How to make a jigsaw puzzle from a photo
- Choose a photo with plenty of colour and detail everywhere. Big plain areas of sky or wall make a puzzle hard.
- Pick the number of pieces and the paper. The page shows the size of each piece.
- Choose where the cut lines go: on the photo (white lines are hardly visible), or only on a mirrored back page so the picture stays clean.
- Print on card stock or matte photo paper at 100% scale. For the back page, print on the reverse of the same sheet.
- Cut along the lines with sharp scissors or a craft knife on a cutting mat.
How many pieces? Piece sizes on A4 and Letter
| Pieces | Piece size (about) | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 9 × 9 cm | Toddlers (2–3 years) |
| 12 | 7 × 7 cm | 3–4 years |
| 24 | 5 × 5 cm | 4–6 years |
| 48 | 3.5 × 3.5 cm | 6–9 years |
| 100 | 2.4 × 2.4 cm | Older children, adults |
| 252 | 1.5 × 1.5 cm | Adults with patience and a sharp knife |
The tool picks the number of rows and columns that keeps each piece close to square, so the exact count can be a few pieces off the number you chose (for example 96 instead of 100). Print on A3 or choose fewer pieces for bigger ones.
Making the puzzle sturdy
- Card stock: 200–300 g/m² (80–110 lb cover) is fine for children’s puzzles.
- Thicker: spray-mount the print onto thin cardboard (a cereal box works) or 3 mm foam board, let it dry, then cut.
- Clean photo: choose “Lines on the back only”, glue the photo face up onto card, print the back page on the card’s reverse, and cut from the back.
- Laminate first if little hands will be playing with it often.
Ideas
- A family photo as a birthday or Mother’s Day gift.
- A class photo or a map for a classroom activity, one piece per pupil.
- A pregnancy or wedding announcement that guests put together to read.
- The blank template for children to draw their own picture.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a jigsaw puzzle from a photo?
Choose the photo and the number of pieces, download the PDF and print it on card stock or photo paper. Glue it to thin cardboard if you want sturdier pieces, then cut along the lines with scissors or a craft knife.
What is the back page for?
It has the same cut lines, mirrored, to print on the back of the sheet. Choose “Lines on the back only” to keep the picture clean on the front: you cut from the back and the lines never show on the photo.
How many pieces should I choose?
6–12 for toddlers, 20–35 for young children, 48–100 for older kids, and 150 or more for adults. On A4 or Letter, 100 pieces are about 2.5 cm (1 in) each, which is still easy to cut by hand.
What paper works best?
Matte photo paper or card stock of 200–300 g/m² (80–110 lb cover). For a sturdy puzzle, spray-mount the print onto thin cardboard or foam board before cutting.
Can I get different piece shapes?
Yes. Change the “Shape” number to get a new set of piece shapes with the same number of pieces.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. Everything is made in your browser, so your photo never leaves your device.
Last updated 2026-10-20.