3 best art projectors for drawing

Art projectors for drawing are essential tools for artists and illustrators who want to create accurate and scaled-up reproductions of images or designs onto a canvas, paper, or other surfaces. These projectors use various technologies to project an image onto a surface, allowing artists to trace or reference the projected image as they create their artwork. Here are some key features and aspects of art projectors for drawing:

Types of Art Projectors:
- Opaque Projectors: These projectors work by placing a physical image or object on the projector's base, and the image is then projected onto the surface. They are ideal for tracing existing artwork or photographs.
- Digital Projectors: These projectors use digital technology to display digital images or designs from a computer or other digital source onto a surface. They are versatile and allow for easy adjustments and resizing of images.
Image Clarity and Sharpness: The quality of the projected image is crucial for accuracy in drawing. Look for projectors with high-resolution capabilities to ensure clear and sharp images.
Brightness and Lumens: The brightness of the projector is essential, especially if you plan to work in well-lit environments. Higher lumens ensure better visibility of the projected image.
Adjustability: Art projectors often come with features that allow you to adjust the size, focus, and orientation of the projected image. This flexibility is vital for achieving the desired composition and scale.
Portability: Consider the portability of the projector, especially if you need to take it to different locations for your art projects. Some projectors are compact and lightweight, making them easier to transport.
Compatibility: For digital projectors, ensure compatibility with your computer or digital device. Check if it supports various file formats and connections (USB, HDMI, VGA, etc.).
Tracing Capabilities: Many artists use projectors for tracing purposes. Look for projectors with a built-in tracing feature or the ability to connect to tracing software.
Price Range: Art projectors can vary widely in price. Determine your budget and look for options that offer the features you need within your price range.
Brand and Reviews: Research different brands and read reviews from artists who have used the projectors to get an idea of their performance and durability.
Accessories: Some projectors may come with additional accessories like a tripod stand or carrying case, which can be useful for artists on the go.

Art projectors for drawing can be valuable tools for artists looking to transfer or reference images accurately in their artwork.The choice of projector depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best art projectors for drawing on the market

Tracer Opaque Art Projector for Wall or Canvas Reproduction (Not Digital)

Artograph

Based on 679 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This projector is lightweight, portable and enlarges images up to 10x.

Overall Dimensions: 5.75" W x 12.75" D x 9" H
Easy to use, lightweight and portable, silent operation
Enlarges flat printed image from 2x-14x onto any vertical surface. Copy size: 5 x 5 in (127 x 127 mm). Work in sections with larger designs and prints
6.5- foot Long Cord with Standard 120V Grounded Plug, 200 mm optical glass
Illumination: 23-Watt fluorescent lamp (included/8000 hours), may also use 1600 lumen LED bulb

User questions & answers

Question:	I do custom painted windows on re-claimed windows, would it project an outline (enlarged) onto a window
Answer:	It would project it THROUGH the window unless you put some paper on the opposite side to the one you are painting. But that's a fairly easy fix, I'd think. Another alternative that I personally would find to be awesome is to get the glass sandblasted. The frosted glass would take the outline projection perfectly, and you could use that as an element in your work by leaving some of the frosted portions unpainted. It would also make it much less likely that the paint would peel later. I could understand why that wouldn't be practical for a lot of the projects you might try but sounds kinda cool right?Edit: I see Pam there beat me to the paper idea. So I'll see you paper and raise you 3020 Liquid Masking Film 32 oz here on Amazon. Paint it on the opposite side, project, trace... and then when you don't need it anymore, peel it off like cling film.
Question:	Most of the concerns was the excessive heat from the bulb. What can be substituted to lessen heat and what wattage if led
Answer:	I too have had problems with the heat from the bulb curling the drawing I want to project. After reading this I thought of some LED bulbs I had bought from Amazon. I have a drawing I needed to project on a canvas but knew it would curl before I was done so I tried the LED bulb. It fit perfectly! The only problem is it a 25 watt equivalent but it worked in a very dark room, it wasn't overly bright but it worked! My drawing stayed cool and I'm very happy. I noticed they also carry 40 and 50 watt in the medium screw base (which is what I have). I need to go start my painting now, but I'll give you the information and you can do some searching for the right watt .LOHAS LED G14 Light Bulb, 3W Daylight White 5000K LED Energy Saving Light Bulbs, 25 Watt Equivalent LED Lights for Home, E26 Medium Screw Base (6 Pack)
Question:	Can the image you are projecting from be larger that 5"x5"? ind if so, up to how much larger? Thank you
Answer:	The image definitely can be made much larger than 5x5. My husband and I made images that were 7ft+ tall off of an image that was about 6 inches. You do it simply by stepping further back with the projector. However, the farther away you step back the blurrier the lines get. We were projecting some images with simple lines so it was easy. The more complicated the image you are trying to trace the fuzzier it will get as you step back to increase the size. As I said in my review, this is not a projector for a serious artist that wants to make sophisticated drawings. However, for the crafter that wants to blow up images to trace a mural on a wall or cut images out of plywood (as we did) it works great. I would be happy to send you some photos of what we created if I knew how to get them to you. I could send them via Facebook or email.
Question:	I want to project a 5" x 5" image onto a 6-foot by 6-foot area. Can this projector make an image that large
Answer:	It would be a bit of a challenge, but it can be done. I can project an 8' wide by 6' tall image. The room would need to be quite dark with no outside light contamination. As the distance from the wall increases the image intensity and fine detail decreases.

