The Grid Method: Copy and Enlarge Any Drawing Accurately

Posted by

Haanz Team

2026-10-23

On 2026-10-23

Haanz Art GuideFree, practical advice from the team at Haanz Art & Craft Materials

Want to copy a photo or a small sketch onto a bigger sheet without the proportions going wrong? Grid method drawing is a simple, old technique that artists have used for centuries to copy and enlarge images accurately. This Haanz Art Guide explains how the grid method works, what you need, and how to use it step by step for portraits, posters and school projects.

How the grid method works

You draw a grid of equal squares over your reference picture, and a matching grid on your drawing paper. Then you copy the picture one square at a time. Each small square is easy to see and copy, so the whole drawing comes out in the right proportions.

To enlarge, make the squares on your paper bigger than the squares on the reference. For example, 2cm squares on a photo and 4cm squares on your paper will make the drawing twice as big. The number of squares across and down must stay the same.

What you need for grid method drawing

A hard and a medium pencil: the Camlin Drawing Pencil is sold individually, so choose a light 2H for the grid and an HB or 2B for the drawing.
A ruler or set square: the Set Square 6445, 43cm is long enough for A3 and larger sheets and helps you keep square corners.
A precise eraser: the Tombow MONO Zero Eraser, Round Tip removes grid lines between small details, and a soft Mont Marte Artist Eraser cleans larger areas.
Drawing paper: Fabriano Accademia Paper A3 240gsm for finished work, or the large SeaKing Sketch Paper 160gsm, A2 when you want to enlarge to poster size.
Tracing paper (optional): draw your grid on Tracing Paper, A4 and lay it over a photo, so you do not mark the original.
A firm surface: a Drawing Board, A2 with Nyoni Artist Masking Tape keeps the paper flat and still.

More papers are in Drawing Papers For Pencil Drawings and boards in Drawing Boards. Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price.

Grid method step by step

Choose a clear reference. A sharp photo with strong light and shadow is easiest. Print it or use a printed picture.
Grid the reference. Draw equal squares over the picture with a ruler, or lay a gridded sheet of tracing paper on top. For a face, 2cm or 2.5cm squares work well. Use smaller squares for detailed areas.
Grid your paper. Decide how big you want the drawing. Draw the same number of squares on your paper, very lightly, with a 2H pencil. Press gently so the lines erase cleanly later.
Number the squares. Write small numbers across the top and letters down the side on both grids. This stops you losing your place.
Copy square by square. Look at one square on the reference. Notice where each line enters and leaves the square, then draw the same in the matching square on your paper. Work on outlines and main shapes first.
Turn the reference upside down (optional). This helps your brain see shapes and lines instead of an ‘eye’ or a ‘nose’, which makes copying more accurate.
Erase the grid. When the outline is complete, gently erase the grid lines. Use the pen-style eraser near details.
Shade and finish. Now add tone and detail freely, looking at the whole picture rather than single squares.

Tips for accurate results

Measure twice. A grid that is a few millimetres off will stretch the drawing.
Keep grid lines light. Heavy lines dent the paper and show through shading.
Tape both the reference and the paper down so nothing moves.
Use a diagonal grid (lines from corner to corner in each square) for tricky areas like eyes and hands.
For neat technical work, see our Technical Drawing Tools guide.

Is the grid method cheating?

No. The grid method is a training tool and a practical way to plan large work such as murals and posters. It improves your sense of proportion over time. Many artists later move on to measuring by eye. For school work, check the latest instructions from your school or the Department of Examinations about whether grids are allowed in an exam.

Going really big? Read Large Drawing Paper Sheets and Portrait Drawing for Beginners.

Frequently asked questions

What size squares should I use?

Smaller squares give more accuracy but take longer. Start with about 2–2.5cm squares on an A4 reference, and use smaller squares only for detailed parts like the face.

How do I enlarge a drawing to A2 size?

Keep the same number of squares. If your A4 reference has 2cm squares, use 4cm squares on A2 paper, because A2 is twice as long and twice as wide as A4.

Do you deliver islandwide?

Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Not sure what to choose? Call / WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you choose paper, pencils and tools for enlarging a drawing.

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