How to Draw the TARDIS: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to travel through time and space? This tutorial is perfect for young artists ages 7+ who want to master geometric shapes while drawing their favorite time machine. You will only need a pencil, an eraser, and a ruler to keep those lines sharp. Let’s bring the TARDIS to life on your page!

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A vibrant, finished drawing of the TARDIS, ready for time travel.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Main Body

A simple vertical rectangle drawn in pencil representing the main structure of the TARDIS.

Draw a tall, vertical rectangle to serve as the main body of the TARDIS. Teacher's Tip: Use a ruler to keep your lines straight, and press lightly with your pencil so you can easily adjust the proportions later.

Step 2: Adding the Base

Adding a horizontal rectangle at the bottom of the main body to form the TARDIS base.

Draw a narrow, horizontal rectangle directly beneath your main shape. This creates the sturdy foundation of the police box. Tip: Make this base slightly wider than the main body to give it a grounded, realistic look.

Step 3: Defining the Roof and Doors

Drawing the roof layers and the outline of the TARDIS doors.

Add two thin rectangles on top of the main body for the roof structure. Then, draw a large rectangle inside the main body to frame the doors. Tip: Keep your inner rectangle centered to ensure the doors look symmetrical.

Step 4: Drawing the Sign

Adding the rectangular sign box above the TARDIS doors.

Draw a horizontal rectangle just above the doors with a smaller one inside it. This is the iconic 'Police Box' sign area. Tip: Use your ruler to ensure these lines are perfectly parallel to the top of the door frame.

Step 5: Creating the Door Panels

Splitting the door area into two panels with a vertical line.

Divide the main door area into two vertical sections by drawing a line down the middle. Tip: This helps define the two separate doors that swing open to reveal the TARDIS interior.

Step 6: Adding the Windows

Drawing the window panes at the top of the TARDIS doors.

Draw small squares at the top of each door. Add a cross inside each square to create the window panes. Tip: If the squares are too small for your pencil, try using a fine-liner pen for more precision.

Step 7: Detailing the Panels

Adding rectangular decorative panels to the lower half of the TARDIS doors.

Add three rectangular panels down the length of each door. Tip: Keep them evenly spaced so your TARDIS looks neat and professional.

Step 8: Final Structural Details

Adding the door handle, lock, and the lantern light on top of the TARDIS.

Draw the door handle, the lock, and the lantern on top. The lantern is a small bell shape with a circle on top. Tip: Take your time with the lantern—it’s the signature light that tells us the TARDIS is ready to travel!

Step 9: Adding the Signage

Adding the 'POLICE BOX' text to the sign and instructions to the door.

Carefully print 'POLICE BOX' on the top sign and 'FREE FOR USE OF PUBLIC' on the door. Tip: If the letters are too small, you can use a fine-tip marker or just draw small lines to represent the text.

Step 10: Bringing it to Life with Color

The completed TARDIS drawing colored in traditional blue.

Color your TARDIS a deep, iconic blue. Use a lighter blue for the windows to make them look like they are glowing. Tip: Use colored pencils and layer your strokes to create a smooth, solid finish.