Free drawing tool

Pixel Art Maker

Color the squares to make pixel art. Then print it on graph paper and draw it again with markers.

Tools

Colors

Start from a picture

Print it

These update as you draw. Each one prints on one letter or A4 page.

Blank graph paperSame number of squares as your grid, so you can draw it again with markers.

Copy itYour picture on top and an empty grid below. Trade with a friend.

Color by numberNumbers in the squares and a color key. A puzzle you made yourself.

Saves a PNG image to your device.

How to make pixel art

Pick a small subject. A heart, a ghost, a mushroom or a smiley face.
Outline first. Color the outline squares in black.
Fill the colors. One color per square. The Fill tool colors a whole area at once.
Add shading. A darker color on one side makes it look 3D.

Want more ideas? Read Pixel Art for Kids.

For teachers

Pixel art is grid drawing with whole squares, so it is a good first step before Draw by Grid pages. Print the "Copy it" sheet for partner work, or a color-by-number puzzle for early finishers. Kids can count squares, find rows and columns, and talk about symmetry with the Mirror tool.

On paper: the Pixel Picture sheet and What is grid drawing? Every sheet is free for home and classroom use.

Ready for bigger pictures?

Draw by Grid books use the same square-by-square idea to copy Kevin Coulston’s cartoon characters.

Draw by Grid: Cool StuffSee it on Amazon

Draw by Grid: Baby RobotsSee it on Amazon

Draw by Grid: Cartoon RobotsSee it on Amazon

Draw by Grid: Cute Cartoon Animals book cover

Draw by Grid: Cute Cartoon AnimalsSee it on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, FirstArtBooks earns from qualifying purchases.

Questions

What age is the pixel art maker for?

Kids about 5 and up can use it. Younger kids do best with the 8 × 8 grid and a starter picture. Older kids can try 16 × 16, 24 × 24 or 32 × 32.

Do I need to sign up or download anything?

No. It works in the browser on a computer, tablet or phone. Your drawing stays on your device, so it is still there next time you open the page.

How do I print graph paper for pixel art?

Draw your picture, then use the Print buttons under the grid. Each sheet prints on one letter or A4 page, with the same number of squares as your grid.

How does pixel art help with drawing?

Pixel art teaches kids to look at a picture one square at a time. That is the same skill used in grid drawing, which helps kids copy bigger, smoother pictures.