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Tracing is a great way to make a perfect drawing in a short time.[1] However, tracing or transfer paper can be expensive and hard to find. Dive in from step one to learn how you can trace any picture with only papers and pencils.
Steps
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1Print out an image. You can find pictures of the things you want to draw, it can be a cartoon, a nature view or even selfies. Just make sure the photos you are printing are in black and white; that way you can see the lines better.
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2Shade the image. Turn the printed image upside down, use a graphic pencil (5B<) and cover up the printed area. You don't have to be super perfect on this.[2]
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3Place it on the drawing surface. Turn the printed image back up, place the image on your drawing surface. You might want to draw a tiny triangle connecting both surfaces, in case you want to adjust the image. Now the shaded side should be facing down. You can use this method on almost anything, from office paper to acrylic canvas.[3]
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4Trace. Follow the printed image and trace the outlines.
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5Done. Remove the printed image to review the perfect tracing.
Community Q&A
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QuestionCan I do this with crayons?
Community AnswerFor shading, crayons should be fine but the result will probably be a lot lighter. -
QuestionCan I do it with charcoal?
WikiHowUser20180627132509Community AnswerYes. In fact, the result will show a lot more clearly. -
QuestionCan you explain the second step?Community AnswerTake your printed image and turn it over. Then, using a graphite pencil (preferably 4b or darker), scribble/shade all over the back as shown.
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QuestionCan I do it on a tablet?Community AnswerYes, you can. Take a picture or screenshot of the picture you wish to replicate, and use it as a background "layer" in a drawing program.
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QuestionCan I print the image on any paper, or do I need glossy paper?
Community AnswerAny paper should work fine, whether glossy or matte. You might want to print on a thicker paper weight (thickness) if the image you wish to copy is very picture or detail-heavy. -
QuestionDoes this method work with an image on notebook paper instead of a printed image?
SepticCommunity AnswerMost paper will work, it all depends on how thick it is. The thicker it is, the harder you will have to press.
