For tracing and canvas transfer

Turn your photo into a traceable sketch.

Prepare a clear outline at the size you need. Print a reference for tracing, transfer it with graphite paper, or use compatible art paper in your printer.

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
Visible transfer guide generated from the reference photograph, shown at tracing opacity
Your reference used as the reference before outline conversion
Visible transfer guideYour reference
Drag to explore the outlineYour reference. Your drawing.

Actual converter output with visible gray lines for tracing. Choose your artwork size and print a tiled guide on ordinary paper.

Outline conversion happens on your device.

Explore the workflow

A little preparation. More room to create.

From reference photo to a guide on paper

Enter your artwork dimensions. The project PDF splits your outline into A4 or Letter sheets with overlap, alignment marks and a scale check.

  1. 01

    Simplify the photograph

    Upload a JPG, PNG or WebP. Start with a balanced outline and reduce detail until the major shapes are easy to follow.

  2. 02

    Choose the transfer method

    Keep lines visible for tracing through a light pad or using graphite transfer paper. For a direct print, lower visibility and test on a spare sheet first.

  3. 03

    Print at the intended size

    Enter your artwork dimensions in the project planner and choose A4 or Letter printer paper. Larger guides are tiled across sheets, with alignment marks and a scale check. Print at actual size, then assemble for transfer.

Read the canvas transfer guide

Notes from the worktable

Choose the route that fits your surface

Drawing paper or a light pad

Print on ordinary paper and trace onto your drawing surface. Keep the outline dark enough to see through both sheets.

Canvas or thick paper

Place graphite transfer paper between the printed guide and your surface, secure the sheets, and trace the main shapes with light pressure.

Direct printing

Check your printer’s paper weight and feed limits. A supported rear or straight-through feed may accommodate art paper. Test the ink with your intended medium before using the final sheet.

A few useful answers

Before you start.

More help
How do I turn a photo into a traceable sketch?

Upload the photo, adjust how many lines the guide keeps, then choose a paper size. Preview free; use a Day Pass or Studio to download the PNG or PDF or open the print dialog.

Can I enlarge the guide for a canvas?

Yes. The printable project planner accepts artwork dimensions from 25 to 1200 mm per side and tiles larger outlines onto A4 or Letter sheets. The PDF includes overlap, alignment marks and a 25 mm scale check. Your photo keeps its proportions inside the chosen artwork area.

Will a faint printed line erase or disappear?

Printed ink does not erase like graphite. Visibility depends on your ink, paper and medium. Make a test print, or transfer with graphite paper if you need erasable guide lines.

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 a photo to trace