Can I use inches instead of centimeters?

Yes. Canvasthing supports both centimeters and inches, and the app stores dimensions in a stable internal unit so switching between them does not distort your setup.

Can I crop the photo to match the canvas?

Yes. Upload the photo, then use image zoom and drag positioning to decide which part of the reference fits inside the canvas area.

Can I add a grid after planning the canvas size?

Yes. Once the photo is fitted to the canvas, you can add preset grids, custom rows and columns, square-size grids, or diagonal guides.

Can I print the planned canvas reference?

Yes. You can save the prepared canvas as a PNG or send it to print with the active image, grid, outline, and simplification layers included.

Canvas Size Planner from Photo

Set your canvas size, upload a reference photo, and see how the image fits before you paint. Crop, zoom, and position the photo, then add grids, line drawings, or simplified color guides for a cleaner transfer. No accounts, no ads, completely free.

Real Dimensions

Plan in centimeters or inches before you place the photo, so the canvas proportions are clear from the start.

Fit, Crop, Position

Zoom and drag the image until the subject sits exactly where you want it on the canvas.

Export the Plan

Save or print the planned reference with grids, outlines, and simplification effects baked in.

Canvas size planner with a reference photo fitted to a canvas

Compose the Painting Before You Start

A reference photo rarely matches your canvas perfectly. Canvasthing lets you choose the surface first, then decide whether the image should fill the canvas, where the subject should sit, and which parts of the photo should be cropped away.

One Workspace

Canvas size, photo placement, grids, outlines, and export all happen in the same app.

Add a Transfer Grid

Once the composition works, overlay a drawing grid that follows the same canvas proportions.

Print for the Studio

Make a physical reference sheet instead of painting from a glowing screen.

Then Add the Guides You Need

Add Grid to Photo

Add rows, columns, square grids, or diagonals to the planned photo.

Photo to Line Drawing

Convert the fitted image into a clean drawing guide.

Simplify Details

Reduce busy texture into broader color shapes before painting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful for canvas, paper, wood panels, and mural planning.
Keeps composition, guides, and export in one practical workflow.

Start by entering the canvas width and height in centimeters or inches, then upload your photo. Canvasthing fits the image to that shape so you can zoom, crop, and position it before adding grids or printing.