FAQ
What is Grid Maker?
Free online tool for adding grids to reference photos. Includes grid labels (A1, B2), cross lines, and edge detection. Perfect for proportions and scaling artwork.
How to use the Grid Method for drawing?
Upload your photo, adjust the grid size, customize the appearance, and download. Draw the same grid on your canvas and transfer square by square for perfect proportions.
How do I adjust the grid?
Customize rows, columns, line color, thickness, and opacity. Add cross lines for diagonal guides and grid labels to track progress. All changes update instantly.
What are cross lines and how do they help?
Diagonal lines through each grid cell, creating an X pattern. Helps identify angles, slopes, and diagonal relationships. Perfect for drawing faces, tilted objects, and complex perspectives.
What is the edge detection feature?
Converts your reference into a simplified outline drawing showing only edges and contours. Adjust thresholds and blur for perfect results. Great for contour drawing and understanding structure.
What image formats are supported?
Upload JPG, PNG, WEBP, GIF, and most formats. Drag, drop, or paste from clipboard. Downloads as JPEG, PNG, or SVG at full resolution. SVG format available when using Grid Only mode for scalable vector graphics. Works entirely in your browser for privacy.
How does the paper format guide work?
Select your paper size to see exact measurements in millimeters for recreating the grid. Get precise line spacing for A2, A3, A4, A5, Letter, Legal, or custom sizes. Draw grids accurately with a ruler.
Is this tool free to use?
Yes! Completely free with no watermarks, signup, or fees. All processing happens in your browser—your images stay private. Unlimited grids, all features, no ads.
Why use grids for drawing?
Time-tested technique used by Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Dürer. Breaks complex images into manageable sections for accurate proportions. Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike.
Can I use this for scaling artwork?
Perfect for scaling from small sketches to large formats. Create a grid on your reference, then draw a larger proportional grid on your canvas. Maintain accurate proportions at any size.
Does it work on mobile devices?
Yes! Works on iPhone, Android, tablets, and all mobile devices. Touch-friendly controls with all features. Pinch to zoom for detailed viewing.
What's the best grid size for portraits?
Start with 8x8 or 10x10 for portraits. Use 20-30 for detailed work, or 4-6 for quick sketches. Enable cross lines for facial features and angles.
How does a photo grid overlay improve accuracy?
Breaks images into manageable sections for easier observation. Focus on one square at a time. Grid labels and cross lines help match squares precisely for accurate proportions.
Grid drawing technique for beginners
Start with an 8x8 or 10x10 grid. Draw the same grid on your canvas using the paper format guide. Work square by square, matching grid labels. Trains your eye and builds confidence.
Can I use this as an art grid generator for digital work?
Perfect for digital artists! Create grids with labels and cross lines, download as high-res JPEG. Use in Procreate, Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, or any software.
How to print gridded reference images
Select paper format to see exact measurements in millimeters. Recreate the grid with a ruler using precise spacing. Download at full resolution for professional printing.
What makes this different from other grid makers?
Unique features: grid labels (A1, B2), cross lines, edge detection, paper format guides. Fully customizable. Works in browser for privacy. Free with no watermarks.
Using grid reference drawing for complex compositions
Perfect for architecture, group portraits, and intricate arrangements. Maintains perspective and aligns elements accurately. Use more squares for detail, fewer for backgrounds.
How to convert reference photos to grayscale
Enable "Grayscale/Desaturate" to convert to black and white. Focus on values without color distraction. Combine with edge detection for outline references.
How to add a grid to a photo online for free
Upload, drag, drop, or paste your image. Adjust rows and columns. Enable grid labels, cross lines, and edge detection. Download at full resolution—no watermarks, completely free.
Add grid to image with cell labels and coordinates
One of the few tools with cell labels (A1, B2, C3). Makes matching squares incredibly easy. Adjustable label size for perfect visibility. Valuable for teachers and complex work.
Printable grid maker with exact measurements
Get exact measurements for standard or custom paper sizes. Tool calculates precise spacing between lines. Use measurements with a ruler for accurate grids.
Grid template generator for art students and teachers
Grid labels make instruction easier—reference specific cells. Paper format guide for accurate ruler work. Cross lines and edge detection for teaching. Works on all classroom devices.