For pet portrait artists

Turn a pet photo into your next portrait’s starting guide.

Map the eyes, muzzle and main shapes before you pick up a pencil. Create an adjustable outline from your client’s dog or cat photo, then size a guide for your paper.

Try your photo free. No account needed.
Exports: $2.99 USD / 24 hours or Studio $7.99/mo USD, billed monthly.

FROM PHOTO TO DRAWING GUIDEActual Sketchso output
Pet portrait guide generated from the reference photograph, shown at tracing opacity
Your reference used as the reference before outline conversion
Pet portrait guideYour reference
Drag to explore the outlineYour reference. Your drawing.

Actual converter output from this reference photo. Compare the eyes and muzzle, then make the finished portrait your own.

Outline conversion happens on your device.

Explore the workflow

A little preparation. More room to create.

Prepare the likeness before painting the fur

Compare three outline choices from your own photo, erase background distractions, and keep a reference beside your printable guide.

  1. 01

    Choose a clear reference

    Start with a sharp photo at the pet’s eye level. Check that both the eyes and nose are readable; an outline cannot recover detail missing from a blurred photo.

  2. 02

    Keep the features that matter

    Start with the Pet preset. Compare the outline with the photograph, then reduce detail if fur overwhelms the eyes and muzzle. Add any missing features by hand.

  3. 03

    Size your portrait guide

    Choose A4, Letter or a supported canvas size. Export a PDF for a sized guide, or a PNG for your own layout. Test the print before transferring to your final surface.

Read the dog portrait guide

Notes from the worktable

Different coats need different decisions

Dark coats

Use a reference with visible highlights around the eyes and muzzle. Increasing detail cannot replace good lighting; compare your result carefully before exporting.

Long fur

Keep the larger groups of fur and the silhouette. You can draw individual hairs during rendering instead of tracing every strand.

Memorial commissions

When only a small or old photo is available, preview first. Check the defining features against the original before committing to a print.

A few useful answers

Before you start.

More help
Can I turn a dog or cat photo into a sketch?

Yes. Upload your reference to create an adjustable outline for drawing or painting a pet portrait. The result is a preparation guide; you add the shading, fur and finished artwork.

Does it automatically recognise the pet’s features?

The converter follows visible edges in the photo. The Pet preset gives you starting settings, but you should compare the eyes, nose and outline with your reference and adjust or redraw details as needed.

Can I use a client’s photo?

Use your own reference or a photo you have permission to use. Normal conversion runs on your device. Optional background removal uploads the photo to a cloud service, and signed-in exports are saved to your private library.

What is free, and what do I pay for?

Creating and adjusting a watermarked preview is free, with no signup. A $2.99 USD Day Pass unlocks exports for 24 hours without a recurring charge. Studio is $7.99/mo USD, billed monthly. Both unlock PNG, PDF and printing without the watermark.

Your next piece starts with a photo.

Preview first. Choose an export plan when your guide feels right.

Made something with Sketchso? Share your artwork.

Upload your pet photo