Create Screen Print Stencils From Any Image

Each stencil layer represents a separate colour. The tool automatically separates your image into distinct layers based on tonal values — light, mid, and dark tones each become their own screen. You can adjust thresholds to fine-tune the separation.

For stencil-style screen prints, a 110-160 mesh works well. Lower mesh counts (110) lay down more ink for bold coverage, while higher counts (160) give finer detail. The clean high-contrast output from this tool works great with standard mesh counts.

The tool produces solid black-and-white layers rather than halftones. This gives you clean, bold separations that are easier to expose and print — especially for beginners. Each layer prints as a solid colour with no dot gain issues.

Export your stencil layers as SVG or PDF, then print each layer onto transparency film using an inkjet printer with black ink. Each layer becomes one film positive for exposing one screen. Alignment marks are included to help you register screens.

You can create stencils with up to 4 layers, meaning up to 4 colour screens. For most screen print designs, 2-3 layers give the best results — enough detail to capture the image without overcomplicating the print process.