How To Draw A Key –In Easy Steps

In this drawing lesson, you’ll learn the simple steps for how to draw a key.

A good way to learn the drawing process is to break objects into basic shapes.

And that’s what we’ve done. We have separated each basic shape of a key and put them into separate, easy steps to draw.  

Not all keys are alike and will have different shapes, often based on their purpose.

Once you learn how to draw the form of the key in the reference image, you’ll be able to draw many different key types, including car keys and even ones for a treasure chest. 

Here’s another great common tool you can draw– a hammer.

And for other fun drawing lessons, check out how to draw a cool lightning bolt, a glass jar, an alarm clock, and this fun shirt. 

Materials For How to Draw A Key

• Sheet of paper
• Pencil
• Eraser
• Pencil sharpener

It’s a good idea to have a few sheets of paper on hand in case you want to redraw a step.

Optional Materials

• Black pen
• Crayons
• Markers
• Colored pencils

Ready to sharpen your drawing skills? Let’s move on to the first step.

How To Draw A Key Step By Step Tutorial

Step 1. Draw The Key’s Head

First, you’ll draw the top of the key by making a circle.

Step 2. Make The Key’s Blade

Now for the outline of the blade, draw a rectangle connecting the top part of the key.

Place it just inside the right side of the circle. 

Step 3. Draw The Tip Of The Key

Go ahead and erase the vertical line on the key’s head you drew in the previous step. 

Next, create the bottom of the key by drawing a small triangle at the end of the rectangle.

Step 4. Create The Shoulder

For this next step, you’ll create the sides of the wider part of the blade.

First, erase the line between the blade and tip of the key from the last step.

Then draw two short straight lines on the sides of the key’s blade, right where it meets the head. They will be just slightly outside the blade.

Then connect them with a short vertical line. You’ll be left with a little indent before the ridges start, which you’ll be drawing in the next step.

Step 5. Draw Key’s Ridges

Now create the inner details. You’ll start near the top (or left) edge of the key, a little bit further down the blade (about ¼ of the way down).

Draw a short angled line inward, then make a series of three bumps. The same shapes you make on this side of the key, you will mirror on the other side.

Step 6. Make The Profile Contour On The Front Of The Key

For this next step, erase the small rectangle where the key’s head and blade meet.

Now to make the contour in the middle, draw two long parallel lines down the middle of the blade, stopping before the tip starts.

Step 7. Round Off The Contour

To start, erase the lines that cover each side of the key’s furrow.

Next, connect the parallel lines with a short curved line at each end to have a thin rectangle with rounded ends.

Step 8. Draw The Keyring Hole

For the last step, draw a small circle near the upper part of the key.

And then feel free to add final touches to your key drawing, such as coloring it in.

To make the key look more realistic, you could add some shading, or lighter highlights if you are coloring it.

You may also want to check out how to draw a banner ribbon!

Don’t forget to Pin it for later!