If you're like many artists today, perhaps you can trace your love for the arts back to your precious little coloring books. Paint-by-number templates offer another great opportunity for novices to get their first start in the arts.

As an artist or an art entrepreneur, one way of leaving a lasting legacy is by turning your images into paint-by-number templates so others can learn how to become artists, and better appreciate all the hard work artists invest in their craft.

In this article, you'll learn about five of the best free websites where you can turn your images into paint-by-number templates.

1. PBNify

PBNify website homepage

PBNify is one of the most popular paint-by-number generators that allow you to easily upload, trace, and transform your artwork into a paint-by-number template.

PBNify also links to a service that allows you to turn your paint-by-number template into a full kit with a canvas and paints. That being said, here's how to PBNify your images.

  1. Upload your image via the Browse button or simply by drag-and-drop.
  2. Click all the major points on the image to select your custom color palette. The simpler the image, the better.
  3. Now, click PBNify and wait for your image to process.
    PBNify click points
  4. Click on Outline to see the outcome, then click on Save.
    PBNify outline
  5. Click on Save palette.
  6. Print out both the outline and the palette, then proceed to color or paint.

Note that the images you upload are loaded into your browser alone and never on a server. PBNify is also available on Android. You should definitely add this to your top list of drawing and painting apps.

2. Mimi Panda

Mimi-Panda website homepage

Mimi Panda is another powerful paint-by-number tool that allows you to create coloring templates. Mimi Panda accepts uploads in PNG or JPG formats, provided they're under 10MB.

You can create as many paint-by-number templates as you want, but it may take up to two minutes to process each upload depending on the photo's complexity. Here's how to do it.

  1. Click on Create Paint by Numbers.
  2. Click the Upload file here button to load your image. The image will be automatically marked with numbers, and the corresponding palette will be shown in the Image Colors section just beneath the image.
  3. Now, click on the Paint by Numbers download button at the top or scroll down and click on the Image Schema download button.
  4. You can also print the Paint by Numbers or the Image Schema by clicking on the appropriate button.

That's how easy it is to create a paint-by-numbers template using Mimi Panda. However, be on the lookout for annoying and intrusive ads all over the page.

3. Paint by Numbers

Paint-by-Number homepage

Paint by Numbers is another website that allows you to create custom paint-by-number templates from your photos and images. However, the site mainly serves US residents.

If you don't have the time or resources to create paint-by-number templates with Photoshop, then Paint by Numbers' built-in paint-by-number generator will help. Here's how:

  1. Click on Create Your Own.
  2. Scroll down and click on Choose File.
    Paint-by-Number generator tool
  3. Click on Options if you want to further customize your output.
  4. When done, return to Input, then click on Process Image, and wait a while for it to process.
  5. Once completed, you'll see the generated image as well as the applicable color palette. Click on Download.
    PAint-by-Number download
  6. The left download button will download an SVG file, the middle download button will download a PNG file, and the right button will download the palette in PNG format.

You can now proceed to print your paint-by-number template or paint it digitally using image editing tools. This can be another way to introduce your kids to digital art.

4. Color-Dragon

Color Dragon website

The Color-Dragon website features a simple and intuitive design that allows you to quickly and easily convert your images into paint-by-number templates that you can download and use offline.

Your image is only temporarily stored on your browser and not on a server. It is also deleted once you download your paint-by-number sample. Here's how to create paint-by-number art with Color-Dragon.

  1. Click on Start now.
  2. Click on Upload an image and select your image file. Color-Dragon supports different kinds of image formats.
  3. Adjust your Color mode and settings if you wish, then click Proceed and wait for your image to process.
    Color-Dragon color settings
  4. On the Detail selection page, use the forward and back arrows to select the amount of detail you want to be covered, then select your Output size. This is set to A5 by default. Note that the more detailed your image is, the longer it will take to process and output.
  5. Click Proceed.
    Dragon Color Detail Select
  6. Click on Download.

Your paint-by-number template will be downloaded as a PDF with different levels of detail. However, note that the PDF comes with a watermark. You can buy the watermark-free image for a small fee as well as colors, frames, and brushes.

5. GitHub

GitHub Paint-by-Number generator homepage

You can also transform your images into paint-by-number templates for free via GitHub. This paint-by-number generator is being run as a demo site for the main GitHub project.

The layout and process closely mimic that of Paint by Number, except for minor differences like the design of the download button. Here's how to use the GitHub paint-by-number generator by drake7707.

  1. Click on Choose File.
  2. Click on Options to add some customization if any.
  3. When done, return to the Input tab and click Process Image.
    GitHub-Paint-by-Number-generator-image-processor
  4. Now, click on your preferred download option, and you're ready to print or paint your paint-by-number artwork.

Recreate Your Images With a Paint-by-Number Tool

Painting by number makes creating art a lot more fun, interesting, and engaging. However, there are a few important points to keep in mind. For instance, your artwork will be as detailed as the colors you choose (your palette size).

Conversely, the more detailed the artwork, the more physical colors will be required to recreate it. This is a non-issue if you only intend to create a digital version of the original piece. Adequate lighting, good contrast, and sharp images also improve the quality of your output.

You don't have to be a master of the arts to use paint-by-number templates. In fact, they're designed to help non-artists, dabblers, DIY-ers, and regular people get a taste of the arts.