Art Grid Maker is a free, browser-based artist grid drawing suite suitable for artists, teachers, and muralists. By overlaying a grid on a reference image, users can break complex images into smaller blocks that are easier to draw square by square, allowing them to transfer proportions, angles, and negative space more accurately.
Main uses and capabilities
- Drawing grid: Add a customizable row-and-column grid to any reference image, with adjustable line color, width, and opacity, and the option to add diagonal guide lines or coordinate labels (such as A1, B1) to help transfer proportions without distortion.
- Printable grid paper: Generate printable grid paper for practice and classroom teaching.
- Artwork scaling: Calculate canvas aspect ratios and proportions, scale artwork up or down proportionally, and match standard canvases; the mural scaling calculator can help calculate snapping coordinates for large wall projects.
- Professional creation aids: Provides 1-, 2-, and 3-point perspective grids, head and body proportion guides, value observation tools, palette generation, composition overlays, photo to line art, paint-by-number template generation, coloring page generation, and more.
- Social media grid: Split photos for the new 3:4 Instagram grid layout.
- Knitting and C2C charts: Design graphgans and C2C color charts.
How to use
- Choose a reference image: Drag JPG, PNG, WEBP, or GIF from your device; the photo opens directly in the browser with no remote upload required.
- Set drawing cells: Choose the number of rows and columns, adjust line color, width, and opacity; you can add diagonal guide lines or coordinate labels to assist with transferring proportions.
- Save your working reference: Export standard PNG or JPG for free; the Pro version provides printable PDF files suitable for physical printing.
Use cases
- Breaking down and drawing complex subjects such as portraits and landscapes.
- Matching reference images to surfaces of different sizes, such as canvases, watercolor paper, or walls.
- Enlarging and transferring murals and large wall works.
- Classroom drawing practice and grid drawing worksheet creation.
- Template creation for paint-by-number, coloring pages, and more.
- Knitting pattern and C2C color chart design.
Privacy and processing method Users' photos and reference works are processed entirely within the browser using HTML5 Canvas technology, and files are not uploaded to a server, making it suitable for private reference images, unpublished works, and classroom student photos.
Pricing and limitations The core online grid-making tool is free to use, allowing you to add grids, customize rows and columns, colors, and line thickness, and export standard-resolution PNG or JPG without an account or payment. Higher resolution, transparent, and printable gridformats are Pro features. Pro starts at $8 per month and includes a 14-day free trial. Specific availability and limitations for other tools have not yet been provided.
