Paint by Numbers FAQ

Short answers about PhotoPBN, a free paint by numbers generator that runs in your browser. For the full walkthrough, see How to turn a photo into a paint-by-numbers kit.

Does my photo stay private?

Yes. PhotoPBN processes the picture on your device. The photo is not uploaded, and PhotoPBN does not receive or store it. Downloads (PDF, PNG, or SVG) stay on your device too. There is no account and no email required to use the tool.

The Privacy Policy explains site analytics (Cloudflare Web Analytics), optional visitor counting, and Google AdSense cookies for ads. None of that involves uploading your photo.

Is PhotoPBN free? Do I need an account?

Yes, it is free. No signup and no account.

What file types can I use?

Drop a JPG or PNG. HEIC works when the browser can read it. If HEIC fails, save the photo as JPG or PNG and try again.

What do I download?

• PDF – the primary option for printing. The button shows your paper size and that the PDF is two pages (outline and colour key).
• PNG – a bitmap export of the template.
• SVG – a vector export.

For painting on paper, use the PDF.

What size will it print?

Choose A4 or US Letter, and Auto, Portrait, or Landscape orientation. Wide photos use landscape on Auto unless you override it. Print the PDF at actual size (scale 100%).

How many colours should I pick?

32 colours (recommended) – the Standard 32 preset. The slider runs from 8 simple to 56 detailed, with presets for Simple 10, Standard 32, Detailed 48, and Custom.

Fewer colours → bolder, easier kits. More colours → closer to the photo, more areas to paint. Detail (Bold / Balanced / Fine) controls the smallest region size separately. Longer guide: How many colours should a paint-by-numbers kit have?.

What does Detail mean?

Detail starts at Balanced. It sets the smallest area that gets its own number. Bold is easier, including for kids with a parent. Fine keeps small parts such as eyes, petals, and lettering.

Which paints should I buy?

Acrylic, gouache, or craft paint all work. Match each numbered swatch on the colour key to the closest tube you have, or mix toward the hex code on the palette key. A fine brush helps with edges; a larger brush fills big areas.

PhotoPBN does not sell paint. Any opaque craft-friendly paint you already like is fine for a first kit. More tips: Paint by numbers for beginners.

Can I see the original next to the result?

Yes. The tool shows Original beside Your kit. Use Hide original when you want more room for the preview. Switch Numbers and Colour to compare the outline you will paint with a filled preview. Tap a palette swatch to spotlight where that colour appears.

What kinds of photos work best?

Clear subjects, calm backgrounds, and enough resolution. Crowds, heavy filters, and tiny crops are harder. See Best photos for paint by numbers.

Is it okay for kids?

There is no separate kids mode. For younger painters, prefer Simple 10 or Standard 32 with Detail on Bold, and choose a simple photo. An adult should operate the site and the printer. Supervise paints and cleanup.

Can I use the template commercially?

You keep the rights to the photos you use. Only process pictures you are allowed to use. The Terms describe the tool, your photos, and liability; they do not spell out a separate commercial-licence grant for selling prints or kits. Read the Terms for yourself and get advice if you need it for a business use. This FAQ does not add rights that the Terms do not state.

Does the site use ads or analytics?

Yes, on the website itself – not inside your photo. Cloudflare Web Analytics measures visits without cookies for that product. Google AdSense may show ads and may use cookies. A small visitor-counting system records page, country, and referrer, plus a daily rotating code that cannot be turned back into your IP. Details are on the Privacy Policy. Your photo still never leaves the browser.

Why does a small photo look blocky?

Very small images have little detail to work with. PhotoPBN may show a notice that a larger photo keeps ears, eyes, and other small parts. Use a higher-resolution original when you can.

How does the generator work, in one sentence?

It reads your photo in the browser, mixes a palette, groups areas, places numbers, and draws a printable template – without uploading the file. Slightly longer version: How PhotoPBN’s generator works.

Where do I get help?

See About and contact. Contact details are listed there when available.