How To Make A Drone (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Make A Drone » How To Make A Drone (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Make a Drone PDF download Download Article Explore this Article parts 1 Building the Base of the Drone 2 Installing the Drive System 3 Connecting the Controls Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article X

This article was reviewed by Luigi Oppido. Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 421,123 times.

Drones are small remote-controlled aircraft you can pilot yourself. There are many kinds of drones you can build and operate, but a simple quadcopter is the easiest to build and control for beginners. A simple drone is a great way to get started learning about how they work and practice piloting them before moving up to more expensive and complex platforms.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Building the Base of the Drone

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Find a quadcopter design in a book or online for reference. 1 Find a quadcopter design in a book or online for reference. There are many websites and books devoted specifically to building your own drone. The most common kind of home-built drone tends to start with an “X” shape that allows you to mount 4 rotors (called a quadcopter). This design is easy to build and is used even on high-end drones.
    • Having a design to follow will help make it easier to decide where best to place each component.
    • Once you've finished a quadcopter drone, you can try larger designs that incorporate more motors to carry more equipment like cameras.
    • Many drone designs are available for free online if you search “DIY drone design.”
  2. Step 2 Make a frame for the drone out of metal, plastic, or wood. 2 Make a frame for the drone out of metal, plastic, or wood. Begin constructing your frame using the material of your choice. Model plastic, balsa wood, or thin metal (thinner than .25 inches (0.64 cm)) are best. For a simple quadcopter design, lay one 12 in (30 cm) long piece of wood, plastic or light metal across another, so it creates an “X” shape with 90-degree angles. Each extending arm of the drone frame should reach toward what would be the corner of a perfect square you could draw around the frame. Choose a frame material that is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide to support mounting your engines.[1]
    • You can purchase model plastic, thin metal, or balsa wood at most hobby or model stores. You can also find these materials at drone retailers or on websites like Amazon.
    • Use glue or duct tape to secure the two pieces of your frame together.
    • Don't move on to the next step until the pieces of the frame are secure and any glue you've used has dried.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Purchase motors, propellers and other electronics from a drone retailer. 3 Purchase motors, propellers and other electronics from a drone retailer. There are some components of your drone that can't be built from scratch, so you'll need to purchase them. If there is no drone retailer nearby, many hobby stores that carry model rockets and R/C airplanes will carry them.[2]
    • You will need to purchase speed controllers, a power distribution board, and a flight controller along with the motors and propellers. Note that most modern flight controller comes integrated with power distribution board.
    • If you have trouble finding the parts you need, many drone specific online retailers, as well as large retailers like Amazon, carry these parts.
    • Drone engines should be rated to produce a total of twice as much thrust as the drone weighs. If your quadcopter will weigh 800 grams (28 oz), each engine should produce 400 grams (14 oz) so the combined total amount of thrust will equal 1,600 grams (56 oz).
    • Make sure the speed controller current rating is higher than that of your motor.
    • You can often buy these components in bundles.
  4. Step 4 Drill holes in the frame to support the motors. 4 Drill holes in the frame to support the motors. Most motors mount using anywhere from 2 to 4 screws. Place one motor at the end of one of the drone's extended arms and make marks where the holes need to be drilled. Then use those holes to guide you when using the drill.
    • If you are using self-setting wood screws on a wood or plastic frame, drill the holes smaller than the diameter of the screws so they can work as a guide.
    • If you are using metal, drill holes of the same diameter of the mounting bolts you'll use. You will then need to use nuts on the underside of the bolts to secure them in place.
  5. Step 5 Cut 4 .5 in (1.3 cm) rings from a 4 in (10 cm) PVC pipe to make landing gear. 5 Cut 4 .5 in (1.3 cm) rings from a 4 in (10 cm) PVC pipe to make landing gear. Lay the pipe on its side and mark it where you'll make your cut. Then use a saw to cut all four sections, so you're left with 4 plastic rings made of PVC pipe.
    • These four rings will serve as lightweight landing gear for your drone.
    • The cuts don't have to be perfect as long as the rings are thick enough to be sturdy, but the better the finish on your cuts, the better the drone will look.
  6. Step 6 Stand the landing gear rings on their side and attach them with duct tape. 6 Stand the landing gear rings on their side and attach them with duct tape. Place one ring on its side beneath each arm of the drone's frame, then use thin strips of duct tape to secure the rings to the arms. The drone will now stand on its own on your table.
    • You can use glue instead of tape, but make sure it's completely dry before moving on.
    • Keep the rings in the middle of the arms so they don't interfere with the placement of your motors or other components.
    7. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Installing the Drive System

