How to make paint by numbers from a photo
Updated October 31, 2026
A custom paint by numbers splits your photo into areas of flat color and numbers each one. The fun of painting it depends mostly on two settings: how many colors, and how small the areas are allowed to get.
Try it with your own photo. Free, in your browser.
Open the paint by numbers generatorPhotos that paint well
- Clear light and shadow: a pet in a sunny window, a landscape in the afternoon.
- A simple background. Leaves, crowds and patterned fabric create hundreds of tiny areas.
- Sharp focus on the subject. Blur turns into soft blobs with no clear edges.
How many colors
Every color is one pot of paint to mix or buy. 12 to 18 colors make a relaxing first project. 24 to 36 colors look closer to the photo, but neighbouring shades become hard to tell apart while painting.
Detail and canvas size
Detail controls the smallest area allowed. Fine detail on a small canvas leaves areas too small for a brush, so match detail to size.
| Canvas | Detail | Colors |
|---|---|---|
| 20 × 25 cm (8 × 10 in) | Bold | 12–16 |
| 30 × 40 cm (12 × 16 in) | Medium | 16–24 |
| 40 × 50 cm (16 × 20 in) | Fine | 24–36 |
Getting it onto canvas
- Print the numbered outline at full size, tiling pages with tape if needed.
- Trace it onto canvas with graphite or carbon paper, or ask a print shop to print the outline onto canvas.
- Mix each paint to match its swatch in the color guide. The guide lists each color's hex and RGB value and how much of the canvas it covers.
- Paint the largest areas first and the darkest colors last.
Make yours now
Make a custom paint by numbers from a photo. Choose how many paints to use and how detailed the areas are, then print the numbered outline and color guide.
Open the paint by numbers generator