Can I photograph fabric swatches from a store or supplier?

Yes. You can photograph samples in-store or at a showroom. The background removal handles most common backgrounds including display boards and countertops.

Does this work with very small swatches?

Yes. Small swatches work well when photographed up close with good lighting. Using your phone's close-up or portrait mode helps fill the frame.

Can I mix fabric photos with product screenshots from websites?

Yes. You can upload any image, including screenshots from supplier websites, and place them alongside photos of physical swatches for comparison.

How do I share the finished board with a client?

Export the canvas as a PNG and share it via email, messaging, or any shared drive. The image format opens on any device.

Can I add text labels to my swatches on the board?

Canvi focuses on visual object placement. For text labels, add them in any image editor after exporting the canvas.

Build a Texture Board from Your Actual Materials

Photograph fabric swatches, linen samples, woven textiles, and any material you love. Strip the backgrounds and arrange them into a cohesive visual that captures the feel you're going for.

Why people use it

See how fabric colors and textures interact before ordering materials
Build a client presentation board using real sourced samples
Compare multiple material options side by side without spreading physical samples everywhere
Create a cohesive visual reference for a renovation or fashion project
Archive your final material choices as an exportable reference image

How it works

Photograph each swatch: Lay fabric, linen, or material samples on a clean flat surface and photograph them individually. Good consistent lighting keeps colors accurate.
Remove backgrounds automatically: Upload to Canvi and backgrounds are stripped from each swatch, leaving just the material.
Arrange on your board: Place swatches on the canvas, overlapping and layering as needed. Try groupings by tone, texture, or end use.
Export and share: Export the finished board as a PNG to share with clients, suppliers, or collaborators.

Use cases

Interior material palette: Group upholstery fabric, curtain linen, rug texture, and cushion swatches to confirm the palette works as a whole before ordering.
Fashion collection fabric board: Arrange fabric options for a clothing collection to visualize how textures and tones relate across different garments.
Brand material reference: Photograph branded materials, packaging textures, and product finishes into a single board that defines the tactile identity of a brand.
Client sample presentation: Build a board using sourced samples to present material options to clients in a polished, easy-to-read visual format.

Tips

Photograph swatches under consistent natural light to keep colors true across all materials
Lay a neutral grey card next to swatches in the photo to help calibrate color accuracy when comparing
Include a small scale reference like a coin in one photo to help judge swatch proportions on the board
Try grouping swatches by value (light to dark) and by texture (smooth to rough) to test different board logics
Export multiple board arrangements and compare them before deciding on the final material palette

Frequently asked questions

Can I photograph fabric swatches from a store or supplier?: Yes. You can photograph samples in-store or at a showroom. The background removal handles most common backgrounds including display boards and countertops.
Does this work with very small swatches?: Yes. Small swatches work well when photographed up close with good lighting. Using your phone's close-up or portrait mode helps fill the frame.
Can I mix fabric photos with product screenshots from websites?: Yes. You can upload any image, including screenshots from supplier websites, and place them alongside photos of physical swatches for comparison.
How do I share the finished board with a client?: Export the canvas as a PNG and share it via email, messaging, or any shared drive. The image format opens on any device.
Can I add text labels to my swatches on the board?: Canvi focuses on visual object placement. For text labels, add them in any image editor after exporting the canvas.