You can project an image to trace without a projector by using your smartphone or tablet as a DIY light box, or by using an augmented reality (AR) tracing app that overlays the image on your screen. If you need a larger reference, you can also project laptop screen to wall without projector for tracing, though for the brightest, most adjustable image you might eventually want to project a picture onto a wall with a projector. A third option is the classic window method, which uses natural light to shine through the image onto your paper.
Materials you’ll need to project an image to trace without a projector
Your most important tool is a smartphone or tablet with a bright screen. You will also need tracing paper, artist's tape (or low-tack masking tape), and the image you want to trace (either printed or stored on your device). A dedicated light pad, such as the HUION A3 LED Light Tracing Pad, is an optional upgrade that provides a larger, uniformly lit surface.
Method 1: Use your phone or tablet as a light box
This is the most direct modern method. It works best with a tablet, but a large phone will do. The key is to prevent the screen from moving or zooming while you trace.
- Maximize your device's screen brightness. For the best visibility through various paper thicknesses, aim for a brightness level that feels strong to your eyes. Adjustable brightness settings are essential, with 4000-5000 lux being a sweet spot for visibility through various paper thicknesses.
- Open the image you want to trace. If you are using a printed image, display a plain white background or open a tracing app that shows a white screen.
- Place the image on the screen. If you are tracing a printed image, lay it directly on the bright screen. If you are tracing a digital image, place your tracing paper over the screen.
- Lock the screen to prevent accidental touches. On an iPad, set up Guided Access. Open the Settings app, tap Accessibility, tap Guided Access, then turn on the toggle switch for Guided Access. Under Passcode Settings, you can set a Guided Access passcode and choose whether to use Face ID or Touch ID to end a session. If the Accessibility Shortcuts panel appears, tap Guided Access. On a Samsung Galaxy tablet, use Interaction control. From Settings, search for and select Interaction and dexterity. Tap Interaction control, and then tap the switch to activate it. Tap Done.
- Secure your tracing paper with artist's tape, painter's tape, or low-tack masking tape to your device's screen to prevent slippage.
Method 2: Trace with an augmented reality (AR) app
AR tracing apps let you see the image floating on your surface through your phone's camera, so you can trace directly onto paper while watching the screen. This is the closest you can get to a projector without owning one.
- Download an AR drawing app. Options include AR Drawing, Stencly, Da Vinci Eye, Trace Anything, Line2Art, Tracing Projector, and Koloring.ai.
- Open the app and select your image from your photo library.
- Scale and position the image on the screen so it appears to sit on your paper. Adjust the overlay opacity to a level where you can see both the image and your paper underneath.
- Lock the image in place within the app to prevent it from drifting as you move.
- Trace directly onto your paper while watching the screen. The app shows the image superimposed on your real-world surface.
This method is ideal when you need to trace an image onto a large wall, as the AR overlay can be scaled to fit a large surface and traced with a pencil or marker.
Method 3: Project with a window or lamp
This is the traditional backup method. It requires a bright light source and a dark room.
- Tape your printed image to a window during the day. The natural light shining through the paper will make the image visible through your tracing paper, which you tape on top.
- If you are working at night, use a desk lamp. Place the lamp behind the image in a darkened room. The light must be directed through the image and onto your surface.
- Adjust the angle and distance between the lamp and your image to achieve the desired size and focus of the projected image.
- Secure both the image and your tracing paper with artist's tape to prevent movement.
This method works best with thin paper and a strong, direct light source.
Tips for a perfect trace
Secure your tracing paper with low-tack tape to prevent it from shifting. Anchor your hand on the surface to maintain stability while tracing. Start with the main outlines of the image and work toward the finer details. Take breaks to check proportions and prevent eye strain, as staring at a bright screen or light source can be tiring. If you are using a light pad, the HUION A3 LED Light Tracing Pad features a touch-sensitive control for power and brightness adjustment. To power it on, gently touch the power button on the surface of the light pad. To adjust brightness, press and hold the power button; the light intensity will gradually increase or decrease. Release the button at the desired brightness level. Most light boxes are roughly A4 or A3 size, which is sufficient for most tracing projects.
