With a custom kit, your own picture becomes the painting. The photo you choose decides how clear, detailed and enjoyable the result will be. Here is how to choose the best photo for custom paint by numbers, in seven quick checks.
1. One clear subject
A single person, a pet or one main object works best. The subject should fill a good part of the frame, so its features get enough numbered sections.
2. A simple background
Busy backgrounds turn into hundreds of tiny shapes. A plain wall, sky or lawn keeps the focus on what matters and makes painting more relaxing.
3. Good, soft light
Daylight from a window is ideal. Avoid photos taken against the light, where faces become dark, and very dim photos, which lose detail.
4. Sharp and high resolution
Use the original photo from your phone or camera, not a screenshot or a picture saved from a chat app, which are often compressed. The painting cannot be sharper than the photo.
5. No filters
Filters shift colors in ways that do not translate well to paint. An unfiltered photo gives the most natural color palette.
6. No stickers, text or emojis
Anything added on top of the photo becomes part of the painting. Leave it out for a cleaner result.
7. Choose the right number of colors
Our custom kits come with 24, 36 or 48 colors. More colors mean more detail and softer transitions, which is great for faces and fur. Fewer colors give a bolder, more graphic look and a quicker project.
Why it is worth taking a moment
A good photo means fewer tiny sections, clearer shapes and a result that really looks like your memory. You will find even more examples on our photo tips page, and ideas for subjects in the best types of photos for paint by numbers.
A quick test before you upload
- Zoom in on the eyes or the main detail. If it looks blurry on your screen, it will look blurry on the canvas.
- Squint at the photo. If the subject still stands out from the background, the contrast is good.
- Crop it. Remove empty space around the subject, but do not cut off ears, hands or the top of the head.
- Check the orientation. A portrait photo fits best on an upright canvas.
Frequently asked questions
Are phone photos good enough?
Yes, modern phone photos work well, as long as you upload the original file and the subject is in focus.
What size is a custom paint by numbers canvas?
Our custom photo kits use a 16×20 in (40×50 cm) canvas with ready-to-use acrylic paints and three brushes.
Found your photo? Create your custom paint by numbers kit.