Size advice
What diamond painting size should I choose for my photo?
For one clear face, start at 40x50 cm. For two people, pets with fur detail or a busy background, 50x70 cm is the safer minimum. Use 30x40 cm only for simple photos with one large subject and strong contrast.
Quick size rule
Diamond paintings are limited by the number of drills on the canvas. A 40x50 cm painting with square 2.5 mm drills has about 32,000 drill positions. The same size with round 2.8 mm drills has roughly 25,500. That difference is visible in eyes, hair, pet fur and small lettering.
| Photo type | Safe starting size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One portrait, clean background | 40x50 cm | Enough drills for eyes, mouth and basic skin tones. |
| Two people or pet portrait | 50x70 cm | Fur, hair and two faces need more pixel space. |
| Group photo | 60x80 cm or larger | Small faces disappear quickly below this size. |
| Landscape with large shapes | 30x40 or 40x50 cm | Simple skies, water and fields survive lower detail better. |
| Text, logo or fine pattern | Test first | Small letters often need a much larger canvas than expected. |
Why 30x40 cm often disappoints for personal photos
30x40 cm can work, but only when the subject fills most of the image. A close-up of one dog on a light background can still look good. A wedding photo with two full bodies, flowers, guests and a dark suit usually becomes muddy at that size.
The practical test is simple: if the most important face is less than one third of the photo height, 30x40 cm is usually too small. Crop tighter or move to 50x70 cm.
Square or round drills changes the size decision
Square drills are smaller and sit closer together, so they preserve more detail at the same canvas size. Round drills are easier and softer, but you lose detail sooner. If you want round drills for a portrait, treat the next size up as your default.
Use the grid overlay tool when you want to see how much detail is left after the photo is broken into drill positions.
Best workflow before you order
- Crop the photo so the subject fills the frame.
- Upload it to the Diamond Painting Preview Generator.
- Compare the recommended, minimum and larger preview variants.
- Use 40x50 cm as the minimum for one good portrait; go larger when the preview shows weak eyes, hair or fur.
- Order from a shop that lets you upload a custom photo and choose the size deliberately. For Dutch buyers, DiamondPaintingWinkel.nl is the most logical owned shop route to test next.
When the tool says “minimum”, do not treat that as the best size
Minimum means “probably still recognisable”. It does not mean “best-looking”. For gifts, portraits and photos with emotional value, choose the recommended size or one step larger. The extra canvas cost is usually less painful than ending up with a face that looks blocky.
Need a slower walkthrough? Use the step-by-step guide after uploading your photo.