Are the overlays included in the exported file?

Yes. PNG, PDF and poster exports draw the active overlay into the image at print resolution — what you see is what you print.

Can I combine an overlay with a drawing grid?

Yes. The grid and the composition overlay are independent layers — many artists use the overlay to place the subject, then the grid to transfer it.

Which overlay should I start with?

The rule of thirds for general framing; the Loomis guides for portraits; dynamic symmetry when diagonals dominate the subject. Switching costs one click.

Composition Overlay Tool — 9 Guides, All Free

Rule of thirds, golden ratio, golden spiral, dynamic symmetry, Loomis and more — laid over your own photo, adjustable, and baked into every export at print quality.

Drop your photo hereor click to choose — opens the tool ready to goJPG · PNG · WebP …or just open the tool →

Every overlay, on your photo

Rule of Thirds — Two horizontals + two verticals at one third / two thirds. Strong points at the four intersections.
Golden Ratio (φ) — Two horizontals + two verticals at 1/φ and 1-1/φ. The φ counterpart to the rule of thirds.
Golden Spiral — Logarithmic spiral inscribed in nested golden rectangles. Lead the eye into the focal point.
Dynamic √2 — Diagonal-of-the-rectangle plus reciprocals from each corner (root-2 dynamic symmetry).
Dynamic √3 — Triple-root harmonic armature: two diagonals plus the four "occult" reciprocals.
Loomis Horizon — Centre eye-line plus brow / nose / mouth construction guides for portraits.
Centre Cross — Single vertical + horizontal through the canvas centre — focal-point check.
Bilateral Symmetry — Centre vertical + mirrored half-frame edges. For symmetrical subjects (faces, vases).
Radial Symmetry — Eight spokes from canvas centre — mandalas, rosettes, kaleidoscope studies.

Pick by looking, not by guessing

The overlays render live on your image — switch between them with one click and see which structure your photo actually follows. The golden spiral is freely movable, so you anchor it on your focal point instead of hoping the photo fits the default corner.

When you export — PNG, PDF or a multi-page poster — the overlay is drawn into the file at print resolution, so your printed reference carries the same guides you saw on screen.

Frequently asked questions

Are the overlays included in the exported file?: Yes. PNG, PDF and poster exports draw the active overlay into the image at print resolution — what you see is what you print.
Can I combine an overlay with a drawing grid?: Yes. The grid and the composition overlay are independent layers — many artists use the overlay to place the subject, then the grid to transfer it.
Which overlay should I start with?: The rule of thirds for general framing; the Loomis guides for portraits; dynamic symmetry when diagonals dominate the subject. Switching costs one click, so try them against your photo.

Open the overlay tool →