---
{
  "title": "How to Draw a Butterfly: Easy Step-by-Step | Pencilbloom",
  "description": "Learn how to draw a butterfly in 8 easy steps, with a picture for each one. A free lesson for beginners: draw on paper or trace it in the app.",
  "url": "https://pencilbloom.com/learn/how-to-draw-a-butterfly",
  "lang": "en",
  "kind": "lessons",
  "datePublished": "2026-10-28T00:49:13.749Z",
  "dateModified": "2026-10-28T00:49:13.749Z",
  "author": {
    "name": "Pencilbloom team",
    "url": "https://pencilbloom.com/authors/pencilbloom-team"
  },
  "publisher": "iHux"
}
---

# How to draw a butterfly, step by step

- Easy
- 10 min
- 8 steps
- 5 materials

By [Pencilbloom team](https://pencilbloom.com/authors/pencilbloom-team) Updated October 28, 2026

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.

![Line drawing of a butterfly with round spots on its four wings](https://pencilbloom.com/media/lesson/lcc8e060677e7ad7265e265480f8543b1/71a0dbcb724b7754/art.svg)

## What you’ll need

- HB pencil
- Eraser
- Drawing paper
- Ruler (optional)
- Colored pencils (optional)

## Draw it step by 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.

![how to draw a butterfly, step 1: Box and centre line](https://pencilbloom.com/media/lesson/lcc8e060677e7ad7265e265480f8543b1/71a0dbcb724b7754/step-01.svg)

### 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.

![how to draw a butterfly, step 2: Split the wings](https://pencilbloom.com/media/lesson/lcc8e060677e7ad7265e265480f8543b1/71a0dbcb724b7754/step-02.svg)

### 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.

![how to draw a butterfly, step 3: Left upper wing and head](https://pencilbloom.com/media/lesson/lcc8e060677e7ad7265e265480f8543b1/71a0dbcb724b7754/step-03.svg)

### 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.

![how to draw a butterfly, step 4: Body and lower wings](https://pencilbloom.com/media/lesson/lcc8e060677e7ad7265e265480f8543b1/71a0dbcb724b7754/step-04.svg)

### 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.

![how to draw a butterfly, step 5: Right upper wing](https://pencilbloom.com/media/lesson/lcc8e060677e7ad7265e265480f8543b1/71a0dbcb724b7754/step-05.svg)

### 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.

![how to draw a butterfly, step 6: Spots on the left upper wing](https://pencilbloom.com/media/lesson/lcc8e060677e7ad7265e265480f8543b1/71a0dbcb724b7754/step-06.svg)

### 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.

![how to draw a butterfly, step 7: Spots on the right upper wing](https://pencilbloom.com/media/lesson/lcc8e060677e7ad7265e265480f8543b1/71a0dbcb724b7754/step-07.svg)

### 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.

![how to draw a butterfly, step 8: Spots on the lower wings](https://pencilbloom.com/media/lesson/lcc8e060677e7ad7265e265480f8543b1/71a0dbcb724b7754/step-08.svg)

## 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.

## Keep exploring

- [Coloring pages](https://pencilbloom.com/coloring-pages)
- [Tracing guides](https://pencilbloom.com/guides)
- [Learn to draw](https://pencilbloom.com/learn)

Made by [iHux](https://ihux.co).