Square vs Round Drills: Which Is Best for Your Custom Diamond Painting?

“The shape of your drills can completely change how your diamond painting looks—and how much you enjoy it.”

That’s not an exaggeration. Whether you’re creating a masterpiece from a vacation photo, a beloved pet, or even your kid’s drawing, choosing between square and round drills can make or break the experience—and the final sparkle.

So, how do you choose? In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both shapes, help you decide based on your photo and style, and share pro tips for getting the best results. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or exploring diamond painting kits for the first time, this article has you covered.

What Are Drills in Diamond Painting?

In diamond painting, “drills” are the small resin or acrylic beads that you place onto a sticky canvas to recreate an image. Each drill represents a pixel—so the shape you choose affects how the full picture looks.

There are two main types:

• Square drills: Fit together edge to edge without gaps, giving a crisp, tiled finish.
  
  
• Round drills: Easier to place, with tiny spaces between them that create a more sparkly and textured look.
  
  

Think of it like building a puzzle: square drills are precise and seamless, while round drills are relaxed and fun. Both create beautiful results—it’s just a matter of which vibe fits your project best.

Why Choose Square Drills?

If you're aiming for detail, definition, and a flawless finish, square drills are your best friend. They’re especially popular in custom diamond painting kits, where capturing the fine details of a personal photo really matters.

Advantages of Square Drills:

• High Detail: Square drills are smaller and pack tighter, meaning more of them fit into a space. This gives you sharper lines and better clarity—perfect for portraits or pet photos.
  
• Seamless Finish: Once completed, a square drill canvas looks like a high-res mosaic.
  
• That Satisfying “Snap”: When a square drill fits perfectly into place, it creates a soft click that’s oddly addictive.
  
  

Potential Downsides:

• More Time-Consuming: Because they need to be aligned more carefully, square drills can slow you down.
  
• More Effort Required: For beginners, getting those edges to line up might feel a bit frustrating at first.
  

Best for:

Custom images with fine details—like faces, fur, or text. If you want your art to have a clean, polished, realistic look, go with square.

Why Choose Round Drills?

Round drills are the free-spirited cousin of square drills. They’re fun, fast, and forgiving—which makes them ideal for beginners or for crafting with family.

Advantages of Round Drills:

• Easier to Place: No need to worry about perfect alignment—just pop them in.
  
• Faster Completion: You’ll breeze through canvases faster with round drills, making them ideal for quick gifts or projects.
  
• Extra Sparkle: The round shape reflects more light, creating a dazzling effect that stands out in colorful scenes.
  
  

Things to Consider:

• Less Definition: Since there are small gaps between the drills, you may lose some image sharpness, especially in complex portraits.
• Visible Canvas: Tiny spaces between drills might be noticeable, especially in darker areas.
  
  

Best for:

Abstract art, floral scenes, landscapes, and simpler custom diamond painting projects. Round drills are also great for diamond painting for kids, since they’re easier to handle and less frustrating.

Custom Diamond Painting: How Drill Shape Impacts the Final Look

When it comes to custom diamond painting, the shape of the drills isn’t just about preference—it affects how your cherished photo turns out.

Choose square drills when:

• The photo has lots of small features (e.g., eyelashes, fur, or background textures).
  
  
• You want a seamless, photo-realistic finish.
  
  
• You enjoy detail work and a more meditative crafting process.
  
  

Choose round drills when:

• You want to complete the painting quickly and easily.
  
  
• The photo has soft edges, bold colors, or lighting effects.
  
  
• You’re crafting with children or looking for a relaxing hobby.
  
  

Example:
 Let’s say you’re turning a family beach photo into a custom kit. If you want to see every wave and smile clearly, square drills offer that crispness. But if you’re more focused on the warm lighting and overall vibe, round drills bring out the sparkle and emotion beautifully.

Choosing Between Square and Round: What Really Matters

Still can’t decide? Ask yourself a few simple questions:

• Is this your first time trying diamond painting?
  → Start with round drills—they’re beginner-friendly and less intimidating.
  
  
• Do you enjoy puzzles, precision, and tiny details?
  → Go for square drills—they’ll challenge and reward your inner perfectionist.
  
  
• Is the image you’re using soft and colorful, or sharp and detailed?
  → Use round drills for soft scenes, and square drills for precision.
  
  
• Are you making a gift or something fun with your kids?
  → Choose round drills—they're perfect for diamond painting for kids and casual crafting.
  

And if you’re feeling adventurous—try both. Many crafters enjoy switching between square and round depending on the project.

Tips for Success With Any Drill Shape

Whether you're team square or team round, a few best practices can make your diamond painting journey smoother:

• Start with the background: It helps with alignment and builds momentum.
  
  
• Use a light pad: Especially helpful with square drills for precision placement.
  
  
• Work in sections: Peeling the cover in small areas avoids dust and smudging.
  
  
• Store drills carefully: A labeled organizer can save you hours of frustration.
  
  
• Seal your painting: Once completed, use a sealant to protect your artwork and enhance shine.
  
  

If you're shopping for diamond painting kits, look for options that offer drill shape choice, especially in custom diamond painting. The flexibility ensures you get exactly the finish you're looking for.

The Final Word: Sparkle Your Way

There’s no universal winner in the square vs. round debate. The best choice comes down to your style, your photo, and your goals.

• Choose square drills if you want precise, professional-looking results with crisp details.
  
  
• Choose round drills if you want fun, fast, and fabulous sparkle—perfect for relaxing or sharing the hobby with loved ones.
  
  

Whatever you choose, the joy is in the process—and the final shimmer on your wall.

🎨 Ready to get started?
Explore our full range of custom diamond painting kits, where you can upload your own photo, choose your drill shape, and turn your memories into art. Whether you’re crafting solo or sharing the sparkle with kids, there’s a perfect kit waiting for you.