Design your own Diamond Painting - Diamond Painting editor guide
Want a diamond painting from your own photo but unsure what the result will look like? We've developed a diamond painting editor that shows you an accurate preview before you order. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to design your own diamond painting from start to finish.
Quick Overview
- See the result beforehand – 1:1 preview with actual DMC colors
- Full control over settings – brightness, contrast, color count, dithering
- Wide range of sizes – from 30x40 cm to 80x160 cm
- Special drills available – Aurora Borealis and Pixie Dust
- Fast delivery – production 1-3 business days, shipping GLS standard 4–8 business days (DHL Express 1–3 business days available)
- Works on phone and computer – responsive interface
Why See the Result Beforehand?
Traditionally, ordering a custom diamond painting has been a gamble. You sent your photo, paid, and hoped for the best. Our editor changes that: you see exactly the pattern that will be produced.
Every drill is in place. Every color is the correct DMC code. If the face looks good in the preview, it will look good in the finished piece.
Step 1: Upload Your Image
Open the diamond painting editor and select an image from your computer or phone.
Supported formats:
- JPG and PNG (common image formats)
- HEIC (iPhone photos)
- WebP
Image size: Your image should be at least 1000×1000 pixels for best results. Maximum file size is 20 MB.
If you don't have a suitable photo, you can use the AI generator. More on that later.
Step 2: Crop Your Image
After uploading, you'll see the crop view where you can remove unwanted edges or objects from your image.
Step 3: Choose Size
In the same view, select your diamond painting size.
Small sizes:
- 30x40 cm, 30x60 cm, 30x90 cm
Medium sizes:
- 40x50 cm, 40x60 cm, 40x70 cm, 40x80 cm
Square:
- 40x40 cm, 60x60 cm, 80x80 cm
Large sizes:
- 60x80 cm, 60x100 cm, 60x120 cm
Extra large sizes:
- 80x100 cm, 80x120 cm, 80x160 cm
Remember: Larger size means more detail. If the preview looks unclear, try a bigger size. This is one of the most common mistakes: choosing too small a size for a detailed image.
Size also affects work time. A 40x50 cm piece takes roughly 20-40 hours. An 80x120 cm piece can take several months.
Step 4: Choose Drill Shape
Two options:
Square drills (2.5 mm)
- Seamless result with no gaps
- Sharp lines and crisp edges
- Slightly more challenging to place accurately
- Popular among experienced crafters
Round drills (2.8 mm)
- Easier and faster to place
- Small gaps visible up close
- Softer, sparkling appearance
- Great for beginners
General recommendation: round for beginners, square for those who value precision. Square drills are generally more popular.
Step 5: Edit Your Image
Now you're in the diamond painting editor and can see a preview of the final result. On the left side (or bottom on mobile), you'll find the adjustment tools to design your own diamond painting exactly as you want.
Basic adjustments:
| Setting | Function | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness | Lightens or darkens the image | Reveals shadowy areas |
| Contrast | Enhances light and dark areas | Makes the image more vivid |
| Saturation | Increases or decreases colors | Deeper or more muted tones |
| Sharpness | Enhances edges | Improves detail visibility |
Advanced settings:
| Setting | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Color count | How many different DMC colors are used. The most important setting for the final result. | 25-35 colors |
| Dithering | Blends adjacent colors for smoother transitions. Adds scattered single-color drills (confetti) but makes color boundaries more natural. | 0-30% for most images |
💡 Tip
Even small changes make a significant difference. Don't hesitate to experiment with different settings and see how the preview changes.
You see in real-time how changes affect the result. Keep refining until you're satisfied.
Drawing tools:
- Pen: paint individual drills
- Fill: fill entire areas
- Eraser: restore the original color
- Color picker: select a color from the canvas
Step 6: Add Special Drills (Optional)
In the editor, you can select special drills for specific colors. These add extra sparkle, depth, and visual impact to your work.
