Procreate

When working in the Procreate application, it’s important to have your color palettes both organized and accessible. Each color palette can be accessed within the Palettes tab in the color circle icon. Mockup via blackzheep. Just as with layers, it’s also important to label each of your color palettes. Organizing each palette by color theme (such as retro hues) or project type is a great way to get started. Hit the plus sign icon at the top of the Palettes tab to create a new palette, then select Untitled to rename the palette. To arrange the color squares, hold down on the hue and then move as needed; hold down on the square to delete the swatch. Enable the Set Default button to quickly access the palette in the Color section.

Procreate’s powerful mask options provide a way to non-destructively edit a single (or multiple) layers in a given document. Designers and illustrators alike use masks to bring in texture, shadows, highlights, patterns, images, and more. There are three mask options to choose from in the Procreate application: Alpha Lock, Mask, and Clipping Mask. While the names may appear similar, each mask option has its own unique functions. Mockup via blackzheep. To bring up the mask commands, click on the layer’s thumbnail and choose from the three in the dropdown menu. Here’s a rundown of each mask option’s capabilities: Alpha Lock : This command is conveyed by a gray checkerboard grid, like seen above in the highlighted layer. Alpha Lock gives you the ability to draw within that layer’s shape; this command is ideal for drawing within the shape’s boundaries. While many rely on the Alpha Lock command to apply textures, shadows, and highlights, Alpha Lock is extremely useful to quickly change the l...

Just like in other design and creative programs, layers are a way to organize and preserve your work. Procreate’s layers behave similarly to Adobe Photoshop’s with its blend modes, opacity options, and general setup. Mockup via blackzheep. When setting up your illustration, be sure to name each layer in a way that describes the content within the layer. Doing so avoids frustration when navigating or editing each layer. If you’re creating a detailed illustration, it’s crucial to work within the specified layers instead of compiling all shapes, textures, typography, and lines onto a single layer.

Interested in diving into Procreate, but don’t know where to begin? Check out these ten essential tips to jumpstart your Procreate workflow. The Procreate application has gained in popularity over the years with its endless creative abilities. With the app’s extensive brush library, impressive modes and effects, and newly added typography tools, it’s evident that Procreate has become a go-to for many designers, illustrators, and hobbyists. Upon first glance, the Procreate program appears simple and versatile; if you’re new to the program, navigating the app can be overwhelming and downright daunting. Learning the ins and outs of Procreate from the get-go is crucial to getting a feel for the program and understanding its capabilities. