An Advanced Guide to Procreate

Did you know that you can create digital artwork in a way that mimics the experience of using pencils, paints, and pens on paper?

Procreate for iPad is an exciting and inexpensive application that you can use to create art and animations. But it can take some time to learn how to use it.

Thankfully, Design Bundles has created a section of Procreate tutorials with various tips and tricks that can help you get up to speed.

To help make things easier for you, we have created this advanced guide to Procreate so you know where to get started. Keep reading if you are interested in finding out more.

Procreate for iPad: Use the Right Equipment

The most important piece of equipment you will need is an iPad in order to use the Procreate app. You should also try to get your hands on an Apple Pencil.

There are several things you should keep in mind before getting started with the Procreate app, especially since these tools will cost you a lot of money.

First, it is important to understand that it is only possible to use Procreate on iOS. It is best to use the app on your iPad, but it is also possible to download the app onto your iPhone.

Find an iPad that has enough storage space for your needs. In order to use multiple layers in Procreate, you do need a good amount of storage, preferably more than 500GB.

But one of the greatest benefits of using drawing apps like Procreate is that you can take them anywhere with you. This is why you also might be interested in getting a smaller iPad that will be able to fit into your bag.

It is also important to have an Apple Pencil. There are two different generations of this pen. Though there are slight differences between them, both of them will work perfectly with the Procreate app.

Lastly, you will need to purchase the Procreate app. Thankfully, currently, it only costs $9.99.

Procreate File Types

When you create a new file on Procreate, you'll have the choice to choose your canvas's resolution (DP) and size. If you are not sure what size to choose, consider going with A4.

Those who plan on printing their art should choose 300 DPI. You'll also want to create as large of a file as you can. But keep in mind that the maximum amount of layers you can use will depend on the DPI and size of your file.

Also, make sure to check your color profile. You can use RGB if you are making digital artwork. It is a good idea to choose CMYK if you plan on printing your works of art.

Design with Procreate: Advanced Tools

For anyone just starting out with Procreate, learning the basic tools is a good place to start. This way you can familiarize yourself with what you need to move onto the advanced tools.

You can find out more with our beginners guide to Procreate if you need more information.

There is so much more to Procreate and that’s where the advanced tools come into play. But first, let’s give you a quick reminder of the essential tools.

On the left of your screen, you'll see a bar that has two sliders. You can use the top slider to change the size of your brush strokes. You can use the bottom slider to change the opacity of your strokes.

You can tap the small square in the middle if you want to switch to the eyedropper tool. This tool will allow you to choose a color from your canvas.

You can click on the wrench to view the "actions" menu. You will see options for adding an image, copying and pasting, editing the size of your canvas, flipping your canvas, and exporting your image.

You will see another menu on the right that contains your brush library, smudge, eraser, and layers.

Copying Multiple Layers Into a New Canvas

If you want to copy multiple layers into a new canvas, you will first need to create a new canvas. Then choose the layers that you want to copy.

Next, move the copied layers out of the Layers panel and add them to a new canvas. You can now make edits to the layers that you have copied.

Make sure to check out our tutorial for copying multiple layers to a new canvas if you want to find out more about how to do this. This tutorial will provide you with photos and videos to help you learn how to do this.

Curving Text

If you want to curve text with the warp tool, you'll first need to check to make sure that all of your text layers are selected. Then click the "transform" tool tab and select the option to "warp."

Next, move the ends of your text down and move the middle up. You can continue making adjustments until you're happy with the result.

You can check out our tutorial for curving text to find out. This tutorial will show you how to curve text by manually adjusting each letter.

Adding a Reference Photo

First, open the reference image window, then click on the wrench icon and then click "canvas." You will then need to toggle on the switch that is beside "reference."

Once you've done this, all you need to do is choose a reference image by tapping "image." You can then add a photo from your library.

Make sure to check out how to add a reference photo to learn more. It will break down everything you need to know into a simple three-step process.

Creating Animations

It can take time to learn how to animate in Procreate. But it will become a straightforward process once you figure out how to do this.

Our tutorial will show you how to do things such as animate portions of your text and how to export your animation.

Do you want to take your Procreate skills to the next level? If so, don't hesitate to sign up for our Plus Membership if you want to get access to more than two hundred thousand font and design resources.