Aurora Borealis (AB) drills
Holographic coating that reflects light in rainbow colors. These work especially well for:
- Sky and clouds
- Water and waves
- Stars and light sources
- Jewelry and shiny surfaces
- Eyes (particularly beautiful effect)
Pixie Dust (PD) drills
Subtle pearlescent shimmer that adds texture. Works well for:
- Snow and ice
- Magical elements
- Christmas themes
- Soft lighting
You can select up to 3 AB colors and 1 PD color per diamond painting.
Step 7: Order
When you're happy with the preview, add the product to your cart.
Order summary shows:
- Your selected size and drill shape
- Total number of drills
- Number of colors (DMC code for each)
- Special drills (AB/PD)
- Total price
You can also add finishing lacquer, which protects the finished piece and gives it a beautiful shine.
Tips for the Best Results
Based on customer feedback and our own experience, here are some practical tips.
Good images for diamond painting
- Clear subject: one person, one animal
- Good lighting without harsh shadows
- Subject large enough in the frame
- Contrast between subject and background
Challenging images for diamond painting
- Poor lighting or many shadows
- Group of people photographed from far away
- Too many details in a small area
- Low contrast
Size recommendations by image type
| Image type | Recommended minimum size |
|---|---|
| Portrait | 40x50 cm, preferably 50x70 cm |
| Pet | 40x50 cm is often sufficient |
| Landscape | 60x80 cm or larger |
| Wedding photo | 60x80 cm or larger |
Confetti warning
If your image has many small details like foliage, fur, or hair, the result may include scattered single-color drills here and there. This is called confetti. Fewer colors reduces it. The dithering setting intentionally adds it to make color transitions smoother.
The two-meter rule
Diamond painting is pixel art. It's meant to be viewed from a distance. If the preview looks digital or unclear, imagine viewing the piece from two meters away. On the wall, the finished work looks completely different than up close.
Generate a Diamond Painting with AI
If you don't have a suitable photo, the diamond painting editor lets you generate a diamond painting with AI. Simply describe what you want, and the AI creates the image for you.
How it works:
- Select "Create AI image" in the start view
- Describe your desired image in text
- Choose style: Realistic or Optimized
- Select size
- AI generates the image in 10-30 seconds
- Choose the best version and continue to the editor
Example descriptions:
- Golden retriever lying in a flower meadow at summer sunset
- Fluffy cat sitting on a windowsill watching the snow fall
- Red roses in a crystal vase on a table, soft lighting
- Majestic dragon sitting on a cliff ledge under a starry sky
- Wise owl on a branch in a snowy forest by moonlight
- Green northern lights dancing over a winter lake in Lapland
Style differences:
| Style | Description | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Realistic | Photo-like quality, natural colors | Animals, landscapes |
| Optimized | Bright colors, clear shapes, luminous lighting | Fantasy, art |
You get 10 free generations per session. After that, you can always upload your own image.
If you'd rather not design your own, check out our ready-made diamond painting collection.
What's Included in the Package?
When your order arrives (production 1-3 business days + shipping GLS standard 4–8 business days), everything is ready to go. DHL Express delivery (1–3 business days) is also available at checkout.
Package includes:
- Diamond painting canvas with numbered pattern
- All drill bags numbered with DMC codes
- Diamond applicator pen and wax
- Sorting tray
- Clear instructions
Note: you receive a physical diamond painting kit delivered to your door. We do not send digital files or download links.
Summary
Our diamond painting editor makes ordering predictable. You can design your own diamond painting at your own pace, see the result beforehand, and know exactly what you're ordering. You can also generate a diamond painting with AI if you don't have a suitable photo.
Who is the editor for:
- Crafters who want a diamond painting from their own photo
- Gift-givers who want to ensure a successful result
- Detail-oriented people who want to adjust every aspect
- Beginners who want an easy way to get started
Looking for a ready-made design? Browse our diamond painting collection.
