Tool
Value Study Tool
Convert a reference photo to greyscale and reduce it to a set number of values so you can plan light and shadow before you start.
A value study is a simplified tonal map of your subject, showing only light, mid-tone and dark areas without colour. This tool converts your reference photo to greyscale and reduces it to between three and eight values, so you can see where the strongest contrasts fall before you start drawing.
Free to try. Free up to 4 values; Pro unlocks 5 to 8 values and PNG download. Pro is a £3.99 one-off payment, unlocks Pro features in every tool.
Get ProHow to make a value study from a photo
- Add your reference photo. Choose an image from your device or try the sample drawing. Nothing is uploaded.
- Choose how many values. Start with three or four to see the big light and shadow shapes. Higher numbers give smoother tonal planning for realistic work.
- Simplify with blur. Raise the blur slider to merge small details into larger masses, the same effect as squinting at your subject.
- Check the value key. The key shows how much of the image sits in each value. If one value dominates, plan a deliberate accent of the opposite.
- Use it to plan your drawing. Keep the study beside your paper and work from light to dark, saving the darkest darks for last.
Why plan your values first?
Value - how light or dark an area is - carries more of a drawing's realism than colour does. When your values are right, the image reads instantly. When they are too close together, it looks flat no matter how carefully you render it.
This tool converts any reference photo to greyscale and reduces it to a small set of tones. The result is a map you can pin next to your drawing, showing where the lights, mid-tones and darks fall and roughly how much of the picture each one covers.
How to use your study
- Start with three or four values to see the big light and shadow shapes.
- Raise the blur to merge small details into larger masses - this is how experienced artists squint.
- Use the value key to see how much of the image sits in each band. A drawing dominated by one value usually needs a deliberate accent of the opposite.
Once you understand the structure, translate it into pencil: light pressure for the lightest values, building gradually to the darkest darks last.
Frequently asked questions
What is a value study?+
A value study is a simplified tonal plan of your subject - just lights, mid-tones and darks, with colour removed. It shows you where the strongest contrasts are before you commit to detail.
How many values should I use?+
Three to five is enough for most studies. Three (light, mid, dark) reveals the big shapes; five to seven lets you plan smoother transitions for realism.
Why does value matter more than colour?+
A drawing with strong value structure reads clearly even in simple colours, while a drawing with weak values looks flat however accurate the hues are.
Is my photo uploaded?+
No. The image is processed in your browser and never leaves your device.
How do I make a value study from a photo?+
Convert the photo to greyscale, then reduce it to three to five tones. Blurring slightly first removes fussy detail so you see the main shapes. This tool does both steps in one go.
What is a good value scale for drawing?+
Most artists use a scale of five to nine steps from white to black. Three or four values are enough to plan a composition; seven to nine are useful when you are rendering a smooth, realistic finish.
Can I use a value study for coloured pencil drawings?+
Yes, and it helps a lot. Colour is easier to get right when the values underneath are correct. Plan your values first, then choose pencils whose darkness matches each step.
Why does my drawing look flat?+
Flat drawings usually have values that are too close together. A value study shows whether your lights and darks are far enough apart, and the contrast stretch shows how much stronger they could be.