Draw a Crab

Crabs are the mascot of every beach trip, which makes this a favorite summer drawing when the sand has been shaken out of the shoes but the holiday mood is still going. Kids draw a crab online right in the browser, color it with taps instead of markers, then sign it and save it, so the picture makes it to the fridge or a family group chat without a single spilled paint cup. Crab coloring is quick too: red or orange all over, white eyes, done.

The guided steps keep every line honest and small, one at a time. First the big wide oval body, then a bendy arm and pincer on each side, six little legs drawn as quick single strokes, two silly eyes up on stalks, and one big happy smile to finish. Each stroke is checked as it is drawn, which is what makes this an easy crab drawing for kids rather than a test.

At twelve steps it is a touch longer than our shortest animals, but every step is a small one, so it suits ages 4 to 8 nicely. The repeating legs are actually great practice, and kids love adding freehand extras at the end, like a seashell, a starfish friend or a wavy line of sea.

Is the crab drawing good for beginners?

Yes. It starts from one big oval, and the pincers are the only bendy part. The six legs are short single strokes, so beginners get lots of easy wins in a row, and the guided checking keeps anyone from getting stuck.

How long does the crab drawing take?

About five to six minutes for the twelve guided steps, since most of them are quick little leg strokes. Coloring usually takes another few minutes.

Why do the crab's eyes sit on sticks?

Real crabs have eyes on stalks so they can peek over the sand, and kids think it is the funniest part of the drawing. In this tutorial each stalk and eye is one friendly stroke, like drawing a little lollipop.

Keep going: printable crab tutorial · more animals · drawing ideas for kids