Watch it.
Draw it.
Make it yours.
AR Drawing for iPhone and iPad. Trace photos on real paper, turn pictures into sketches, and follow step-by-step drawing lessons.
Free to download · Optional in-app purchases · iOS 17.0+Three ways to start drawing.
AR camera tracing
Follow a reference over your camera view. Adjust its opacity and trace the main shapes with your own pencil.
Photo to sketch
Turn a photo you own into a sketch reference. Start with a familiar face or a favorite moment.
Step-by-step lessons
Draw a kitten, a butterfly, or a rose in 12 illustrated steps. Follow the outline, add the details, then bring it to life with color.
Explore drawing lessons
How it works
Choose your inspiration
Pick a reference, use your own photo, or start with a drawing lesson.
Find your starting point
Secure your phone above the page and adjust the guide so your pencil marks stay visible.
Make it your own
Follow the main shapes, then add your own details, shading, and colors.
Choose a drawing lesson.
Follow 12 illustrated steps from the first outline to the finished drawing.
Find your next reference.
Animals. Anime. Flowers. Fantasy.
Explore sketch references from 20 categories in the app.
What people are saying.
Actually great!
“This AR drawing app actually lets you use the AR feature and upload your own pictures without paying for anything! It’s amazing and whoever the developer is please keep the free upload picture and AR feature, this is the only AR drawing app I can find with it”
I love it!
“It doesn't have a limit of how many times you change the photo of you can trace like the other one I tried! it also gave me a tutorial the AD's are a little intense but I still like the App I thank the creator for making this app!!”
This app is extremely easy to use.
“I have to use so many steps in order to use my light box. I have to print out the reference and make sure it is the right size. This app is extremely easy to use. I’ve tried other apps like this and they were a challenge to use. There are lots of options for how to trace using this app. So glad I switched from the light box AR Drawing.”
Frequently asked questions
Contact supportWhat is AR drawing?
AR drawing places a reference image over your phone’s live camera view so you can follow it while drawing on real paper. You look at the screen as your pencil moves; the phone does not physically project light onto the paper.
Can I use AR drawing online without the app?
The website's illustrated lessons and image tools work in your browser. AR camera tracing and photo-to-sketch creation are features of the iPhone and iPad app; the website does not provide an AR camera or a photo-to-sketch converter.
Can I use it if I’m a complete beginner?
You can start with a simple outline and light pencil marks. The app includes tracing tools and step-by-step lessons. Our free website tutorials also show how to build a cat, daisy, or butterfly from simple shapes.
Is AR Drawing free?
The app is free to download and offers in-app purchases. Features and subscription options may vary. Review the current App Store listing and the in-app purchase screen before subscribing.
Does it work on iPhone and iPad?
The App Store listing supports iPhone with iOS 17.0 or later and iPad with iPadOS 17.0 or later. Check the listing for current device compatibility.
Can I turn my own photo into a sketch?
Yes. The app supports photo-to-sketch conversion. Choose a clear photo you own or have permission to use, make a reference, and follow the main shapes on paper.
Drawing journal
How to use AR drawing: trace a photo on paper
A practical AR drawing setup guide: position your phone, light the paper, adjust opacity, and fix a shifting reference before you start tracing.
Read the guide
Tracing vs. freehand drawing: how to practice both
Understand what tracing and freehand drawing each ask you to do. Try a three-part practice exercise that moves from a guided outline to observation.
Read the guide
How to choose a drawing reference you can actually finish
Find beginner-friendly drawing references with clear silhouettes, simple lighting, and manageable detail. Learn what to simplify and what to leave out.
Read the guide
Start drawing with AR Drawing.
Camera tracing, sketch references, and step-by-step lessons for iPhone and iPad.
Free to download · Optional in-app purchasesFor iPhone & iPad · iOS 17.0+