PaintsightDrawing grid maker
Add a grid to your reference photo that matches your canvas, square for square, then copy it one square at a time.
or drop or paste one here
How to use it
- Pick your canvas size, or type it in, and the size of each square. The grid covers the part of the photo that has your canvas's shape.
- Rule the same grid lightly on your canvas, using the measurements under "Mark your canvas".
- Copy one square at a time, matching where each line enters and leaves the square.
For the shape and a ready-made grid of each stock canvas, see standard canvas sizes.
Other grids
Squares puts square cells on the photo with a set number across its short side, for when you'll scale up freely. Divide splits the photo into equal rows and columns, which needn't be square. The composition guides draw the rule of thirds, the golden section or the harmonic armature, to plan where the main shapes go.
Questions
How does the grid method work?
You draw the same grid on your reference photo and on your canvas, then copy the photo one square at a time. Each square is a small, simple drawing, so the proportions of the whole come out right.
What size should the squares be?
On a 16 × 20 in canvas, 2 in squares give an 8 × 10 grid, a good start. Use smaller squares where there's a lot of detail, such as a face, and bigger ones for loose landscapes. In centimeters, 5 cm squares suit 30 × 40 cm and 40 × 50 cm canvases.
Why is part of my photo darkened?
Your canvas has a different shape from your photo. The grid covers the part of the photo that fits the canvas's shape, centered, and darkens the rest, which won't be on the canvas.
Why did my canvas size swap round?
The canvas turns to match your photo: a landscape photo gets a landscape canvas. A 16 × 20 in canvas becomes 20 × 16 in for a landscape photo.
What are the numbers and letters for?
Columns are numbered across the top and rows lettered down the side, as on a map, so you can find square C4 on both the photo and the canvas.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. The grid is drawn in your browser and the photo never leaves your device.
Your grid at the easel
Paintsight keeps this grid with each reference photo, sized to your canvas, with numbered and lettered squares, diagonals and composition guides. Prop your iPad or iPhone by the easel and the screen stays awake.
For iPhone and iPad.