Unlimited Downloads 15% off Marketplace Purchases Exclusive Software Access Unlimited Downloads
15% off Marketplace Purchases
Exclusive Software Access
Go Unlimited Maybe Later
How to Copy Multiple Layers to a New Canvas in Procreate
  • By Design Bundles
  • 29 Aug 2021
  • 6 Mins
  • Procreate Tutorials

How to Copy Multiple Layers to a New Canvas in Procreate

We'll show you exactly how to copy and paste layers to a new canvas in this Procreate tutorial.

You’re planning on starting a new project and you need to use layer elements from another artwork. Don’t waste time duplicating and resize your canvas to get those layers or recreating elements from scratch. In this tutorial, we are going to use an Astrology svg and add a previously designed galaxy background. We also have a bunch of Alchemy Illustrations that would work perfectly for any of your projects.

Please note: we are using the latest version of Procreate 5X. If you do not see a feature mentioned below, make sure your Procreate is up-to-date.

Step 1 - Set up your canvas

The first step you will take is to get your canvas ready. You can create a custom canvas size or open an exciting canvas where the layer elements will be moved to. We went ahead and set up a new canvas and imported our Leo astrology svg that we will use as our base design.

You can choose to get your base design ready as we did, or you can do this once you have moved over the layers.

Use SVG designs in Procreate

Step 2 - Select layers to move

Next, go to the canvas that you want to copy and move layers from. Open the “Layers” panel and select one or multiple layers that you want to copy and move. If you are new to Procreate we have a handy tutorial on how to use Procreate layers if you need help.

We are selecting layers from the background design we made using galaxy brushes. It will fit perfectly with our Leo svg potion bottle to add a final touch of the galaxy.

Select layers to copy in Procreate

Step 3 - Move layers to the new canvas

With the layers selected we are going to move them out of the layers panel and current canvas and place them in the new canvas’s layers. To see what we mean by that we are adding a gif below each section to see how it would look.

Move layers:

To move your layers you are going to press and hold on to a selected layer. You will see the layer drawing out from the “Layers” panel. If you have multiple layers selected you will also see a number counter. Once you have moved the layers from the “Layers” panel tap on the “Gallery” text (Top left corner).

Move multiple layers in Procreate

Place layers in new canvas:

Still pressing down with the selected layers following your finger. Tap on the canvas you want to move the layers too. Once the canvas is open, tap on the “Layers” panel and simply drop the layers in the panel.

Copy layers to new canvas in Procreate

Step 4 - Make your edits

You have copied your layers over and you can go ahead and make additional edits and add more to your artwork to finish it off. For our project, we are going to enable a clipping mask to our newly imported layers to fill the black space of the astrology svg.

We are also using the Transformation tool (mouse pointer icon) to resize the layers to fill the svg design.

How to copy layers to new canvas in Procreate

With this easy way of copying and moving layers around you can truly have the freedom of combining your creativity in no time. Next up check out our tutorials on making planner stickers in Procreate, using the smudge tool, and creating a dual brush in Procreate.


6 Related Procreate Tutorials

In only 2 steps, you can learn how to select multiple layers in Procreate. When you work with Procreate layers, you have the flexibility to edit each part of your creative design independently. We will show you how to select layers if you want to create groups, copy multiple layers to ...

Creating your artwork on the perfect sized canvas will save you the pain of having to crop or lose quality when scaling up. Your canvas size is the first and most important step that you take when illustrating. But, don’t panic, in this tutorial, I’m going to take ...

1- Open canvas workspace.Select the design you would like to cut. you can create your own, upload a SVG or use a preset design.2- Resize your design to the dimensions you need.3- Go to the shape icon and create a square.4- Resize the square to 1/4 the ...

1- Open canvas workspace. Click on the shape tool.2- Select a rectangle.3- Using the edit tool, Change the size of your rectangle to make it long and thin.4- With your thin shape selected, right click and duplicate.5- Move the duplicate under the original.6- Align the 2 ...

1- Open scan and cut canvas. Click on the shape icon.2- Pick the shape you would like to use for your pop up. You can use a shape or a welded word.3-  Next select a square.4- Place the square over the shape. You need the left and ...

1- Open scan and cut canvas workspace. Click on the shape tool.2- Select your shape.3- Resize the shape to the size you need for your stencil.4- Select the shape, right click and duplicate.5-With both shapes selected, go to the align tool and align middle .6- Next ...

You may also like

Help Center
ol image