Paint By Number Maker: How to Create Custom Paint-By-Number from a Photo
A paint-by-number maker converts a photo into a numbered template where each region corresponds to a specific paint color. Popularized as physical canvas kits, paint-by-number is experiencing a huge resurgence — both as a relaxing hobby and as a personalized gift. This guide shows how to create a custom paint-by-number from any photo, whether you're making one for yourself, gifting it, or selling on Etsy.
Paint-By-Number vs Color-By-Number: What's the Difference?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they're slightly different:
- Paint-by-number traditionally refers to a physical canvas with printed numbered regions, sold as a kit with small numbered paint pots.
- Color-by-number typically refers to a printable paper page colored with pencils or markers.
The underlying algorithm is identical — both map image regions to palette numbers. A good color-by-number generator can produce the same output you'd need for a paint-by-number project; you just print it onto canvas paper or transfer it to a stretched canvas.
Two Ways to Make a Custom Paint-By-Number
Option 1: Order a Pre-Made Kit
Companies like PaintByNumbers.com, Winnie's Picks, and Custom Paint By Numbers accept a photo upload and ship a physical canvas + paint pots. Pros: zero effort. Cons: $40–$100 per kit, fixed sizes, no control over palette count or style.
Option 2: Make It Yourself with a Paint-By-Number Maker
Use a digital paint-by-number generator to convert a photo into a printable template. Print on canvas paper (or transfer to stretched canvas), grab a set of acrylic paints, and you're ready. Pros: total control, works with any photo, far cheaper at scale, sellable. Cons: a bit more setup.
How to Make Your Own Paint-By-Number (Step by Step)
Step 1: Pick a Photo with Strong Color Regions
Paint-by-number works best on photos with clear, distinct color areas. Portraits, pets, sunsets, and landscapes all translate well. Avoid photos with fine texture (fur, grass, sky gradients) unless you're using a high palette count.
Step 2: Upload to a Paint-By-Number Maker
Use Color By Number Pro's free tool. It runs in your browser with no signup. Drag and drop your photo into the upload area.
Step 3: Set the Palette Size (This Is the Most Important Setting)
For paint-by-number, the palette size = the number of paint colors you'll need. Think about what you're willing to buy:
- 8–12 colors — a standard acrylic starter set. Simple, stylized look.
- 16–24 colors — the "standard" commercial paint-by-number kit range. Good balance.
- 32–48 colors — near-photographic, but you'll be mixing custom shades.
For your first DIY paint-by-number, we recommend 16 colors. It matches most acrylic sets and gives recognizable results.
Step 4: Choose Region Size (Cell Density)
Unlike color-by-number mosaics, traditional paint-by-number uses irregular outlined regions rather than uniform cells. If your generator offers both, pick the outlined style. Color By Number Pro offers both mosaic cells (for mystery-mosaic-style painting) and larger region output.
Step 5: Export the Template and Palette
You'll want two outputs: (1) the numbered template to paint on, and (2) the palette page showing which number maps to which color. Export both as 300 DPI PDF for crisp lines when printed.
Step 6: Print on Canvas Paper (or Transfer to Canvas)
Print directly on canvas paper (available on Amazon, ~$15 for 20 sheets) with an inkjet printer. For a stretched canvas, print on regular paper, then use graphite transfer paper to trace the lines onto the canvas.
Step 7: Match Numbers to Paint Colors and Start Painting
Look at your palette page. Each number corresponds to a specific hex color. Either buy matching paints or mix from a basic acrylic set. Paint one number at a time, starting with the largest areas and moving to the details.
Can You Sell Custom Paint-By-Number Kits You Make?
Yes — there's a growing market on Etsy and Shopify for custom paint-by-number kits. Common offerings:
- Digital PDF downloads — customer prints themselves. Low overhead, high margin.
- Print-on-demand canvas — use Printful or Gelato to ship canvas prints.
- Complete kits — canvas + matched paints + brushes, shipped as a box.
You need full commercial rights to the generator output. Color By Number Pro's paid plans ($27+) include commercial rights for any output you create.
FAQ
What's the best paint-by-number maker for beginners?
Color By Number Pro's free tool runs in-browser and requires no signup. Upload a photo, pick a palette size, and export. For physical kits without any work, PaintByNumbers.com ships ready-made ones from your photos.
How many paint colors do I need?
A basic acrylic set of 16 colors works for most photos. Professional-quality paint-by-number uses 24–48 colors.
Can I paint on regular paper instead of canvas?
Yes, acrylic works on heavy paper (at least 200gsm). For a gallery-quality result, use canvas paper or stretched canvas.
Is there a paint-by-number maker that includes the paints?
Only physical kit services (PaintByNumbers.com, etc). Software tools generate the template; you supply the paints.
Final Thoughts
Paint-by-number is having a moment — as a gift, as a hobby, and as a side business. Whether you want a one-off portrait of your dog or a whole Etsy shop, a good paint-by-number maker is the starting point. Start with the free generator, upgrade when you're ready to sell, and enjoy the meditative satisfaction of painting by number.
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