How do I figure out the right spacing between stones?

On the canvas, use your photo's scale to estimate distances. Average comfortable stepping distance is roughly 18 to 24 inches center to center for most adults.

Can I mix stone sizes along the same path?

Yes. Varying stone sizes along a path adds character. Place larger stones at focal points or near the entry and smaller ones in between.

How do I handle a path that curves around a garden bed?

Use a photo of the garden area as your canvas and route the stone placements around the bed's edge, adjusting each stone's rotation as the path curves.

Can I plan a path on a slope using this?

Yes, though the canvas view is flat. Use the layout primarily for spacing and number of stones, then plan the actual grade adjustments on site.

Is this useful for concrete stepping stones as well as natural ones?

Yes. Any stepping stone can be photographed and placed on the canvas, regardless of material.

Plan Your Stepping Stone Path Before You Plant a Single One

Photograph your stones, get clean cutouts instantly, and map out the path across your yard or garden before doing any digging or heavy lifting.

Why people use it

Get the stepping distance right before making permanent holes in your lawn
Plan path curvature to feel natural rather than forced
Test different stone shapes and see which reads better as a path
Count the exact stones needed before a purchasing trip
Show a garden designer your layout concept for feedback

How it works

Photograph your stepping stones: Place stones on a clean driveway or patio surface and photograph from directly overhead for the most accurate shape representation.
Generate clean stone cutouts: Upload photos to Canvi and get clean cutouts of each stone shape ready for placement.
Upload your lawn or garden photo: Take an overhead or elevated photo of the area where the path will go and load it as your canvas background.
Space and align the path: Drag stones into position along the desired path, adjust spacing, and test different curvatures before committing to any physical work.

Use cases

Lawn paths between garden beds: Plan a path that weaves through planting areas with comfortable, natural stepping distances.
Side yard access paths: Map the most direct and usable route through a narrow side yard using stepping stones.
Informal garden paths: Create an organic winding path through a cottage garden that guides visitors through the space intentionally.
Backyard to shed or outbuilding: Map a practical route from the back door to a shed, fire pit, or garden area with appropriate spacing for regular use.

Tips

Average adult stride for comfortable stepping stones is roughly 18 to 24 inches from center to center
Use an odd number of stepping stones in any curved section for a more natural feel
Stagger stones slightly rather than placing them in a perfectly straight line for a more organic appearance
On slopes, space stones closer together so the path feels stable underfoot
Photograph your path from the perspective of someone standing at the start to check how the direction reads

Frequently asked questions

How do I figure out the right spacing between stones?: On the canvas, use your photo's scale to estimate distances. Average comfortable stepping distance is roughly 18 to 24 inches center to center for most adults.
Can I mix stone sizes along the same path?: Yes. Varying stone sizes along a path adds character. Place larger stones at focal points or near the entry and smaller ones in between.
How do I handle a path that curves around a garden bed?: Use a photo of the garden area as your canvas and route the stone placements around the bed's edge, adjusting each stone's rotation as the path curves.
Can I plan a path on a slope using this?: Yes, though the canvas view is flat. Use the layout primarily for spacing and number of stones, then plan the actual grade adjustments on site.
Is this useful for concrete stepping stones as well as natural ones?: Yes. Any stepping stone can be photographed and placed on the canvas, regardless of material.