String Art Generator
Turn a photo into a string art pattern made of one long thread wound between nails. Pick the frame, the number of nails and lines, then follow the numbered nail sequence step by step. It runs in your browser. Free to use.
You get a string art preview, the numbered nail sequence and a printable nail template. Your photo is processed in your browser and is never uploaded.
How to make string art from a photo
- 1
Upload and frame a photo
Upload a photo and drag or zoom it so the subject fills the circle. Raise the contrast until the face or shape stands out clearly in the black and white preview.
- 2
Make the string art
Choose a circle or square frame, the number of nails and the most lines, then press Make string art. You watch the picture appear one line at a time.
- 3
Build it with the nail sequence
Print the nail template, put the nails in, tie the thread on the first nail and follow the steps. Download the sequence as a TXT file or use the step-by-step player.
Ideas for your string art
A portrait gift
Turn a photo of a partner, a parent or a pet into a thread portrait to give for a birthday or an anniversary.
A weekend DIY project
You need a round board or frame, small nails, a hammer and a long spool of black thread.
Preview before you buy materials
See how a photo looks as string art, and how much thread it needs, before you buy a board and nails.
A maths and art lesson
String art shows how many straight lines can build up curves and shading, which makes it a good classroom project.
Tips for better string art
Use a high-contrast photo
A face with clear light and shadow, on a plain light background, works best. Busy backgrounds turn into grey noise.
200 nails is a good start
150 nails is quicker to build, 250 to 300 nails gives finer detail but takes longer and needs a bigger frame.
Match the lines to the frame
About 1,500 to 2,500 lines suit a 30 cm frame. Larger frames can take more lines before the picture gets too dark.
Keep the thread tight
Wind with steady tension and do not skip steps. If you lose your place, the step player shows the exact line you are on.
Frequently asked questions
How does a string art generator work?
It places the nails evenly around the frame and adds one line at a time: from the current nail, it picks the nail whose line covers the most of the dark parts of your photo that are still uncovered. Repeating this thousands of times builds up the picture.
How many nails and lines should I use?
200 nails and about 2,500 lines are a good start for a 30 cm round frame. Use fewer for a smaller frame or a quicker build, and more for fine detail on a bigger frame.
How do I read the nail sequence?
Nail 1 is at the top of the frame and the numbers go clockwise. Tie the thread on the first nail in the list, then wind it to each next nail in order. The TXT file lists every step as from nail -> to nail.
How much thread do I need?
The tool estimates the thread length for your frame size. Enter the frame size in centimetres and buy a little more than the estimate to allow for knots.
Can I print the nail positions?
Yes. Press Print nail template to print the frame with every nail position numbered. Scale the print to your board, tape it on and put the nails in through the dots.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. The pattern is made in your browser on your own device. Your photo is never uploaded to our servers.
Is it free?
Yes. It is free to use, with no watermark and no limit on how many patterns you make.