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Upload your reference
Drop in any photo — a portrait reference, a FaceRef structure export, or a plein-air snapshot. PNG, JPG, and WebP all work.
Free artist tool
Grid maker for drawing
Turn any photo into a gridded drawing reference. Set rows, columns, line color, and opacity, then export a PNG or JPG — free, no sign-up, and your image never leaves your browser.
How to use the grid method
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Tune the grid
Pick a preset or set custom rows and columns, then adjust line color, width, and opacity until the grid reads clearly without hiding detail. Add diagonals or cell labels for tighter control.
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Export and transfer
Download the gridded image as PNG or JPG at full resolution, draw a matching grid on your paper, and copy the image cell by cell.
Start from structure, not from a random photo
Most grid tools stop at slicing an image. FaceRef gives you the step before that: generate a 3D head reference with the exact angle and lighting you want to practice, export the Loomis or Asaro structure sheet, then grid it here for a faithful transfer. Structure first, grid second, drawing third.
Grid maker FAQ
How do I put a grid over a picture for drawing?
Upload your photo to the grid maker above, choose how many rows and columns you want (4×4, 6×6, and 8×8 are common starting points), adjust the line color and opacity so the grid stays visible over your image, then download the result as a PNG or JPG. Draw the same grid lightly on your paper at the proportions you want and copy the image one cell at a time.
Is this photo grid maker free?
Yes. The grid maker is completely free with no sign-up, watermark, or upload limit. Everything runs locally in your browser using the Canvas API, so your photos are never sent to a server.
What grid size should I use for portrait drawing?
For portraits, a 6×6 or 8×8 grid is a good balance: enough cells to anchor the eyes, nose, and mouth precisely, but not so many that you lose the overall likeness. Beginners often start with a denser grid and reduce the cell count as their proportional accuracy improves.
Does the grid method actually improve drawing accuracy?
Yes — the grid method has been used since the Renaissance (Leon Battista Alberti described a gridded "veil", and Albrecht Dürer built drawing grid machines) to break a complex image into small, manageable units. Each cell becomes a simple abstract shape, which bypasses the brain's tendency to draw symbols instead of what it sees.
Can I use this grid maker with AI-generated references?
Absolutely. A common workflow is to generate a 3D head reference with the exact camera angle and lighting you need in the FaceRef workspace, download it, and then overlay a grid here for accurate transfer onto paper or canvas.