How To Blend in Procreate: 4 Methods

In today’s tutorial we will show you how to blend in Procreate using 4 different techniques. Blending is essential for seamless shading or blending. Procreate is a powerful drawing app used with iPad to create designs and illustrations.

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Method One - Blur Tool Options

Under the Adjustments menu (or wand icon), there are three Blur Tools. In this method, we will use the Gaussian Blur tool for blending colors. For this example, we will create a simple rainbow background.

Step 1 - Create your Color Background

First, create your canvas, then tap on your Brush library. Go to Airbrushing > Soft Brush. You are welcome to use another brush.

Next, tap on the Color Wheel top right to select your first color. Then, adjust the Brush size to 14% on the left side of the screen.

You can paint in any direction with the colors you want. We painted using purple at an angle from the top left corner.

Step 2 - Use the Gaussian Blur Adjustment

Now, tap on Adjustments > Gaussian Blur to activate the tool.

The Gaussian Blur option will appear at the top with a drop-down arrow. Tap on the drop-down arrow and make sure Layer is highlighted in blue to apply the blur across the layer.

Swipe slowly from left to right to create the blur. As you slide to the right side, you will see the percentage increase at the top, making the blur stronger. To apply the blur, tap back on the Adjustments icon. You can also constrain the blur to a specific layer using Alpha Lock.

Method Two - The Smudge Tool

The Smudge Tool in Procreate is a great option for creative and more precise blending. Any brush can be used and the effect applied is dependent on the size and strength. Colors need to be on the same layer in order for the Smudge tool to work.

When working with the Smudge tool, the Opacity slider in this case will control the strength of the smudge effect.

Use the pre-installed brushes or choose from a selection of Procreate Texture brushes. We have an easy-to-follow guide on how to install your purchased brushes in Procreate if needed.

At the top right corner of the screen, tap on the Smudge or hand tool. The Brush library will open, tap on Painting > Fresco. We found this brush works well when smudging.

Next, paint over the areas where each color meets. The result is similar to a colorful rainbow of clouds.

Create a mottled, painterly look by changing the direction of your brush strokes, such as painting in circles.

Method Three - Blending With A Brush

For the next method, first clear your canvas. Tap on the Layers panel, then swipe the selected layer to the left and tap on Clear. We have an in-depth tutorial on how to use layers in Procreate if you would like to learn more.

Step 1 - Create Quickshapes

For this method, we want to blend three colored circles together. Remember to keep the colors on the same layer. Tap on the Brush > Calligraphy > Monoline. Don't adjust the size or opacity of the brush.

On your canvas, create one or more Quickshapes. We created a large circle with smaller circles inside.

Step 2 - Blur Edges Using a Brush

Make sure Alpha Lock is turned on, allowing you to blend while keeping the main circle shape neat and crisp.

Next, tap the Brush > Painting > Turpentine brush. The brushes in this category give a nice flow.

On the left side, lower the Opacity to 50% and the Brush size to about 14%. You can adjust these values at any time. Tap and hold your finger or pencil over the middle color to select it.

Paint over the area where the dark and middle blue shades meet. Decrease your brush size as you move closer to the top.

Repeat this action for the top circle using the lighter blue shade. For a smoother blend, use light brush strokes and circular movements.

This type of method can be used to easily shade your designs in Procreate.

Method 4 - Blend Selected Areas

You can use any of the methods mentioned above with the Procreate Selection tool. This allows you to blend only specific areas of the design. Choose your brush before using the Selection tool

Tap on the “S” icon to open the Selection menu. Then, tap on the Freehand option from the menu at the bottom. Using your finger or your pencil, draw the selection around the area you want to blend.

After making the selection, tap on the Brush library icon. You will see lines appear over the canvas except for the selected area. Now, begin blending with the brush or your preferred method above.

As long as you are still in the selection mode, you can use any of the methods mentioned above. Gaussian blur was applied to smooth out the effect further with a subtle change. Both the Adjustments and Selection options are activated in the image below.

Tap the “S” icon again to apply the effect.

Procreate offers the freedom to sketch, blend and create art similar to working on a canvas. You can improve your drawing skills and take your artwork to a whole new dimension with these blending techniques.