Paint by numbers FAQ
Straight answers about the generator, printing, paints and privacy.
Is the paint by numbers generator really free?
Yes. Every feature on this site is free: unlimited generations, no account, no watermark, no credit card and no export limit. There is no paid tier that unlocks a better template.
What file do I get?
A PDF. Page one is the numbered outline canvas, page two is the colour palette with a swatch, number, HEX and RGB code for each colour, and page three is a full-colour reference image. You can also export the outline as a PNG.
Do you upload or store my photos?
No. The conversion runs entirely in your browser using HTML5 Canvas and JavaScript. Your image never travels to a server, so it cannot be stored, seen or shared by us.
How many colours should I choose?
Eight to twelve for children and absolute beginners, sixteen to twenty-four for landscapes, and twenty-four to forty for portraits and pet photos where subtle tonal steps matter.
What does the detail slider do?
It controls how aggressively small shapes are smoothed and merged. Low detail produces large, forgiving regions; high detail preserves fine texture such as fur and foliage but creates many small areas.
What canvas sizes are supported?
20x20, 30x40, 40x30, 40x50, 50x40, 50x70 and 70x50 centimetres. The generator crops your photo from the centre to match the ratio you pick, so crop tightly before uploading if the subject sits off-centre.
How do I print the template correctly?
Print the PDF at 100% scale with page scaling turned off, on paper that matches your chosen ratio. Use 200 gsm matte paper at home, or take the PDF to a print shop for canvas printing.
Which paints work best?
Acrylics. They are opaque, dry within minutes, clean up with water and adhere to both paper and canvas. Oils work but stay wet for days; watercolours are too transparent to cover printed numbers.
How do I mix a colour I do not own?
Every palette colour lists a HEX code. Paste it into our colour mixer and it calculates the proportions of white, black, red, yellow and blue needed to reproduce it.
Can I use this on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The generator is responsive and works in modern mobile browsers. Very large photos process faster on a laptop, since all the maths happens on your own device.
Can I sell paintings made from my templates?
You keep all rights to your own photos and the resulting paintings, and you may sell physical paintings you make. You may not resell the generated template files themselves as a product.
Why do some small areas have no number?
Regions too small to hold legible digits are left blank on purpose. Use the colour reference page in the PDF to see which colour belongs there, or lower the detail slider to merge them away.