Paint by numbers generator
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.
Start with a photo
Drop it here, paste it, or choose a file. It stays on your device.
How to make a paint by numbers pattern from a photo
- 1Upload a photoLandscapes, pets and flowers with clear light and shadow work best.
- 2Choose colors and detail12 to 18 colors suits beginners; 24 or more gives a painterly result.
- 3Print and paintTrace or print the numbered outline onto canvas and mix paints to match the swatches.
Choosing canvas size and detail
Bigger canvases can hold finer detail. These pairings keep areas large enough to paint with a small brush.
| Canvas | Detail setting | 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 |
Questions about the paint by numbers generator
How many colors should I use?
12 to 18 colors is a relaxing first project. 24 to 36 colors with fine detail looks closer to the photo but takes much longer.
Can I print it on canvas?
Print the outline page at full size and transfer it with carbon paper, or send the PDF to a print shop that prints on canvas.
Do I get the paint colors?
Each color comes with its hex and RGB value and how much of the canvas it covers, so you can mix or buy acrylics to match.
Is it free?
Previewing is free. The printable PDF is free for detail level 1; finer detail needs a pass or subscription.
How do I turn a photo into paint by numbers?
Upload the photo, choose how many colors and how much detail you want, then print the numbered outline and the color guide. Trace the outline onto canvas or print it directly.
Which photos work best for paint by numbers?
Photos with clear light and shadow and a simple background: pets, flowers, landscapes and portraits in daylight. Busy, dark or blurry photos create many tiny areas.