PBN
Free Paint by Number Generator – Turn Your Photo Into Paint by Numbers
Upload your favourite photo and turn it into a paint by numbers pattern online. Choose 24, 36 or 48 colours, create your pattern in seconds, and download the result as a PNG for free.
Try the Free Paint by Numbers Generator
Upload your own image and create a paint by numbers pattern automatically. Try 24, 36 or 48 colours to see how different settings change the result.
This is an instant, automatically generated pattern. Want to see how the same photo looks when professionally prepared for a real paint by numbers kit?
See the difference ↓Same Photo. Two Different Processes.
Compare an instant automatic conversion with the same image prepared for a Paintarthub custom paint by numbers kit.
Created automatically in seconds.
Checked and adjusted before production.
Hand-Checked, Not Simply Auto-Generated
Based on our experience with 55,000+ UK orders, we know that small details can make a big difference.
Every uploaded photo is checked before production. Where needed, our designer adjusts important areas such as faces, eyes, pet fur, markings, contrast, cropping and overall composition so the image works better as a numbered painting.
What Do You Want to Create?
Use the free generator if you want a digital pattern, or choose a custom kit if you want a complete paint by numbers project delivered with the materials needed to paint it.
Free Generator
Create and download a paint by numbers image online.
- Instant generated pattern
- 24, 36 or 48 colours
- PNG download
- Use digitally or with your own materials
- No account required
Custom Paint by Numbers Kit
Turn your own photo into something you can actually paint.
- Printed numbered canvas
- Matching acrylic paints
- Paint brushes included
- Reference image and materials
- Prepared from your own photo
- Delivered ready for you to paint
From Your Photo to a Finished Painting
See how a favourite image can move from the original photo to a prepared design, numbered canvas and finished painting.
How Does a Paint by Number Generator Work?
A paint by number generator converts a normal photograph into a simplified set of colour regions. Similar colours in the image are grouped together to reduce the number of shades, while boundaries are created between the resulting areas. Each colour can then be represented by a number to form a paint by numbers pattern.
When you turn a photo into paint by numbers, the number of colours affects how much tonal variation the generated image can preserve. A 24-colour version is usually simpler, while 36 or 48 colours allow more shades and transitions to appear. More colours, however, do not automatically guarantee a better pattern.
The original photo also matters. Subject size, lighting, contrast and background complexity can all affect the result when you convert a photo to paint by numbers. A clear subject with good separation from the background is generally easier for an automatic generator to simplify.
Online tools automate these steps, making it quick to create paint by numbers from a photo, experiment with different colour counts and download the generated design.
Paint by Number Generator FAQs
What is a paint by number generator?
A paint by number generator converts a normal image into a simplified design made from separate colour regions. Those regions can then be represented by colours and numbers to create a paint by numbers pattern.
How do I turn a photo into paint by numbers?
Upload your photo to the generator above, choose 24, 36 or 48 colours, and select Generate. The tool automatically processes the image and creates a simplified paint by numbers pattern.
Can I convert a photo to paint by numbers for free?
Yes. The generator on this page is free to use. You can upload your own photo, generate a pattern and download the resulting PNG without creating an account.
Are my photos uploaded or stored?
The generator processes your image directly in your browser. Your photo is not uploaded to our server as part of the generation process.
What is the difference between 24, 36 and 48 colours?
A lower colour count generally creates a simpler design with fewer shades. Higher colour counts allow the generator to retain more colour transitions and tonal variation, although they can also create more separate areas in the pattern.
You can generate the same photo several times and compare the results.
Can I make paint by numbers from my own photo?
Yes. You can use portraits, pet photos, family pictures, wedding photos, travel memories and many other images. Clear photos where the main subject is easy to recognise generally produce more useful automatic patterns.
Is the generated image the same as a Paintarthub custom kit preview?
No. The online generator creates an instant automatic pattern. A Paintarthub custom kit uses a separate production process, and the uploaded photo is checked and adjusted where needed before production.
The online result should therefore not be treated as an exact production preview of your physical custom kit.
Can I order a real paint by numbers kit from my photo?
Yes. If you want a real numbered canvas with matching acrylic paints, brushes and reference materials, you can order a personalised paint by numbers kit using your own photo.
Planning a Custom Paint by Numbers Kit?
These guides can help you choose a suitable photo, canvas size and colour count.
How to Choose the Best Photo
Learn what makes a photo suitable for a detailed personalised paint by numbers design.
Read the Photo Guide →Choose the Right Canvas Size
See how canvas size affects faces, multiple subjects and small numbered painting areas.
Read the Size Guide →24 vs 36 vs 48 Colours
Compare how colour count affects detail, tonal variation and painting complexity.
Compare Colour Options →Ready to Paint Your Own Photo?
Turn your favourite image into a personalised paint by numbers kit with a numbered canvas, matching acrylic paints and brushes.
Create My Custom Paint by Numbers Kit →