Graffiti letter X

The graffiti letter X is two diagonals crossing, and it already looks like graffiti: sharp, symmetrical and full of direction. The X in every style comes first below, then steps, mistakes and ways to use its four ends.

Throw-up graffiti X with chrome fill and black outline — Throw-up

Handstyle graffiti letter X with drips — Handstyle

Blockbuster graffiti X with a 3D block — Blockbuster

Old English letter X in gothic chicano style — Old English

Stencil letter X for spray paint — Stencil

Neon graffiti letter X glowing on a dark wall — Neon

How to draw an X in graffiti

To draw an X in graffiti, pencil two diagonals crossing slightly above the middle, make one stroke thicker than the other, and flatten the two bottom ends so the letter stands. Thicken it, keep the four triangular gaps open, outline it and add 3D. Turn one or two ends into arrows.

Cross high. Pencil two diagonals crossing just above the center.
Thick and thin. Make the stroke from top left to bottom right the heavier one.
Feet. Flatten the bottom ends so they sit on the line.
Choose arrows. Pick one or two ends to extend into arrows.
Clear the crossing. Ink it, check the crossing has not filled into a blob, then extrude.

Letter structure: the parts of an X

An X is two diagonals crossing. Four arms surround the crossing, with an open counter between each pair. In serif type the top-left to bottom-right stroke is the thick one. The crossing is the spot that clogs: thick strokes plus outline can leave a dark lump there.

The X in bubble, blockbuster, wildstyle, throw-up and Old English

Bubble. Two fat, crossing sausages. Round the ends and keep the gaps deep.

Blockbuster. Two crossed slabs. Every arm shows depth, so it suits a deep 3D block.

Wildstyle. The four ends become arrows pointing different ways; split the crossing for extra interlock.

Throw-up. Two quick strokes, filled flat. One of the fastest letters to throw.

Old English. The blackletter X pairs one thick diagonal with one hairline diagonal, with curling ends.

Common mistakes with a graffiti X

Two equal strokes crossing in the exact center. It looks flat.
A blob at the crossing. Thin the strokes slightly where they meet or the counters close.
Arrows on all four ends. It looks like a compass; keep it to one or two.

Uppercase or lowercase X?

The lowercase x is the capital shrunk to x-height, and at that size the crossing clogs even faster. Move the crossing up, make one stroke thicker and keep the four gaps generous.

Adding arrows to an X

Any of the four ends can be an arrow. Pick one or two, pointing in the direction you want the word to move. See how whole words lock together in wildstyle.

Making an X flow in a word

The four ends of an X can each point to a different neighbor. X is rare at the start of English words but common at the end (Max, Alex, Rex, Fox). As the final letter, its upper right arm can rise as the closing arrow of the whole piece. In "EX" and "AX", the X can overlap the letter before it, since its open sides leave room.

Want to see it with your own name? Type it into the graffiti letter generator, or learn the whole process step by step in how to draw graffiti.

Practice words with X

Tap one to see it in graffiti, then draw it yourself.

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Questions people ask

How do you make a graffiti X more interesting?

Make one stroke thicker, move the cross above the middle, and turn one or two ends into arrows. You can also split one diagonal where the other crosses it, so the X looks woven, or add a deep 3D block that shows on all four arms.

Which graffiti style suits the letter X?

Block and wild styles. The X is already sharp and symmetrical, so blockbuster 3D and wildstyle arrows suit it better than round bubble letters. It still works as a bubble letter if you keep the four gaps deep, but it loses some of its edge.

How do you draw a blockbuster X?

Draw two thick, straight slabs crossing just above the middle, with every end cut flat. Clip the outer corners slightly and keep the four gaps clean. Pick a light direction and extrude every arm the same depth: with four arms, the 3D block shows on all sides, which is why the X looks so solid in this style.

Can I download these graffiti X letters?

Yes. They are free for personal use, such as school work, social media and gifts. For a transparent PNG or an SVG, make the X in the generator. For commercial use, see the image license.