Create a Circular Mosaic Photo Effect in Illustrator

Illustrator Effects

Creating stylized photo effects in Illustrator doesn't always require complex techniques or heavy image editing. Sometimes, the most eye-catching results come from simple tools used creatively. In this tutorial, you'll learn how to transform any image into a circular mosaic using Illustrator's Create Object Mosaic feature. By combining this with a Smooth Path effect, you can turn a flat photo into a vibrant grid of rounded shapes that feels both artistic and geometric.

This method is quick, lightweight, and ideal for giving portraits, landscapes, or product shots a modern and abstract twist. It’s a great way to explore new visual styles while keeping your process efficient and fully vector-based.

Step 1

Open your image in Illustrator. I will be using an image at 800 × 800 px (1:1 ratio) for you to better see the effect, but feel free to use any image with any aspect ratio.

Step 2

With your image selected, go to Object > Create Object Mosaic. Apply the following settings and click OK. Note: You may pick any number of tiles you wish according to your image size and aspect ratio.

Step 3

Go to Object > Path > Smooth.

Step 4

Drag the slider all the way to the right.

Step 5

Again, go to Object > Path > Smooth and drag the slider all the way to the right. Note: If the shapes are not completely rounded, repeat the process one more time to get a smooth circle.

Conclusion

This circular mosaic effect is a perfect example of how Illustrator's vector tools can be used to reinterpret images in creative and unexpected ways. By simply breaking down a photo into tiled shapes and smoothing their edges, you can achieve a clean, modern look that feels both organic and structured. It's a technique that works well for experimental art, editorial design, album artwork, or even as a background element in larger compositions.

Because the effect is fully vector-based, it scales beautifully and can be easily customized—adjust the number of tiles, play with color overlays, or even combine it with gradients or blending modes for more depth. It's a fun and fast way to turn any image into a striking piece of design, all within Illustrator.