How to make a mosaic from a photo
- Choose a photo with a clear subject; crop it close. Faces, animals and logos work well.
- Choose your tile size and grout joint and the number of tiles across. The tool shows the finished size straight away.
- Choose the number of colours; each colour is one tile colour to buy. 8–15 colours is typical.
- Download the PDF: tile chart with letters and bold lines every 10 tiles, and the tile counts per colour.
Finished size by tile size
| Tiles across | 10 mm + 1.5 mm joint | 20 mm + 2 mm joint | 25 mm + 3 mm joint |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 34.5 cm | 66 cm | 84 cm |
| 40 | 46 cm | 88 cm | 112 cm |
| 60 | 69 cm | 132 cm | 168 cm |
A 40 × 27 tile picture has 1,080 tiles; with 10% for breakage that is about 1,190 tiles, or six sheets of 225 if you use 20 mm glass tiles.
Direct and indirect method
- Direct: draw a grid on the base board to match the bold lines on the chart, spread adhesive one section at a time and press the tiles in place.
- Indirect (for a flat finish): print the chart mirrored, stick the tiles face down on paper or mesh, then set the whole sheet into the adhesive and peel the paper off.
- Grout: the area in the stats is what you need for adhesive and grout. Choose a grout colour that matches the darker tones so the picture stays readable.
On-screen colours are a guide only. Match each colour in the key with your supplier’s tile colour chart.
Frequently asked questions
How big will my mosaic be?
Each tile plus its grout joint makes one square. With 20 mm tiles and 2 mm joints, 40 tiles across is 88 cm. The tool shows the finished size for the tile and joint you choose.
How many tiles do I need?
The key counts the tiles for each colour and adds 10% for breakage and offcuts. For 20 mm (¾ in) glass tiles it also shows the number of 225-tile sheets.
What tiles should I use?
Vitreous glass tiles (20 mm) are the classic choice for picture mosaics: even thickness, many colours and easy to cut. Match the colours in the key with your supplier’s colour chart.
How do I transfer the pattern?
Draw a grid on your base board to match the bold lines every 10 tiles on the chart, then lay the tiles section by section. For the indirect method, stick the tiles face down on the mirrored chart.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. Everything is made in your browser, so your photo never leaves your device.
Last updated 2026-10-20.