How to Draw a Crab

In this very simple tutorial, consisting of five elementary steps, we will show you how to draw a crab, one of the most famous and ancient creatures still living on planet Earth.

This animal is closely related to a crayfish, shrimp, and other crustaceans. A crab is not the most complex creature to depict, and we are sure that with these step-by-step instructions you will be able to draw one without much difficulty.

How to draw a crab step by step

Step 1: Sketch the crab body

First, draw the body of the crab. It is a rounded shape with a narrower bottom and a very wide top. This shape does not have to be perfectly symmetrical. Keep the lines light at this stage so that you can easily erase and correct them later.

Step 2: Add claws and legs

At the top, mark the large claws, then draw the legs on both sides of the body. The upper pairs should be noticeably larger than the lower ones. Use lines light because the shapes will be refined later.

Step 3: Draw the crab details

Now add the details that make the crab more recognizable. Draw the small eyes at the top of the body and make the upper edge of the shell slightly wavy. Next, refine the claws by adding their characteristic split tips and joint lines.

Step 4: Refine the crustacean outlines

Now make the crab look cleaner and more realistic. Trace the body, claws, and legs with darker and clearer lines. Then use an eraser to remove all unnecessary guidelines. If you kept the first lines light, they should come off easily.

Step 5: Shade the crab shell

Finish the crab drawing by adding shadows with hatching. Darken the lower parts of the shell, claws, and legs where less light reaches them. Use some of the same short strokes on the shell to covey its uneven surface and natural pattern.

We tried not to complicate this tutorial so that both a beginner and a more experienced artist could learn how to draw a crab. If you want to practice drawing another similar crustacean, try our tutorial on drawing a crayfish.