plzxplainGet the app

Guides

How to use plzxplain

Practical, plain-English guides for using the app’s tools with more confidence.

The Viewfinder tool framing a portrait with a rule-of-thirds grid and aspect-ratio controls
Composition

How to use Viewfinder

Frame a scene before you paint, using an aspect-ratio frame and composition grid.

The Block-In tool simplifying a church scene into large value shapes
Value

How to use Block-In

Turn a reference into a simple value, colour or shape study before you start painting.

The Overlay tool comparing a portrait reference and painted study
Technique

How to use Overlay

Line up a reference and a work in progress to check placement, angles and proportions.

A church scene carried from Viewfinder into a Gesture block-in
Composition

Understanding composition and the rule of thirds

How the rule of thirds works, and how plzxplain's Viewfinder and block-in tools support — without replacing — your own composition judgement.

The Construction tool measuring head proportions across a painted portrait
Technique

How to use Construction

On Android, check a front-facing portrait against simple head-proportion lines, privately on your device.