How to make a drawing grid (and when a grid book is easier)

To make a drawing grid, draw evenly spaced lines across and down your reference picture with a ruler, then draw a grid with the same number of squares on your paper. Label rows and columns so you can match them, copy one square at a time, and lightly erase the grid at the end. Squares of 2 to 3 centimeters (about 1 inch) are a good start for kids.

What you need

• A picture to copy (printed, or a photo).
• A ruler.
• A pencil and a good eraser.
• Drawing paper.
• Optional: a clear plastic sheet and dry-erase marker, so you don’t draw on the picture.

Step by step

1. Choose a square size. Bigger squares are easier. Try 2.5 cm (1 inch) for beginners.
2. Grid the picture. Measure along the top and side and mark every square. Connect the marks with straight lines.
3. Grid the paper. Same number of squares. Same size for the same size drawing; bigger squares for a bigger drawing.
4. Draw lightly. The grid on your paper will be erased later.
5. Label the squares. Letters across the top, numbers down the side, on both grids.
6. Copy one square at a time. Notice where lines cross the square’s edges.
7. Erase the grid. Gently, once the drawing is done. Then go over your lines and color.

Making it bigger or smaller

If your paper grid has squares twice as wide, your drawing comes out twice as big. That’s scale, and it’s a great math lesson. See grid drawing and math.

Tips

• Use a light pencil for the paper grid. Dark grid lines are hard to erase.
• Number squares in the corners. Small and light.
• Check your count often. The most common mistake is copying into the wrong square.
• Try a smaller grid for detail. Faces and hands may need smaller squares.

When a grid book is easier

Making grids is a good skill, especially for older kids, but it can take 15 minutes before any drawing begins, and younger kids often find the measuring frustrating. A Draw by Grid book has the picture already gridded and an empty grid ready to fill, so kids can get straight to the fun part.

Next steps

New to grid drawing? Start with what is grid drawing?. Like the look of squares? Try pixel art for kids.

The book that helps

Making grids is a great skill, but it takes time. Draw by Grid books have both grids ready, so kids can get straight to drawing.

Draw by Grid: Cool StuffSee it on Amazon

Draw by Grid: Weird CreaturesSee it on Amazon

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