Can I mix multiple types of rock in the same layout?

Yes. Photograph different rock types separately, get cutouts for each, and arrange them together on the canvas to see whether they work as a combination.

How do I plan the ratio of rocks to gravel or planting area?

Use the canvas to visualize the overall balance, then adjust by adding more or fewer rock cutouts until the composition feels right.

Can this help me plan a Japanese rock garden?

Yes. Canvi works for any garden style. The deliberate placement and raking pattern of a Japanese garden can be planned visually on the canvas.

What is the best way to photograph small decorative rocks?

Place them on a white piece of paper or a clean concrete surface and photograph from directly above in good natural light.

Can I include plants in the rock arrangement canvas?

Yes. Photograph your plants or use images from a nursery website and add them to the canvas alongside your rocks to plan the full composition.

Plan Your Decorative Rock Arrangement Before You Lift a Stone

Photograph your decorative rocks, remove backgrounds instantly, and arrange them across your garden or yard on a digital canvas. Work out the design before the physical work begins.

Why people use it

Test arrangements of different rock types to find combinations that look cohesive
See how a rock garden will read from the main viewing angles before placing anything
Plan the balance between rocks, gravel, and plants in a xeriscape or dry garden
Try formal versus informal arrangements to find the right aesthetic for your yard
Share the plan with a supplier or contractor as a design reference

How it works

Photograph your decorative rocks: Place rocks on a clean driveway or patio surface and shoot from above. Multiple rocks in one frame or individual shots both work.
Get clean rock cutouts: Upload photos to Canvi and get individual clean rock cutouts without the background.
Set up your garden canvas: Upload a photo of the area where you plan to add decorative rocks as the canvas background.
Arrange your rock design: Place rocks across the canvas, adjust groupings and spacing, and see how the overall design comes together before you start the physical work.

Use cases

Rock garden creation: Plan a dedicated rock garden with a combination of large feature stones and smaller accent rocks among low plantings.
Xeriscape design: Map out a low-water landscape using rocks and gravel as the primary surface treatment alongside drought-tolerant plants.
Garden bed edging: Arrange decorative stones along planting bed borders to define edges and reduce maintenance.
Dry river bed features: Lay out a decorative dry river bed that runs through a lawn or garden using a mix of stone sizes.

Tips

Combine at least three different rock sizes in any arrangement for a natural look
Use a dominant color or texture theme across all rocks in a composition to keep it cohesive
Clusters of rocks look more natural when they follow the same directional line rather than scattered randomly
Consider how the rocks will look in rain as well as dry conditions since wet stone often looks very different
Leave intentional planting pockets between rock groupings where low plants or groundcover can grow

Frequently asked questions

Can I mix multiple types of rock in the same layout?: Yes. Photograph different rock types separately, get cutouts for each, and arrange them together on the canvas to see whether they work as a combination.
How do I plan the ratio of rocks to gravel or planting area?: Use the canvas to visualize the overall balance, then adjust by adding more or fewer rock cutouts until the composition feels right.
Can this help me plan a Japanese rock garden?: Yes. Canvi works for any garden style. The deliberate placement and raking pattern of a Japanese garden can be planned visually on the canvas.
What is the best way to photograph small decorative rocks?: Place them on a white piece of paper or a clean concrete surface and photograph from directly above in good natural light.
Can I include plants in the rock arrangement canvas?: Yes. Photograph your plants or use images from a nursery website and add them to the canvas alongside your rocks to plan the full composition.