Ipaint Basic Guide 4: Adjust Settings and Preview Strokes

Q: What's the difference between the 5-color and 48-color paint sets?

The 5-color paint set is ideal for simpler designs with bold color blocks — perfect for beginners, quick projects, or minimalist artwork. The 48-color paint set offers a wider range of shades, allowing for smoother color transitions and more detailed, realistic artwork.

Q: How do I know if the pen depth is set correctly?

The 'Pen Down' test is the best way to verify depth. The pen should lightly touch the canvas surface and leave a visible but not indented line. If the line is too light, increase the depth. If it leaves a groove, decrease the depth immediately.

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Ipaint Basic Guide 4: Adjust Settings and Preview Strokes | Paint by Numbers

Written by Tia Isom

Published on August 15, 2025

Modified on August 27, 2026

Reading time for 5 min

Table of Contents

Introduction: Configuring Your iPaint Parameters

With your image selected (iPaint Basic Guide 3), it's time to set up your iPaint parameters and preview the outline for your paint-by-numbers artwork. This guide walks you through configuring settings and checking the outline to ensure a perfect fit on your canvas.

This is where your digital image transforms into a physical painting plan. By adjusting the parameters correctly, you'll ensure the outline fits your canvas perfectly and the colors match your paint set.

💡 Before You Start:

Make sure your iPaint machine is connected to the app via Bluetooth.
Confirm your canvas is properly taped down and aligned with the machine's scale markers.
Double-check that the heat-erasable pen is securely locked in the pen holder.

Step 1: Parameter Settings

In the HTVRONT app, click Make in the top-right corner and select Paint by Number. Choose your Paint Set (5 colors or 48 colors), then click Generate to create the digital draft. Once generated, tap Hide Image to view the outline. Click Next, select your Brush (heat-erasable pen), Substrate (Canvases, Canvas Panel, or Stretched Canvas), and Canvas Size. Adjust the image size to match your canvas dimensions as needed.

⚙️ Parameter Options Explained:

Paint Set (5 Colors): Quick, simple projects with fewer color transitions. Great for beginners or when you want a minimalist look.
Paint Set (48 Colors): Rich, detailed artwork with smooth color gradients. Ideal for complex images like portraits or landscapes.
Substrate: Choose the type of canvas you're using. This ensures the machine applies the correct pressure and depth for your specific surface.
Canvas Size: Adjust to match your physical canvas dimensions for accurate scaling.

⚠️ Important: The canvas size setting must match your actual canvas dimensions. If the image size doesn't match, the outline may not fit properly, leading to uneven or off-center sketches. Always verify your canvas size before proceeding.

Step 2: Outline Preview

Tap Pen Down to test the pen's depth, ensuring the tip just touches the canvas. Then, click Preview to check if the pattern fits the surface. The machine will trace the image's edges, showing where it will paint on the canvas. If everything looks good, click Add to Task to proceed.

🖊️ Pen Depth Test Tips:

Perfect depth: The pen tip should just graze the canvas surface — you should see a faint line without the pen pressing too hard.
Too light: The line is barely visible. Increase the depth slightly and test again.
Too heavy: The pen digs into the canvas or leaves a groove. Decrease the depth immediately to avoid damaging your canvas.

🔍 What to Check in the Preview:

Fit: Does the outline stay within the canvas edges?
Alignment: Is the design centered and straight?
Proportions: Do the proportions look natural, or does the image appear stretched or squished?

If anything looks off, go back to the previous step and adjust the image size or position before proceeding.

Watch the Tutorial Video

See these steps in action below:

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the 5-color and 48-color paint sets?

The 5-color paint set is ideal for simpler designs with bold color blocks — perfect for beginners, quick projects, or minimalist artwork. The 48-color paint set offers a wider range of shades, allowing for smoother color transitions and more detailed, realistic artwork. Choose 5 colors for speed and simplicity; choose 48 colors for depth and richness in your final piece.

What should I do if the preview outline doesn't fit my canvas?

If the preview outline doesn't fit properly, go back to the parameter settings and adjust the Canvas Size or Image Size settings. You can also use the image positioning tools to center the design or resize it to fit within your canvas boundaries. The preview function is designed to catch alignment issues before you start painting, so take advantage of it to avoid wasted effort.

How do I know if the pen depth is set correctly?

The "Pen Down" test is the best way to verify depth. When you tap Pen Down, the pen should lightly touch the canvas surface and leave a visible but not indented line. If the line is too light, increase the depth slightly. If it leaves a groove or indent, decrease the depth immediately. A correct depth setting ensures the heat-erasable pen traces the outline clearly without damaging the canvas.

Can I save my parameter settings for future projects?

Yes. The app will remember your most recent settings for brush type, substrate, and paint set. For frequently used configurations, we recommend noting down your preferred settings so you can quickly select them for future projects. The app may also offer "favorite" or "preset" options in future updates.

What happens if I select the wrong canvas size?

Selecting the wrong canvas size will cause the outline to be misaligned — either too large for your canvas (cutting off parts of the design) or too small (leaving excess blank space). If this happens, simply go back to the parameter settings, correct the canvas size, and regenerate the outline. Always double-check that the canvas size in the app matches your physical canvas before proceeding.

Next Steps

Your outline is ready! Move on to iPaint Basic Guide 5: Draw, Color, and Showcase to start painting.

For the full journey, explore our iPaint Complete Basic Guide: Step-by-Step Paint by Numbers Tutorials or visit our Paint by Numbers Collection for more inspiration and supplies.

✅ Quick Checklist: Setting Up iPaint Parameters

Open the app — launch HTVRONT on your phone or tablet
Tap "Make" — select "Paint by Number" from the menu
Choose your paint set — 5 colors (simple) or 48 colors (detailed)
Generate the draft — tap "Generate" and wait for processing
Hide the image — tap "Hide Image" to view the outline clearly
Select brush & substrate — choose heat-erasable pen and your canvas type
Set canvas size — match your physical canvas dimensions
Test pen depth — use "Pen Down" to check the tip touches the canvas
Preview the outline — check fit, alignment, and proportions
Add to task — confirm and proceed to Guide 5

Shop iPaint & Paint by Numbers →

📚 Keep Learning: More Guides to Level Up Your Craft

Love iPaint? Explore these related resources to expand your creative skills:

Ipaint Basic Guide 4: Adjust Settings and Preview Strokes | Paint by N

Ipaint Basic Guide 4: Adjust Settings and Preview Strokes | Paint by Numbers

Introduction: Configuring Your iPaint Parameters

Step 1: Parameter Settings

Step 2: Outline Preview

Watch the Tutorial Video

Frequently Asked Questions

Next Steps

📚 Keep Learning: More Guides to Level Up Your Craft

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