Artograph EZ Tracer Opaque Art Projector-No Bulb (Not Digital) in White

Artograph

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The EZ Tracer is an easy to use art projector for the beginning artist or art classroom. Simply place the projector on top of any art or copy and enlarge the image onto a wall or easel for tracing and coloring. Darkened room required. Copy size: 4 x 4 / 10.2cm x 10.2cm. Projection range: 2x to 10x. Create murals, paintings, signs and banners faster and more accurately than ever. (23W CFL bulb not included).

Overall Dimensions: 4.5" W x 13.25" D x 7.5" H
Easy to use, lightweight and portable, silent operation, Dark Room Needed for Clarity
Enlarges flat artwork from 2 times up to 10 times onto any vertical surface. Copy size: 4 x 4 inch (10.2 cm x 10.2 cm). Work in sections with larger designs and prints
Lens: 163 mm optical glass. 5.5-Foot Long Cord with Standard 120V Plug. UL approved, 1 year warranty.
Light Bulb Not Included, Uses 100 watt-equivalent 1600 lumen LED light bulb or 23 watt CFL (not included). LED or CFL bulbs only! Do Not use an incandescent bulb, they are too hot for the projector.

User questions & answers

Question:	Would this project an image off an iPhone
Answer:	Yes, set your phone or tablet at its brightest setting. Do NOT turn on the light bulb in the EZtracer. If you are in a reasonably dark place you will get a traceable image. The brighter the picture the better. Black lines on white background project quite well; color photographs may or may not work.
Question:	could i put this over a larger painting small areas. at a time to do a mural on wall
Answer:	I think that would work. I have had to move it for a larger picture several times. I just keep several books around to move either my canvas or my projector to line everything up.
Question:	what type of bulb works in the projector
Answer:	i ordered this bulb for this projector as it says but it is way to big. what should it be? Satco S8206 23 Watt (100 Watt) 1600 Lumens Mini Spiral CFL Soft White 2700K GU24 Base Light Bulb
Question:	how does it work
Answer:	The bottom of the projector has a 3 1/4 x 3 1/4" opening which sits over the artwork to be transferred. I grid my original drawing in those dimensions and leave those grid lines showing. I set the projector on my studio table that is 30" high, and tape my large canvas about 5-6 feet away. Moving the projector is the best way to get clear lines. The focus has limited ability. Need to work in dark room, and best bulb to put in is a 15w compact florescent so it stays cool. This is not for highly detailed work but it suits my loose painting style for floorcloths.

Lucid-Art Camera Lucida with Photo Projector Painting Drawing Tool Art Projector Tracing Aid for Artists by Ancient Magic Art Tools

Ancient Magic Art Tools

Based on 20 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The LUCID-Art is a modern version of the classic camera lucida drawing tool that has been used by artists for centuries. When you look through the view hole it uses optical mirrors to reflect a transparent "ghost" image of the scene in front of you down onto your canvas or paper, so all you need to do is draw over the reflected image to get correct perspective, foreshortening, proportion, position, overlap, shape. Leaving you more time to develop your art the way you want it without being frustrated by the technical elements. The LUCID-Art retains the magic of this secretive drawing and painting technique, while improving on the original with a brighter, much larger and more stable image, including variable brightness control. The LUCID-Art camera lucida is our largest camera lucida. It is a high quality art tool made in California, USA with strong lightweight aluminum alloy with a powder coated finish. All the mirrors and optical filters are shatterproof acrylic glass. It comes with a powder coated attachable steel clamp that secures it to a workspace. This listing also includes the Photo Projector, which will allow you to enlarge photos up to 4X larger than life. You can use the LUCID-Art if you wear glasses. But it may not work well if you wear bifocals, trifocals, or progressive lenses. Basically, the LUCID-Art enables you to see two things at the same time laid over each other. So you see your paper and the subject at the same time. So if you have difficulty seeing near and far objects without trifocals, then when the two images are transposed over each other you will only be able to see either one or the other clearly.

The Old Masters' Secret Tool Reinvented!
Larger More Stable Image: up to 20 x 37 inches (50.8 x 94 cm) from life
Includes Photo Projector Accessory to Enlarge a 4x6" Photo up to 16x24"
Bright Adjustable Image, Solid Mechanical Arm with Diagonal Cross Support
Built in USA w/ Lightweight Aluminum Alloy. Video at GetLUCIDArt.com

User questions & answers

Question:	Can the be used with the paper on a vertical easel and the subject off to the side
Answer:	Yes, I've seen the hutch on amazon for sale that matches this desk
Question:	Do u need a pprojector to use the lucy
Answer:	69.50" W 30.00" D 31.00" H . product might not be available until January. thank you
Question:	How effective is it for doing lb andscapes in plain air outsude applications
Answer:	Sorry we don't have color sample. Thank you
Question:	When using the photo attachment I’m having trouble seeing my own hand & pencil tip. Any helpful suggestions
Answer:	the only item that needed to be put together was the legs. The desk came as one piece