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Mount the motors on the frame. 1 Mount the motors on the frame. Place each motor over the holes you drilled for them and then use screws or bolts to secure them in place. Then slide the propellers over the posts extending from the top of the motors and screw the caps that came with the motors over the top of the posts.[3]
    • The drone frame now has landing gear and motors, but the center portion of the frame should still be empty.
    • Tighten the bolts or screws securely so the motors can't wiggle at all on the frame. Any slack will create vibrations that can make the drone unstable.
  2. Step 2 Use zip ties to secure the speed controllers to the bottom of the frame. 2 Use zip ties to secure the speed controllers to the bottom of the frame. The electronic speed controllers that connect to the motors should be mounted on the underside of the drone frame to prevent it from getting too top heavy when you add the rest of the components. Zip ties are an easy way to attach them. Run the zip ties through the mounting loops on the speed controllers (or just across them) and over the frame. Then pull the zip ties tight so the controllers are firmly held in place.[4]
    • Don't use glue the first time you assemble your drone, as you may find you want to adjust the positioning of different components based on how it flies.
    • The speed controllers regulate how fast the motors on the drone spin. This ensures all four motors spin at the same speed so the drone will be level as it flies.
  3. Step 3 Secure the battery to the frame. 3 Secure the battery to the frame. Consider the size and shape of your battery when looking for the right place to mount it. If it's flat, you can mount it in the center of the drone and then mount other components on top of it. If not, you may want to mount the battery on the underside of the drone along with the speed controllers.[5]
    • In most applications, mounting the battery in the center of the top of the frame is the best place.
    • Use zip ties to hold the battery in place so you can remove it and move it if you need to adjust the weight distribution of the drone later.
  4. Step 4 Install the power distribution board. 4 Install the power distribution board. Center the power distribution board on the drone frame, on top of the battery if you placed it there as well. Connect the lines from the speed controllers and the battery to the board once you've zip tied it down.[6]
    • The power distribution board relays the right amount of power to each component to keep the drone operating smoothly.
  5. Step 5 Attach the flight controller to the drone frame with zip ties and connect it. 5 Attach the flight controller to the drone frame with zip ties and connect it. The flight controller relays information from the remote control to the power distribution board. Position it on top of the power distribution board and then zip tie it down.
    • Refer to the instructions for the flight controller and power distribution box to connect them properly, but in most applications, the connection will be one clearly marked wire that plugs directly from one into the other.
    6. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Connecting the Controls

