Color by number vs. diamond painting: an honest comparison
Color by number and diamond painting are both relaxing, ready-to-go hobbies, but they feel completely different: with color by number, you fill in numbered areas with markers for a painting-like result, while with diamond painting, you place thousands of sparkling beads one by one onto an adhesive canvas. Neither is "better" — it depends on what you enjoy: the calm, narrative build-up of a painting, or the meditative, sparkling application of beads. In this honest comparison, we'll put materials, detail, strain on eyes and hands, time, end result, and price side-by-side, so you can choose for yourself.
In short
- Technique: color by number = markers on numbered canvas; diamond painting = beads on adhesive canvas.
- Detail & transitions: markers give smoother color transitions; diamond painting is sparkling but more pixelated.
- Eyes: both require focus; diamond painting uses many small symbols and beads, color by number uses larger areas.
- Hands: markers feel like writing; placing beads is fine precision work with a pen-tool.
- Time: a diamond painting usually takes significantly more hours due to the thousands of beads.
- Clean & pauseable: markers don't make a mess; loose beads can roll or shift.
What is the difference between color by number and diamond painting?
With color by number, you receive a pre-printed canvas with numbered areas and a set of numbered markers. You find number 12, color in all the squares with a 12, and thus gradually build up a complete image. No paint, no water, no drying time — just coloring within the lines. If you want to know exactly why we chose markers and not paint, read why color by number with markers works.
With diamond painting, you work on a canvas with an adhesive layer. You pick up small faceted beads (the "diamonds") with a pen-like applicator and press them onto the corresponding numbered or symbolized square. Each bead is a single point of color; together they form a mosaic that sparkles beautifully in the light. It's repetitive and calming, a bit like embroidery without a needle.
Color by number vs. diamond painting: the comparison
| Feature | Color by number (markers) | Diamond painting (beads) |
|---|---|---|
| Material & technique | Numbered canvas + numbered markers; you color in areas | Adhesive canvas + faceted beads; you place dot by dot with a pen tool |
| Detail & transitions | Smooth transitions possible, especially with 36 or 48 colors | Vibrant and sparkling, but more pixelated; transitions in small blocks |
| Eye strain | Larger areas; comfortable with normal light | Many small symbols and beads; good lighting and sometimes a magnifying glass recommended |
| Hand & back strain | Feels like writing; relaxed posture | Fine precision work; requires sitting still for longer and targeted finger movements |
| Time per work | Manageable; an afternoon to a few evenings per canvas | Usually significantly longer due to thousands of beads |
| End result | Matte, painting-like; looks like a real painted canvas | Sparkling mosaic with texture; catches light and glitters |
| Clean & pauseable | No mess; cap on and done, easy to resume | Loose beads can roll; tray and tweezers useful when pausing |
| Price | Sets from €59.95 for two canvases; Custom Photo €50.95–€84.95 | Varies greatly by brand and size; large works can be expensive |
| Ideal for | Those who want a real painting, quick results, clean work | Those who love glitter, texture, and long, meditative beadwork |
What level of detail can you achieve?
With markers, you decide how precise or loose you color, and with us, you can choose from 24, 36, or 48 colors. More colors mean more detail and smoother transitions — 24 is wonderfully beginner-friendly, 48 is the most refined. Diamond painting uses fixed color beads: each square is one color, so fine transitions occur in small blocks. The result is vibrant and sparkles beautifully, but from a distance, it appears more pixelated than a painted surface. If you're looking for a classic, painting-like look above your sofa, then color by number is a closer match.
Which is better for your eyes, back, and hands?
Both hobbies require focus, and that's precisely what's so relaxing: your mind finds peace. Diamond painting involves many small symbols and tiny beads, so good lighting (and sometimes a magnifying glass) is pleasant, and you sit still and "poke" with concentration for longer periods. Color by number uses larger areas and literally feels like writing — a relaxed posture, less squinting. If you have eye strain or issues with fine motor skills in your hands, color by number is often a bit more accessible. If you want to lose yourself in endless, meditative beadwork, then diamond painting is perfectly suited for that.
How much time do they take?
Diamond paintings often contain thousands of beads, so expect multiple evenings to weeks, depending on the size. Color by number is more manageable: you fill in areas and see your image grow quickly, so one canvas is often finished in an afternoon to a few evenings. If you want a realistic estimate per size and number of colors, read how long color by number takes. If you're looking for something with a needle, also check out our comparison between color by number and cross-stitch.
And the price?
At Stitchi Studio, a Color by Number Set with two canvases costs from €59.95 — and the smart thing is that both designs share the same color palette, so with one marker set, you can create two matching paintings. If you want something personal, our Custom Photo – Color by Number converts your own photo into a numbered canvas with matching markers, from €50.95 to €84.95 depending on the size. Diamond painting prices vary greatly by brand and size; small projects are inexpensive, while large sparkling canvases can add up. All prices with us show a strikethrough "starting from" price, and shipping is free, worldwide, with no minimum amount.
Which one suits you?
Choose diamond painting if you love glitter and texture, the calm, repetitive rhythm of placing beads, and if you don't mind a project taking a long time. Choose color by number if you want a real, matte painting, want to work cleanly and without drying time, want to be able to easily pause, and want to see a finished result faster. Still unsure? Start small with a set and discover why so many people find it so relaxing. For the most beautiful sets for inspiration, check out, for example, Mountain Landscapes or Animal Love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is color by number easier than diamond painting?
For many people, yes, especially concerning eyes and hands. You color larger areas with markers, which feels like writing, while diamond painting is fine precision work with small beads. Both are equally accessible for beginners: you don't need to be able to draw or paint anything.
Which looks better on the wall?
That's a matter of taste. Color by number creates a matte, painting-like canvas that looks like a real painting. Diamond painting creates a sparkling mosaic with texture that catches the light. If you want a classic painting, choose color by number; if you like glitter and sparkle, then diamond painting is your thing.
Which takes more time?
Diamond painting usually takes significantly more time because you place thousands of beads one by one. With color by number, you fill in areas and your image grows faster, so a canvas is often finished in an afternoon to a few evenings.
Can I easily pause both?
Yes, both are easy to pause. With color by number, you simply put the cap on the marker and continue later — no mess. With diamond painting, you can also stop, but loose beads can roll, so a tray and tweezers are handy.
Do I need drawing talent for color by number?
No. Everything is pre-printed and numbered: you simply color in area by area. Just like with diamond painting, you don't need to be able to draw or paint anything. If you choose more colors (36 or 48), you will naturally get more detail and smoother transitions.
Can I use my own photo?
Yes. With Custom Photo – Color by Number, you upload a photo, and we convert it into a numbered canvas with matching markers. This way, you can color in your own memory, from €50.95 to €84.95 depending on the size.