Free Papel Picado Templates

Eight printable designs, from an easy template for kids to a detailed sugar skull. Every template is a free letter-size PDF: print it, fold your tissue paper behind it and cut away the gray areas.

Which template should I start with?

• First time or with young kids: Easy (for Kids) or Hearts. Quarter folds mean fewer cuts.
• For an ofrenda: Sugar Skull, Marigold and Monarch Butterfly together make a classic Día de los Muertos banner.
• For a pet’s altar: Pet Paw, and see the pet ofrenda guide.

Printing tips

• Print at 100% (“actual size”). On A4 paper, choose “fit to page”.
• Tissue paper is too thin to feed through most printers. Print on normal paper and use it as a cutting guide on top of the tissue.
• Teachers: download all eight templates in one class pack PDF.

Want something different? Design your own papel picado in the online maker and print it the same way.