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Buy a wireless remote control system that works with your flight controller. 1 Buy a wireless remote control system that works with your flight controller. Ask for help at your local hobby store or drone retailer to make sure to choose a remote control system that works with your specific flight controller. Often, you can buy them in bundles, but if not, the remote control system will list the flight controller systems it is compatible with on the box. Choose one that lists your flight controller.[7]
    • The remote control system will come with the remote control itself that you'll use to pilot your drone.
    • Check to see if your system takes off-the-shelf batteries or is rechargeable. You'll need to power it to connect it to your flight control system.
  2. Step 2 Connect the motors to the speed controllers. 2 Connect the motors to the speed controllers. Run the wires from the motors to their respective speed controllers on the underside of the drone's frame so power can be transferred into the motors once you power the drone up. While these connections may vary from brand to brand, they are usually a simple male/female connection that just needs to be pressed together.[8]
    • If your components don't have a simple connector, refer to the instruction manual for the speed controller to assess the best way to connect them.
    • You may need to solder the wire directly to a port on the motor itself. If so, check the manual for the motor as well, to ensure you're soldering the wire to the correct port.
  3. Step 3 Charge the drone battery. 3 Charge the drone battery. Use the power supply that came with your battery to plug it into a wall outlet. Leave it plugged in until it reaches a maximum charge (usually four hours, but refer to the instructions that came with your battery to check for your specific application).
    • You'll need the drone's flight controller powered to connect it to the remote control system.
    • Many drone operators choose to purchase and charge multiple batteries, as each one will only power the drone in flight for a few minutes before needing to be recharged again.
  4. Step 4 Link the remote control system to the flight controller. 4 Link the remote control system to the flight controller. Follow the instructions that came with your remote control system to establish a link between the remote control and the flight controller mounted on the drone.
    • On many applications, this connection is easy to establish: simply hold the sync button on both the remote control and the flight controller while they're near each other and the two will link up.
  5. Step 5 Fly your drone... 5 Fly your drone in the air. Turn on both the drone (using the switch on the flight controller) and the radio control. Drone controls usually have at least two joysticks: the left stick controls the yaw (or the direction the drone is pointed) by moving left to right, and the throttle by going forward and backward. The right stick controls the roll (left to right) and the pitch (pointing the “nose” down or up).[9]
    • Use the left stick to control speed and direction.
    • Use the right stick to control the orientation of the drone (leaning left or right, angled up or down).
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How much weight can a made drone carry? Community Answer Community Answer It can carry 400 grams to more than 700, based on the size and the power of the motors or frame that you used. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 37 Helpful 124
  • Question Where do I get the parts to make a drone? Community Answer Community Answer Go to banggood.com and find the frame, the brushless motors, a VTX, a DOF flight controller for multicopter for RC drone, ESCs, PDB and an FPV cam (optional). Remember to buy batteries and a transmitter. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 43 Helpful 149
  • Question Is there a cheaper way than this to make a drone? Community Answer Community Answer It depends on your choices. You can buy cheap motors and a plastic frame for a few dollars, and there are also inexpensive controllers on the market. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 33 Helpful 104
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

  • Check with your local laws and regulations pertaining to flying drones before you take yours out. Thanks Helpful 29 Not Helpful 7
  • Never fly your drone near or over airports. Thanks Helpful 31 Not Helpful 9
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • 2 Pieces of wood, plastic or metal that measure 12 inches (30 cm) by 1 inch (2.5 cm)
  • Flight Controller System
  • 4 Motors and propellers
  • 4 Electronic Speed Controllers
  • Power Distribution Board
  • Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) battery
  • Remote Control System
  • Duct tape
  • Zip Ties
  • PVC pipe that is 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter

You Might Also Like

How toMake a Flying Model Plane from Scratch Build RC CarsHow toBuild RC Cars Build a Remote Controlled RobotHow toBuild a Remote Controlled Robot Build an AirplaneHow toBuild an Airplane Build a Robot CarMaking a Robot Car: Chassis, Circuits, Programming, & More Build a Wind TurbineHow toBuild a Wind Turbine Build an Antweight Combat RobotHow toBuild an Antweight Combat Robot Build a Robot at HomeHow toBuild a Robot at Home Make a PropellerHow toMake a Propeller Make a KiteHow toMake a Kite Fly a Small DroneHow toFly a Small Drone Build a Strong CatapultHow toBuild a Strong Catapult Build a BlimpHow toBuild a Blimp Wire a Variable or Fixed Speed DC Motor CircuitHow toWire a Variable or Fixed Speed DC Motor Circuit Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Aero_p058/aerodynamics-hydrodynamics/diy-drone-how-much-weight
  2. ↑ https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Aero_p058/aerodynamics-hydrodynamics/diy-drone-how-much-weight
  3. ↑ https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Aero_p058/aerodynamics-hydrodynamics/diy-drone-how-much-weight
  4. ↑ https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0255559
  5. ↑ https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0255559
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpHwXpXtDJA
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAfQckZ6qps
  8. ↑ https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0255559
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tnc0Vx3sXU

About This Article

Luigi Oppido Reviewed by: Luigi Oppido Computer & Tech Specialist This article was reviewed by Luigi Oppido. Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years. This article has been viewed 421,123 times. 528 votes - 81% Co-authors: 40 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 421,123 Categories: Featured Articles | Aviation | DIY Article SummaryX

