LayerSVG
Runs in your browser. Images are never uploaded.

Turn a photo into a stencil

Get a stencil cut file from any photo or picture. The dark parts become the openings the paint goes through.

PNG, JPG or WebP. Drop it here or paste it. Showing: sample image

Mat

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Layers

One layer per vinyl color. Bottom layer first.
What are you making?
Colors
Auto

Auto finds the main colors and ignores blurry edges.

Layer style

Stacked: the bottom layer runs under the others, so small gaps don't show.

Background

For photos with a busy background. You tap what to keep.

40
Clean-up
4

Higher means less weeding, but small details may go.

5
Detail
Output

The width of the design itself. Empty space around it is trimmed.

Lines

Outlines only is for laser cutting. Cricut and other vinyl cutters cut along the edges either way.

How to make a stencil

  1. Upload a photo with strong contrast

    Clear light and shadow work best: a face lit from one side, a pet against a plain wall.

  2. Move Darkness cut-off

    Lower keeps only the darkest parts, higher fills in more. Stop when the preview reads well as two tones.

  3. Cut and paint

    The shapes in the file are the openings. Cut them out of the stencil material, then dab or spray the paint through.

Islands and bridges

An island is a piece of the stencil that ends up loose, like the middle of an O. Adhesive stencil vinyl handles it for you: the transfer tape keeps every island in place. Reusable stencils (Mylar, card, wood) need bridges, thin strips that hold the island on. In Cricut Design Space, lay thin rectangles across the shape and use Slice to cut the gap, or draw them in your laser software.

Multi-layer stencils

For a painted portrait in two or three tones, switch to Layered vinyl, set Number of colors to 2 or 3 and choose Cutout. Each layer is one tone. Cut each as its own stencil, then paint the lightest tone first and the darkest last, lining the stencils up with pencil marks on the corners.

  • Too many tiny bits? Raise Remove tiny pieces. Small specks are hard to cut and tear easily.
  • Busy background? Use Cut out the subject with AI first, so only the subject becomes a stencil.
  • Want the light parts open instead? Turn on Invert.

Questions

Which parts of the file get cut out?

The black shapes in the preview. They become openings in the stencil, so the paint lands where the picture is dark.

What size should I make a photo stencil?

Bigger is easier. At about 8 inches (20 cm) or more, small details stay wide enough to cut and paint cleanly.

Can I make a stencil for a laser cutter?

Yes. Download the SVG and cut it from card, thin plywood or Mylar. Choose Outlines only if your laser software needs cut lines.

Is it free?

Yes. No sign-up and no watermark.

Are my images uploaded anywhere?

No. The conversion runs on your own device inside this page, so your picture never leaves your browser.

Can I convert any picture?

Only convert images you made or have permission to use, especially if you sell what you make.