Online Stencil Maker
Upload a photo or design and turn it into a clean, cut-ready stencil for spray paint, crafts, walls, fabric and signs.
Only upload photos you took yourself or have permission to use. The preview is made in your browser; your photo is only sent when you download, and it is not stored.
Uses 1 credit
The preview is free. Credits are only used when you download.
How to make a stencil from a photo
- Upload your image. A portrait, a pet, a logo you own, a silhouette, a quote.
- Adjust the threshold. Slide to decide what becomes solid black and what disappears. Preview updates instantly.
- Clean it up. Remove tiny specks automatically and choose how much detail to keep.
- Add bridges. Turn on bridges so enclosed shapes, like the middle of an "O" or an eye, don't fall out when you cut.
- Choose layers. One layer for simple stencils, or two to three layers for multi-color spray paint art.
- Download as PNG, SVG (for cutting machines) or a PDF that tiles across several pages for big wall stencils.
What you can make
- Spray paint art: portraits and silhouettes for canvas, skateboards and walls
- T-shirts and tote bags: fabric paint stencils
- Signs and wood crafts: names, quotes and house numbers
- Wall decor: large patterns and murals, printed across multiple pages
- Cakes and cookies: simple shapes for dusting powdered sugar or cocoa
- Kids' crafts: easy shapes for painting and sponging
Tips for a great stencil
- High-contrast photos work best. Strong light and dark areas make clear shapes.
- Simplify. Fewer, bigger shapes are easier to cut and paint.
- Always use bridges for letters like A, B, D, O, P, Q and R.
- Test on scrap first. Spray a test piece before painting your final surface.
- Pick the right material. Cardstock for one-time use, plastic or mylar sheets for reusable stencils.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a stencil from a picture?
Upload the picture, adjust the threshold until the shapes look right, turn on bridges, and download the stencil as a PNG, SVG or PDF to print or cut.
What is a stencil bridge?
A bridge is a thin strip that connects an enclosed shape to the rest of the stencil, so it doesn't fall out when you cut. The stencil maker can add bridges automatically.
Can I make a multi-layer stencil?
Yes. Choose two or three layers to split the image into tones. Spray each layer in a different color for a more detailed result.
Is the stencil maker free?
Simple one-layer stencils are free to preview. Downloads use 1 credit, and new accounts get 30 free credits.
Can I print a big stencil for a wall?
Yes. Choose the final size and download a PDF that tiles across multiple pages. Tape the pages together and cut.
What happens to my photo?
Your photo is only used to create your stencil and is deleted from our servers after processing.