1Step 1 of 7
Draw the body
In the middle of your page, draw a wide oval for the body. It should be much wider than it is tall. Press lightly so you can fix it later.
▶ Watch this stepHow to Draw a Cartoon Crab
This cartoon crab starts with one wide oval, then you add eye stalks, a smile, big claws and legs. Watch each step being drawn in pencil, then copy it on your own paper. It works for kids from about age 4 and for adult beginners too.
7 easy steps 15 minutes Easy level Ages 4 and up
Copy the dark lines in each step. The grey lines are the parts you already drew.
How to draw a cartoon crab, step by step
2Step 2 of 7
Add the eye stalks
On top of the body, draw two short stalks sticking up, close to each other. At the top of each stalk, draw a round eye. Inside each eye, draw a dark pupil with a small white shine.
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3Step 3 of 7
Draw the face
On the front of the body, draw a big happy smile. Add a pink oval on each side of the smile for the cheeks.
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4Step 4 of 7
Draw the big claws
On each side of the body, draw an arm going up and out. At the end of each arm, draw a big round claw with a small notch in it, so it looks like an open pincer.
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5Step 5 of 7
Add the legs
Under the body, draw three thin, pointy legs on each side. Let them curve down and out.
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6Step 6 of 7
Draw the spots and bubbles
On the top of the shell, draw a few small round spots. Draw two small bubbles floating up above the crab and a wavy line of sand under it.
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7Step 7 of 7
Color your crab
Color the body, claws and legs red. Color the spots light red and the cheeks pink. Leave the eyes white with dark pupils and color the bubbles light blue.
▶ Watch this stepTips for a better cartoon crab
1
Draw light first
Keep your first lines soft, then press harder once you like the shape.
2
Wide body
A crab body is wide and flat. Make it about twice as wide as it is tall.
3
Claws up
Raising the claws makes the crab look happy, like it is waving.
4
Match both sides
Draw one claw and its legs, then copy them on the other side.
5
Go over the final lines
Trace your drawing with a darker pencil or a black pen so it stands out after coloring.
6
Add a beach
Draw a few shells and a starfish in the sand around your crab.
Done? Now make it colourful
Colour your cartoon crab in, or keep practising with more ideas to copy.
Questions people ask
Is this cartoon crab easy enough for young kids?
Yes. It is mostly an oval and simple claws, so most children from about age 4 can follow it.
How do I draw crab claws?
Draw a round shape at the end of each arm, then a small notch cut into it so it looks like an open pincer.
What colors do I need for a cartoon crab?
Red, light red, pink and light blue.
Can I draw a hermit crab with these steps?
Yes. Draw a spiral shell on the back of the crab and hide part of the body inside it.
Can I print the steps?
Yes. Right click or long press any step picture to save it, then print it and keep it next to you while you draw.
