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Stencil AI logoStencil AI

Turn any photo into a clean stencil in seconds.

Stencil AI is an iPhone app that converts a photo into a tattoo stencil or line art you can trace, mirror, print and transfer.

Download on the App StoreSee how it works
Black-line stencil of the same fox mask, face, cherry blossoms and rope, with the shading and colour removed.
Colour illustration of a woman with dark hair holding a red-and-white fox mask beside her face, surrounded by pink cherry blossoms and red rope.

4.8★ on the App Store · Free first stencil · 7 languages · No account needed

Real conversions, untouched.

Six photos from the app's own examples, converted once, with nothing hand-edited. Drag each slider.

Kitsune mask and cherry blossoms
Geisha and oni split face
Tiger, snake and peony
Manga eyes close-up
Split anime portrait with fox mask
Dagger with horned skull

How it works

Three steps, from a photo in your library to a stencil you can transfer.

  1. Step 1

    Start with any photo

    Pick a photo from your library or take one on the spot. Portraits, pets, flowers, logos and existing artwork all work; the clearer the subject, the cleaner the lines.

  2. Step 2

    Get lines you can trace

    Tap Convert to Stencil and the AI redraws the photo as pure black outlines on white. Compare the result against the original with the slider before you keep it.

  3. Step 3

    Yours to keep

    Adjust line weight, mirror for transfer, change the ink colour or touch up by hand. Then save to your camera roll, print, or share straight from the app.

The comparison slider, live. Drag it.

Everything the editor does

The conversion is the start. The four editor tools are what make the result usable.

AI conversion

An image model redraws your photo as continuous outlines and drops the shading, instead of just thresholding dark pixels.

Compare slider

Every result opens in a before/after slider so you can check likeness against the original before you use it.

Line weight, darkness, smoothing

Three sliders in the Adjust tool to thicken lines for transfer, deepen blacks for printing, or calm jagged edges.

Mirror, crop, rotate, flip

The Transform tool has free or square crop, rotate left and right, flip, and a one-tap mirror for tattoo transfer.

Ink colours and transparent paper

Black, blue, red, violet, white or a custom ink colour, on white paper or a transparent PNG background.

Touch-up brush with undo

Draw or erase with an adjustable brush, pinch to zoom, undo and redo. Add a bridge, close a gap or remove a stray mark.

Collection with favourites

Every stencil you generate is saved on your device. Press and hold to favourite, filter, share or delete.

Save, share, print

Export to your camera roll or share to any app or printer. Transparent PNGs drop straight into design and cutting software.

Who it's for

Anyone who needs lines to trace, cut or transfer. Pick your craft for a guide written for it.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make a tattoo stencil from a photo?

Open Stencil AI, pick the photo, tap Convert to Stencil, then use the Transform tool to mirror it and the Adjust tool to set line weight. Save it, print it at the size of the placement, and transfer it with thermal or hectograph stencil paper.

Is Stencil AI free?

The app is free to download and your first stencil is free, so you can try it on your own photo before deciding anything. Further conversions are available as in-app purchases inside the app.

Does it work for pumpkin carving, spray paint or wood burning?

Yes. The output is plain black line art on white, which is the starting point for all three. For carving and spraying you then decide which areas to cut and add bridges with the Touch Up brush; for wood burning you transfer the lines with graphite paper.

Can I print the stencil, and at what size?

Yes. Save the stencil to your camera roll or share it directly to a printer. Print at actual size rather than fit-to-page, and check the width with a ruler against the body part or object you are stencilling before you transfer.

Why should I mirror a tattoo stencil?

A stencil is placed face-down on the skin, so whatever you print appears reversed. Lettering, numbers and asymmetric designs must be mirrored on the stencil so they read correctly on the body. The Transform tool has a one-tap Mirror for this.

Does Stencil AI work on Android?

No. Stencil AI is an iPhone app available only on the App Store and requires iOS 26.2 or later. There is no Android version and no web version.

Is my photo stored?

Your photo is uploaded over an authenticated, App Check-protected cloud function only to generate the stencil. The generated stencil is saved on your device in the app's Collection. No account is required. See the privacy policy for the full details.

How do I get free generations?

Post a video of your Stencil AI creation on TikTok or Instagram, tag the app, then email the link and your User ID (found in Settings) to support. Free generations are unlocked after verification.

How do I cancel or restore a purchase?

Purchases are managed by Apple: open Settings on your iPhone, tap your name, then Subscriptions, and cancel there. To restore credits or a plan on a new phone, open Stencil AI Settings and tap Restore Purchases.

Which languages does the app support?

English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish.

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Your first stencil is on us.

Download Stencil AI, convert one photo for free, and see what the lines look like on your own reference.

Download on the App Store

iPhone · iOS 26.2 or later · Support · Site: trystencilai.com