How to find or make the perfect emoji in any app

Emojis: The modern language of shorthand. Why use words when a well-chosen smiley or cartoon speaks volumes? These colorful, compact images add life to conversations across social media and messaging apps.

The ever-growing emoji library (Unicode Consortium adds new ones annually) can make finding the perfect image challenging. Fortunately, most platforms offer shortcuts for quick access. And if no existing emoji fits, you can create your own. Here's how to easily find or create emojis in any app.

Using Default Android and iOS Keyboards

Most apps utilize your operating system's standard keyboard for emoji access. While specific settings vary between Android and iOS, the basic functionality remains similar.

On Android, tap the emoji button (near the spacebar) to switch to emoji mode. Swipe left/right to browse pages or select categories (faces, food, etc.) at the bottom. A clock icon accesses recently used emojis. For precise searches, type keywords ("rocket," "smiley") in the text box above the emojis, or use the drawing icon (top right) to sketch the desired emoji.

iOS keyboards have a similar emoji button (lower left). Tap to access frequently used emojis, then swipe or use category buttons. Unfortunately, iOS lacks search and drawing functionalities.

Other Apps

Many messaging apps (Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp) offer customized keyboards with unique emoji designs. Variations in smiley faces, rain clouds, etc., are common across apps.

WhatsApp's emoji button (left of the text box) accesses a keyboard similar to the default. Search functionality and category browsing are available.

Facebook Messenger's emoji button (right of the text box) provides category browsing but lacks a search function.

Snapchat's emoji button (far left, under the text box) also lacks search but includes access to Bitmoji, Snapchat's personalized emojis.

Creating Personalized Emojis

Add a personal touch with custom emojis. Both Android and iOS offer options.

Android's "Mini" emojis require the Google Gboard keyboard (default on Pixel phones; otherwise, download it). Open the emoji keyboard, tap the stickers button (left of the GIF button), select the face icon (far right), and choose "Create." Take a selfie, and the app suggests emojis based on your face. Customize these, create multiple Minis, and access them via the stickers section.

iOS offers Memojis (face-based) and Animojis (character-based) on iPhone X and later models. Record short videos (under 30 seconds) mapping facial expressions onto the chosen character. These are sent as video clips with audio. Access via the Animoji button (monkey icon), creating new Memojis from the "New Memoji" option.

Third-Party Emoji Creation Apps

Beyond default options, third-party apps offer expanded customization.

Emoji Me Animated Faces (iOS): Creates personalized emojis from selfies or scratch, offering various hair, skin, and face styles (free, with paid customization packs).

Emoji Maker (Android): Provides a wide selection of face and hair styles but doesn't use selfies as templates (free, with paid extra packs).

Bitmoji (Android & iOS): Creates cartoon versions of yourself for use in any app (free, standalone app).

Emoji Builder (website): Allows customization of standard emojis by adding accessories, etc. (free website).

The above is the detailed content of How to find or make the perfect emoji in any app. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!