ARTrace is an augmented reality drawing app for iOS that projects images onto real paper so you can trace them with a real pencil, pen, or marker. It’s like having a camera lucida on your phone.

Yes, ARTrace is free to download. A subscription unlocks the full image library, unlimited AI generation, and additional content.

What devices does ARTrace support?

ARTrace works on iPhone (iOS 17.0+), Mac with Apple Silicon (macOS 14.0+), and Apple Vision Pro.

Can I use my own photos?

Absolutely. You can convert your photos into clean, traceable sketches or use them as‑is for direct tracing onto paper.

Does ARTrace have AI features?

Yes. Describe what you want to draw using a text prompt, and the built‑in AI generates an image for you to trace. You can also convert any photo into a sketch outline.

How do I trace a photo onto paper with my phone?

Open ARTrace, tap the photo option, and pick any image from your camera roll. The app projects it onto your paper through the camera so you can trace it directly with a pencil or pen. You can also convert the photo into a clean sketch outline first.

Is ARTrace good for beginners who want to learn to draw?

Absolutely. ARTrace is designed for all skill levels. Beginners can start with simple outlines and build confidence by tracing, while experienced artists can use it for proportions, composition, and more complex projects.

Help & Drawing Tips

Everything you need to get great results with ARTrace. Whether you’re tracing your first outline or experimenting with AI generation, these tips will help you draw with confidence.

Setting Up Your Workspace

A good workspace makes tracing easier and more enjoyable. Here’s how to set up:

Flat surface: Place your paper on a flat, stable table or desk. Avoid soft surfaces like beds or couches — they cause the paper to shift.
Phone position: Hold your phone directly above the paper, roughly 25–40 cm (10–16 inches) away. The closer you hold it, the more detail you’ll see; the farther away, the more of the image fits on the paper.
Keep it steady: Rest your elbows on the table or use a phone stand / tripod for hands-free tracing. A gooseneck phone holder works especially well.
Lighting: Use even, diffused light. Avoid direct overhead light or bright lamps that create glare on the screen. Natural daylight from a window to the side is ideal.

Choosing Paper & Drawing Tools

ARTrace works with any paper and any drawing tool — there are no special requirements.

Paper: Regular printer paper, sketchbook paper, watercolor paper, or even cardboard. Thicker paper (120+ gsm) is less likely to wrinkle.
Pencils: A standard HB or 2B pencil is great for beginners. Use softer pencils (4B–6B) for bolder outlines.
Pens & markers: Fine-liner pens (0.3–0.5 mm) give crisp, permanent lines. Brush pens add expressive line variation.
Colored media: Colored pencils, pastels, and watercolors all work. Trace the outline first in pencil, then add color afterward.

Adjusting the AR Overlay

Once an image is projected onto your paper, use these gestures to position it:

Drag: One finger to move the image around the screen.
Pinch: Two fingers to zoom in or out, resizing the image to fit your paper.
Rotate: Two-finger twist to rotate the image to any angle.
Opacity slider: Adjust the overlay transparency so you can see both the projected image and your pencil lines clearly.
Lock position: Tap the lock icon to freeze the overlay so it doesn’t move while you draw.

Tips for Better Tracing

Start with outlines: Trace the main contours first before adding details. This builds an accurate framework.
Work in sections: Focus on one area at a time rather than jumping around the image.
Light strokes first: Draw lightly at first, then darken lines once you’re happy with the placement.
Take breaks: Step back and compare your drawing to the reference periodically to catch proportion issues early.
Use the flashlight: In dim environments, toggle the phone flashlight from the drawing screen to illuminate your paper.

Using AI Image Generation

ARTrace can generate custom images from text descriptions. To get the best results:

Be specific: “A sitting cat facing left with big eyes” works better than “cat.”
Mention style: Add style keywords like “line drawing,” “cartoon,” or “realistic sketch” to guide the output.
Choose a generation style: Browse the available styles in the app — each applies a different artistic look to the generated image.
Iterate: If the first result isn’t perfect, tweak your prompt and generate again.

Photo to Sketch Conversion

Convert any photo into a clean outline you can trace. For the best conversion:

High contrast: Photos with a clear subject against a simple background convert best.
Good lighting: Well-lit photos with minimal shadows produce cleaner outlines.
Close-up subjects: Crop tightly around your subject before uploading for more detail in the sketch.
Avoid clutter: Busy backgrounds create noisy outlines. Use portrait-mode photos or images with plain backgrounds when possible.

Troubleshooting

Camera not showing

Make sure you’ve granted camera permission to ARTrace. Go to Settings > ARTrace > Camera on your iPhone and enable access. Then restart the app.

Overlay too dim or hard to see

Increase the overlay opacity using the slider on the drawing screen. Also try reducing ambient light or increasing your screen brightness.

Phone wobbles while tracing

Use a phone stand, tripod, or gooseneck holder to keep the phone stable. Alternatively, rest the phone on a stack of books at the right height and angle.

Image doesn’t fit the paper

Use the pinch gesture to resize the overlay, or move your phone closer to or farther from the paper. Lock the position once it’s right.

AI generation produces unexpected results

Try being more descriptive in your prompt. Include the subject, pose, style, and composition you want. Choosing a different generation style can also help.

Still Need Help?

If you have questions not covered here, contact us at support@volhaapps.com. We’re happy to help.