How to draw a butterfly, step by step
- Easy
- 10 min
- 8 steps
- 5 materials
How to draw a butterfly: this free lesson takes 8 easy steps, with a picture for every step, and it suits beginners and kids. You start with a box and a center line, mark where the upper and lower wings meet, and draw the left upper wing with the head and antennae. Then you add the body and the two lower wings, mirror the left wing on the right, and finish by placing round spots on every wing, matched left and right. It is good practice for symmetry. Draw it on paper, or trace each step in the Pencilbloom app.
Trace this lesson on your own paper
What you’ll need
- HB pencil
- Eraser
- Drawing paper
- Ruler (optional)
- Colored pencils (optional)
Draw it step by step
Step 1 of 8
new lines in red
- done
- this step
Step 1: Box and centre line
Draw a light wide rectangle for the butterfly, then a vertical centre line down the middle where the body will go.
Step 2: Split the wings
Mark a line across at the height where the big upper wings meet the smaller lower wings, and a small circle for the head.
Step 3: Left upper wing and head
Draw the large left upper wing from the head, sweeping up to the rounded tip and down to the split line. Add the head and antennae.
Tip: Use one long, relaxed stroke along the top edge of the wing.
Step 4: Body and lower wings
Draw the long rounded body down the centre line, then the two smaller lower wings, curving out from the split line and down to a point.
Tip: Draw one lower wing, then match the other to it.
Step 5: Right upper wing
Mirror the left wing on the right side of the centre line, matching its height, tip and where it meets the split line.
Tip: Compare both wings against the centre line to keep them balanced.
Step 6: Spots on the left upper wing
Add three circles inside the left upper wing: a large one near the top corner and two smaller ones below it.
Tip: Circles are easier if you draw them quickly and smoothly.
Step 7: Spots on the right upper wing
Mirror those three circles inside the right upper wing, keeping the same sizes and spacing from the edge.
Step 8: Spots on the lower wings
Place two small circles in each lower wing, one higher near the body and one lower toward the wing tip, mirrored left and right.
Tip: Erase your guide lines gently once you are happy.
swipe the drawing to change step
Done! Now on paper?
You’ve seen every step. Trace it on real paper with Pencilbloom; your phone shows each step right on the page.
Trace this lesson on your own paper
Pencilbloom shows each step through your camera, right on the page.
FAQ
What paper and pencil should I use for tracing?
With the camera, any plain paper works, from printer paper to a sketchbook. For Trace on screen, use thin paper so the picture shines through. An HB pencil is good for guide lines and a softer 2B for darker final lines. Tape the paper down so it doesn't move.
How do the step-by-step drawing lessons work?
Each lesson builds a drawing in small steps, big shapes first and details last, with a picture for every step. You can draw along on paper while looking at the steps, or trace each step in the app. Many lessons are free, and you'll find them all on our Learn page.