phenomenon is known as the "Action Figure Box Trend," a style of editing photos to resemble 3D toy characters ready to be displayed on a collector's shelf. From microphones, guitars, to retro-style backgrounds, all elements are packaged through a specifically designed prompt. Additional tools like Canva and PicsArt are often used to perfect the final look to make it even more stunning and professional.

Behind the virality of this trend, there is one key element: the prompt. "The more detailed the prompt, the more realistic and cool the final result," Users only need a few minutes to produce an image ready to be shared and potentially garner thousands of likes, especially when using the right personalization strategy. Here are the step-by-step instructions to create it, including recommendations for the right prompts, summarized by Liputan6, Monday (4/7).

1. The Origin of the Action Figure Box Trend That Created a Buzz

The action figure box trend first emerged on social media shortly after the launch of the image generation feature by ChatGPT on March 25, 2025, which allowed users to create illustrations from text or uploaded photos.

The first wave of virality occurred on April 2 through a short video post showcasing edited images of action figures set against a toy collection style background, complete with accessories like skateboards and headphones.

Within days, platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and X were filled with thousands of posts featuring hashtags like #ActionFigureBox and #ToyTrend, further amplified by the participation of public figures including Governor Par Helder Barbalho and artist Otaviano Costa.

2. Complete Steps to Edit a Photo into a Digital Action Figure

• The first step is to log into the ChatGPT platform, ideally with a paid account to avoid daily usage limits and to generate images without delay.
• After logging in, users simply need to click the "+" icon to upload a bright photo with a plain background for cleaner and more focused illustration results.
• The most important step is to write a detailed prompt, for example: "Create a collectible figure from my photo, in a box with a hook, featuring a guitar and book, in blue and white tones," as every detail such as color, accessories, and background will affect the final result.

3. Key to Success: Detailed Prompts Are Everything, Here's an Example

Every element in the prompt determines the final visual outcome, from facial expressions, clothing, to the design of the toy box that wraps around the action figure.

The more specific the details mentioned in the prompt---such as dominant color, hairstyle, and the words on the packaging---the higher the chances of getting an image that meets expectations. Here are the recommended prompts:

• Create an image of a 3D action figure toy, as if it is displayed in transparent packaging in a toy store blister packaging. The figure should match the photo with a casual style and a friendly smile. At the top of the packaging, there should be large text [NAME/TITLE] as a highlight. Then at the bottom, there should be text [FEATURES TO INCLUDE]. Add some supporting items like an icon [FILL WITH SKILLS YOU HAVE] and similar ones that describe my skills. Make it in a minimalist, cool, and cute style using basic cardboard colors.
• "Create a collectible figure from my photo, in a box with a hook, featuring a guitar and a book, in blue and white tones."

4. Additional Tools and Customization Tricks to Make Images Cooler

After the image from ChatGPT has been successfully generated, the next step is refinement using design tools like Canva or Adobe Express to add extra elements such as fake logos, price tags, or even catchy phrases like "Limited Edition".

PicsArt is a quick choice for adding effects or backgrounds like toy shelves or collector-themed scenes, enhancing the professional and aesthetic feel of the final image.

If you want to be more sophisticated, some users even create 3D animated videos of their action figures using additional software, expanding the existence of the images into a more interactive content format and reaching a wider audience.

5. Limitations to Be Aware of When Following This Trend

Although fun and viral, ChatGPT's image feature has strict limitations in processing images of copyrighted characters like Spider-Man or world artists, which if violated could lead to a total failure of the process.

Free users will experience daily image quota restrictions as well as the possibility of image results needing to be re-edited due to positioning errors or mismatched accessories.

If creating more than one action figure in a single session, the risk of accessories or features being swapped between figures increases, therefore it is recommended to create each figure in separate sessions with a clean new prompt.

6. Questions and Answers About This Topic (People Also Ask)

1. How to create an action figure image with ChatGPT?

Log into ChatGPT, upload a plain background photo, then enter a detailed prompt containing the style and elements of the figure.

2. Can the free version of ChatGPT be used for this trend?

Yes, but it is limited to only 3 images per day and the process may be slower compared to the paid version.

3. What is meant by the action figure box trend?

The trend of editing photos into collectible toy figures complete with box packaging, accessories, and retro visual style.

4. What additional tools can be used after the image is created?

Canva, PicsArt, and Adobe Express are widely used to add backgrounds, text, and box designs.

5. What are common weaknesses when creating these figure images?

The image may be misaligned, accessories may be swapped, or it may fail to create if using copyrighted characters.

(kpl/frr)