Art Projector: trace a picture on paper with your phone
Use this free tool to trace a picture on paper. Your phone camera looks at the paper. The app draws the picture on it.
The picture is half see-through. You draw the lines with a pencil. The picture stays on the paper when you move the phone.
How to use it
- Print the mark sheet. Use A4 or US Letter paper. Print at 100% scale.
- Put the paper on a table.
- Press Choose picture. Pick a picture from your phone.
- Press Start camera. Allow the camera when the browser asks.
- Hold the phone 25 to 40 cm above the paper. You can also put the phone on a stand.
- Keep at least one mark in view.
- Set the opacity of the picture.
- Press Lock to fix the picture on the paper.
- Trace the lines of the picture with a pencil.
Why the marks
The sheet has 4 marks, one in each corner. The app finds the marks in the camera image.
From the marks, the app knows where the paper is. It draws the picture in the right place.
When you move the phone, the app finds the marks again. The picture stays on the paper.
Tips
Use good light. Light from a window or a lamp helps the camera see the marks.
Use matte paper. Shiny paper makes glare that can hide the marks.
Do not cover all the marks with your hand. Keep at least one mark in view.
Keep the marks clean and flat.
Questions
Which phones does it work on?
It works on Android phones with Chrome and on iPhones with Safari. The phone needs a camera and a current browser.
Does the app upload my picture?
No. The picture stays on your phone. The camera images stay on your phone too. Read the privacy page.
Is it free?
Yes. The app is free. You do not need an account.
Do I need to print the marks?
Yes. The app needs the printed marks to find the paper. A second screen that shows the sheet is not supported.
Which paper can I use?
Use A4 or US Letter paper. The mark sheet has a version for each size.
Why does the picture move?
The picture can move when the marks are out of view or the light is low. Keep one mark in view and add light.