AR Trace - Sketch Drawing: AR-based drawing and tracing tool

AR Trace - Sketch Drawing is a drawing and tracing utility by Neli Creative that helps users turn photos and reference images into traceable outlines using augmented reality or a simple screen overlay. It solves the common problem of not knowing how to start a sketch by projecting the source image onto your paper through the camera, so you can follow the lines directly while keeping an eye on your hand. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, the light-box mode lets you place paper over the screen and trace the displayed image. The app also includes a library of templates, a time-lapse recorder, and controls for opacity and flashlight, making it a practical tool for beginners practicing anime, tattoo stencils, or everyday subjects, as well as for artists who need a quick reference for proportions and composition.

Key features

• AR camera mode that projects a trace image onto paper so you can draw while watching your hand
• Screen overlay light-box mode that turns the phone into a tracing table by placing paper over the display
• Import any photo from your gallery and convert it into a traceable sketch, including portraits, landscapes, and cartoons
• Template library with hundreds of categories, including anime, manga, tattoo stencils, cute animals, chibi, and meme designs
• Time-lapse video recording that captures every stroke while you trace and paint
• Opacity control to adjust trace image transparency for better visibility
• Flashlight support to keep sketching comfortably in low-light conditions
• Step-by-step AR feature that guides you through each stage of the drawing process

How to install

1. Tap the download button on this page to get the APK file for AR Trace - Sketch Drawing.
2. When Android asks, allow your browser or file manager to install apps by enabling the 'Install unknown apps' setting for that app.
3. Open the downloaded APK file from your notifications or file manager.
4. Tap Install and wait for the installation to finish.
5. Open AR Trace - Sketch Drawing from your app drawer and grant the requested permissions when prompted.
6. The app requires Android 9 or newer; the file size is not specified, so ensure you have enough free storage.

Recent updates · 1.4.13

Version 1.4.13 introduces a new step-by-step AR feature that guides you through each stage of your drawing, helping you build confidence while working in augmented reality. Follow the prompts one step at a time to create your artwork with greater ease and precision.

AR Trace - Sketch Drawing is aimed at anyone who wants to learn to draw or needs a fast way to reproduce an image on paper. Beginners who struggle with proportions and perspective will benefit from tracing lines directly, while more experienced artists can use it as a reference tool for quick sketches or detailed studies. It is also well suited for anime and manga fans, tattoo artists looking for stencil inspiration, and hobbyists who enjoy drawing animals or chibi characters. Because it offers both camera-based and overlay modes, it works for people who prefer drawing on a desk with paper over the screen as well as those who want to project an image onto a larger sheet.

For best results with AR mode, place your phone on a stable surface or use a tripod so the projected image stays still while you trace. Adjust the opacity slider to make the reference lines faint enough that your final drawing remains clean, and use the flashlight feature in dim rooms to avoid shadows on your paper. When recording your process, keep the phone steady and consider using the step-by-step AR feature if you want more guidance on complex images.

AR Trace - Sketch Drawing offers a practical, low-friction way to start sketching by combining camera projection and overlay tracing in one app. It is a solid choice for beginners and hobbyists, though the presence of ads and the broad permission requests are worth keeping in mind.