Stringify is a free, browser-based string art generator and pattern maker. It converts any uploaded photo into a circular string art pattern by computing precise nail-to-nail thread winding sequences using an advanced greedy radial search algorithm.

Is Stringify really free?

Yes! The standard web generator, template maker, and printable PDF guides are completely free to use. There are no sign-ups, subscriptions, or hidden fees.

Does Stringify upload my images to a server?

No. Stringify processes all images 100% locally in your web browser using HTML5 Canvas. Your photos are never transmitted, uploaded, or stored on any remote server.

Can I sell the string art I create with Stringify?

Absolutely! Any physical string art installation, printed manual, or pattern you create using Stringify can be used for personal or commercial projects.

What board size and materials are best for string art?

A 50cm or 60cm diameter circular board made of birch plywood (12-18mm thick) or MDF is ideal. Use 1.25 to 1.5 inch wire nails with small heads and 100% polyester sewing thread for best results.

How does the string art generation algorithm work?

Stringify uses a greedy radial search algorithm. It converts your photo to grayscale, then iteratively selects the nail-to-nail line that passes over the darkest pixels, subtracting drawn lines from a working buffer to build up the full image.

Stringify — Free Circular String Art Generator & Pattern Maker

Convert any photo into beautiful circular string art. Calculate nail positions, generate thread winding sequences, and print step-by-step PDF instruction guides — all for free, directly in your browser.

What is Stringify?

Stringify is a free, privacy-first web application that transforms ordinary photographs into stunning circular string art patterns. Using an advanced greedy radial search algorithm, Stringify computes the exact sequence of nail-to-nail thread connections needed to recreate any image as physical thread art.

The entire application runs locally in your web browser — your images are never uploaded to any server. All processing happens using HTML5 Canvas on your own device, ensuring complete privacy and instant results.

Our Free Tools

String Art Generator

Upload any photo and the generator converts it into a circular thread winding sequence. Configure nail density (50–500 nails), thread opacity, contrast boost, maximum winding steps, and color modes. Watch the real-time simulation, then export as PNG, or download a complete step-by-step PDF instruction guide.

Board Template Maker

Generate mathematically precise 1:1 scale nail layout templates. Configure board diameter (300mm–1000mm), number of nails, margin spacing, label frequency, dot size, and visual color themes. Export as print-ready PDF or laser-cutter-compatible SVG vector files.

Creator Blog & Guides

Read 15+ in-depth editorial articles covering the mathematics behind string art algorithms, comprehensive material selection guides for wood, nails, and thread, step-by-step winding tutorials, color mixing techniques, display and lighting tips, troubleshooting guides, and advice for selling custom thread art.

How the Algorithm Works

The Stringify generator uses a greedy radial search algorithm to convert raster images into thread patterns:

Image Analysis: The uploaded photo is scaled to 500×500 pixels, converted to grayscale, and cropped to a circular region.
Nail Placement: Nails are positioned uniformly around the circle's perimeter at equal angular intervals.
Chord Evaluation: Starting from Nail 0, the algorithm simulates a line to every other nail and calculates the average pixel darkness along each path using Bresenham's line algorithm.
Greedy Selection: The line crossing the darkest pixels is selected and drawn. The darkness of those pixels is reduced (subtracted) from the working buffer.
Iteration: The process repeats from the new nail position for thousands of steps, building up the full image.

Materials Guide for Physical String Art

To build a physical string art piece from a Stringify pattern, you need:

Board: 50cm or 60cm diameter circular birch plywood or MDF, 12–18mm thick. Paint matte white or black for contrast.
Nails: 1.25"–1.5" wire nails with small heads (brad nails/panel pins). Use 240–360 nails depending on desired resolution.
Thread: 100% polyester sewing thread (size 40 or 50) for portraits. Cotton crochet thread (size 8 or 10) for bold geometric patterns. A typical portrait uses 1,500m–3,000m of thread.
Template: Print the nail layout template PDF at 1:1 scale, tape it to the board, hammer nails at each marked point, then remove the paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stringify free?: Yes. The generator, template maker, and all PDF exports are completely free with no sign-up required.
Are my images uploaded to a server?: No. All processing happens locally in your browser. Your photos never leave your device.
Can I sell art I create with Stringify?: Yes. You own all patterns and physical art you create using Stringify's tools.
What image types work best?: High-contrast photos with clear features work best — portraits, animals, logos, and landmarks.
What board size should I use?: 50cm or 60cm diameter boards are ideal for most projects. Use birch plywood or MDF painted matte.
How many nails do I need?: Typically 240–360 nails for portraits. Higher density yields finer detail but takes longer to wind.

Latest Blog Articles

The Mathematics and Algorithms of Circular String Art — Learn how raster image analysis and chord search grids calculate thread paths.
Choosing the Perfect Board, Nails, and Thread — A professional materials guide for building durable thread art installations.
Step-by-Step Guide: Winding Your First Thread Portrait — From template installation to tying the final knot.
Geometric vs. Portrait: Different Algorithms for Different Art — Understanding which approach works best for your project.
Lighting and Displaying String Art — How to showcase your thread art with proper lighting and framing.
Preventing Board Warping and Misalignment — Troubleshooting common physical crafting issues.
Color Mixing and Multi-Spool Layering — Advanced techniques for multi-color thread art.
The History of String Art — From Mary Everest Boole to modern computational art.
Scaling Up: Giant Wall Murals — How to create large-scale string art installations.
Starting a String Art Business — Advice for selling custom thread art commissions.

About Stringify

Stringify exists to democratize the art of circular thread winding. We combine the precision of computational mathematics with the beauty of handcrafted art, giving everyone — from first-time hobbyists to professional Etsy sellers — the tools they need to create museum-quality string art installations.

Our platform processes everything locally in your browser, ensuring your creative work remains private and your experience remains fast. The project was launched in 2026 and has since published 15+ editorial guides covering algorithms, materials, and crafting techniques.