How to use the grid method
- Choose your reference photo and the number of squares across. Labels (A1, A2…) help you keep your place.
- Enter your canvas or paper size. The tool fits the picture inside it without stretching and tells you the exact square size and where the grid starts.
- Draw the grid lightly on your surface with a ruler and a hard pencil (2H) or a water-soluble pencil for paintings.
- Copy one square at a time: look only at what crosses each square’s edges and where, then join the lines up.
- Erase the grid when the drawing is complete, before shading or painting.
How many squares?
| Squares across | Best for |
|---|---|
| 3–4 | Simple subjects, quick sketches, murals |
| 6–8 | Most drawings and paintings, beginners |
| 10–12 | Portraits and detailed subjects |
| 16–20 | Very detailed work and large murals |
Example: a landscape photo on a 30 × 40 cm canvas
A 3:2 landscape photo on a 30 × 40 cm portrait canvas fills 30 × 20 cm, centred. With 6 squares across, each square is 5 × 5 cm, the grid has 4 rows and it starts 10 cm from the top. When the photo’s shape doesn’t divide evenly, the cells are a little taller or wider than square, and the tool gives both measurements.
Tips
- Black and white makes it easier to judge light and dark values while drawing.
- Diagonals help with angles and curves, especially eyes, noses and mouths in portraits.
- White grid lines show up better on dark photos.
- The PDF has the gridded reference and an empty grid at actual size when it fits on the paper, for tracing or practice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the grid method?
You draw the same grid on your reference photo and on your paper or canvas, then copy one square at a time. Each small square is easy to draw accurately, so the whole drawing keeps the right proportions.
How big should the squares be on my canvas?
Enter your canvas size: the tool fits the picture inside it, keeps the photo’s shape and tells you the exact square size and where to start the grid.
How many squares should I use?
4–6 across for a quick sketch, 8–12 for portraits and detailed work. More squares make each one easier but take longer to draw.
Why add diagonal lines?
Diagonals split each square into triangles, which helps place features such as eyes and the corners of the mouth in portraits.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. Everything is made in your browser, so your photo never leaves your device.
Last updated 2026-10-20.