11 August 2026 · 10 min read
The Diamond Art Glossary: Every Term Explained
If you've ever read a diamond art kit description and felt like you needed a translator, you're not alone. The hobby borrows some vocabulary from embroidery, some from jewelry making, and has invented a few terms entirely its own.
This glossary walks through the most common diamond painting terms you'll come across, from the materials in your kit to the techniques crafters use to finish faster or get a better result.
Core materials and kit terms
These are the words you'll see in almost every kit description and product listing, describing the physical pieces that make up a diamond art project.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Drill | The small faceted resin gem used to fill the canvas; also called a diamond or gem |
| Canvas | The printed, numbered adhesive surface the drills are placed onto |
| Symbol chart | The key that shows which drill number matches which color |
| Applicator pen | The wax-tipped tool used to pick up and place drills |
| Wax | The soft adhesive block the pen tip is dipped into |
| Sorting tray | A compartmentalized tray used to organize drills by number |
| Protective film | The plastic layer covering the sticky canvas until you're ready to work |
| Freestyle canvas | A blank canvas without a printed guide, used for custom designs |
Drill types and shapes
Not all drills are the same, and the type used in a kit affects both how it feels to work with and how the finished piece looks.
- Round drill. A cylindrical gem with a faceted top; easier to place and more forgiving of small misalignments.
- Square drill. A cube-shaped gem that fits edge to edge for a denser, mosaic-like finish.
- AB drill. Short for aurora borealis; a gem with an extra iridescent coating that shifts color in the light.
- Special-shaped drill. Drills cut in shapes other than round or square, sometimes used for accent details.
Canvas and backing terms
The canvas itself has its own set of vocabulary, especially around the materials and construction that determine how well it holds up.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Adhesive canvas | The sticky printed surface drills are pressed onto |
| Canvas backing | The material behind the printed layer; sturdier backing resists creasing |
| Numbered canvas | A canvas pre-printed with symbols matching each drill color |
| Full drill / full coverage | A design where the entire canvas is covered in gems, with no blank background |
| Partial drill | A design where only part of the image uses gems and the rest is printed canvas |
Color and coding terms
Diamond art borrows part of its color system from cross-stitch and embroidery, which is where a term like DMC comes from.
- DMC code. A standardized color numbering system originally from embroidery thread, sometimes used to label drill colors.
- Color chart. A printed key matching each numbered symbol to its corresponding drill color.
- Gradient. A smooth transition between shades of the same color, common in skies or shadows.
- Colorway. A specific color palette used in a design; the same design can sometimes come in more than one colorway.
Techniques and process terms
As you spend more time on the craft, you'll pick up on a few technique-related terms crafters use to describe how they work.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Section peeling | Uncovering only a small part of the canvas film at a time to keep the adhesive fresh |
| Tapping / pressing | Pressing a placed drill down firmly to secure it flat against the canvas |
| Sorting | Organizing loose drills by number before starting a section |
| Rolling | Storing an unfinished canvas rolled rather than folded to avoid creases |
| Sealing | Applying a protective spray or gel over a finished canvas to help drills stay in place |
Kit and format terms
Finally, a few terms describe the overall format or type of kit you're buying, which is useful to know while shopping.
- Custom diamond art. A kit made from your own photo rather than a pre-made design.
- Kit size. The finished canvas dimensions, usually listed in centimeters or inches.
- Surplus drills. Extra gems included beyond the exact amount needed, in case a few are lost.
- Starter kit. A smaller or simpler kit designed to introduce beginners to the craft.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'drill' mean in diamond art?
A drill is the small faceted resin gem placed onto the canvas; it's the core material of every diamond art kit.
What is an AB drill?
AB stands for aurora borealis, referring to a drill with an extra iridescent coating that shifts color depending on the light.
What does full drill mean?
A full drill (or full coverage) design means the entire canvas is covered in gems, with no visible printed background left uncovered.
What is a DMC code used for in diamond art?
It's a standardized color numbering system borrowed from embroidery thread, sometimes used to identify or match drill colors.
What's the difference between round and square drills?
Round drills are easier to place and more forgiving, while square drills fit edge to edge for a denser, more uniform sparkle.
What does freestyle canvas mean?
It refers to a blank adhesive canvas without a printed design, typically used for fully custom diamond art projects.
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