To make a drone, you'll need some model wood, metal, or plastic for the frame, as well as the electrical components, which include motors, propellers, speed controllers, a flight controller, and a power distribution board. Once you have your supplies, make an "X" shaped frame with your model material and use glue or duct tape to secure it. Then, mount the electrical components on the frame with zip ties and screws. When you're finished, you can get a wireless remote control system that pairs with your flight controller so you can fly your drone. To learn how to mount the electrical components on your drone, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 421,123 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Soham Mazumdar

    Soham Mazumdar

    Jan 25, 2022

    "This is the most helpful article in Google that tells us how to build a drone step by step. I liked it a lot!" Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Luigi Oppido Reviewed by: Luigi Oppido Computer & Tech Specialist Co-authors: 40 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 421,123 81% of readers found this article helpful. 528 votes - 81% Click a star to add your vote Soham Mazumdar

Soham Mazumdar

Jan 25, 2022

"This is the most helpful article in Google that tells us how to build a drone step by step. I liked it a lot!" Rated this article: Bbale Charles

Bbale Charles

Aug 14, 2022

"My mission is to become a scientist where people can be inspired by me. I know that my dream will come true." Md S.

Md S.

Feb 5, 2025

"I got more instructions about the drone, and it helped me learn how to make a drone. Thank you for that!" Eric Sniper

Eric Sniper

Jun 10, 2019

"I have known all items I need, so I'm gonna try it out. It was fun learning." Rated this article: Liness Mhone

Liness Mhone

Dec 10, 2018

"I can make a drone now, and it was fun!" Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Which Murder Drones Character Am I QuizWhich Murder Drones Character Am I QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizWhat Instrument Should I Play QuizWhat Instrument Should I Play QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Minecraft Player Am I QuizWhat Kind of Minecraft Player Am I QuizTake QuizGhost Hunting GameGhost Hunting GamePlayWhat Bird Am I QuizWhat Bird Am I QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Make a Flying Model Plane from ScratchHow toMake a Flying Model Plane from ScratchBuild RC CarsHow toBuild RC CarsBuild a Remote Controlled RobotHow toBuild a Remote Controlled RobotBuild an AirplaneHow toBuild an Airplane

Trending Articles

What Emojis Mean Sex?What Emojis Mean Sex?100+ Flirty Things to Say to a Girl & Boost Her Self-Esteem100+ Flirty Things to Say to a Girl & Boost Her Self-EsteemType A B C D Personality TestType A B C D Personality TestKissing Tips: The wikiHow Guide to the Perfect KissKissing Tips: The wikiHow Guide to the Perfect KissTell That Your Crush Likes You BackHow toTell That Your Crush Likes You BackCat Sleeping Positions: 22 Common Poses ExplainedCat Sleeping Positions: 22 Common Poses Explained

Watch Articles

Calculate the Volume of a PyramidHow toCalculate the Volume of a PyramidThe Best Way to Exfoliate Your Scalp (Plus, What to Use)The Best Way to Exfoliate Your Scalp (Plus, What to Use)Save Money as a KidHow toSave Money as a KidPolish AluminumHow toPolish Aluminum2 Easy Renter-Friendly Options to Hang Your Window Treatments2 Easy Renter-Friendly Options to Hang Your Window Treatments Insert Slide Numbers in PowerPointHow to Insert Slide Numbers in PowerPoint

Trending Articles

Are You Unc? Discover How Old Your Vibe IsAre You Unc? Discover How Old Your Vibe IsWhat's My Hottest Feature QuizWhat's My Hottest Feature QuizGen Beta Slang QuizGen Beta Slang Quiz24 Different Types of Bras Explained24 Different Types of Bras Explained Play the Concentrate Game (For A Little Scare!)How to Play the Concentrate Game (For A Little Scare!)What Does Your Rice Purity Score Really Mean?What Does Your Rice Purity Score Really Mean?

Quizzes & Games

IQ Test For KidsIQ Test For KidsTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Harry Potter Wand QuizWhat Is My Harry Potter Wand QuizTake QuizWhich Quidditch Position Would I Play QuizWhich Quidditch Position Would I Play QuizTake QuizWhat's My Fourth Wing Dragon QuizWhat's My Fourth Wing Dragon QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • DIY
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --502

Tag » How To Make A Drone