Put a drawing grid on a photo
Numbered squares over your reference photo, for copying it by hand with the grid method.
Drop an image here, or .
Runs in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
Drawing Grid Maker: how to use it
- Drop in the photo you want to draw or paint.
- Set the number of squares across; with Square cells ticked, the rows follow from the photo's shape.
- Choose a line colour that stands out, then download and print or keep it on a screen beside you.
Tips
- Draw the same number of squares lightly on your paper, then copy one square at a time.
- Turn on Black and white photo to judge light and dark values without colour getting in the way.
- Diagonals help with faces and curves, where it is hard to place a line inside a big square.
Drawing Grid Maker: what it does and when to use it
The Drawing Grid Maker puts a grid of squares over a reference photo, the way artists have long copied pictures accurately by hand: draw the same grid lightly on your paper or canvas, then copy what is in each square, one square at a time. Breaking the picture into small, simple shapes makes proportions far easier to get right.
Set how many squares go across the photo; with Square cells ticked, the rows follow from its shape. Columns are numbered and rows lettered so you can find square C4 on both. Diagonals add an X to every square for faces and curves, and Black and white photo removes colour so you can judge light and dark values. The line colour, width and opacity keep the grid visible on any photo.
The result tells you how big each square is on paper 20 cm or 8 inches wide. It runs in your browser. For a line drawing to trace instead, try Photo to Sketch or the Coloring Page maker; for a painting guide with numbered colour areas, the Paint by Numbers Maker.
Drawing Grid Maker: frequently asked questions
What is the grid method for drawing?
You draw a grid over a reference photo and the same grid on your paper, then copy the picture one square at a time. Each square holds simple shapes, which makes proportions much easier to get right than copying the whole picture at once. Related guide: Turn a photo into art: which style suits which photo.
How many squares should my grid have?
Four to eight across suits most drawings. Use more, smaller squares for portraits and detailed subjects; turn on diagonals for faces. Related tool: Photo to Sketch.
Can I print the grid?
Yes. Download it and print it with "fit to page"; the squares stay square. The result also gives the square size for paper 20 cm or 8 inches wide.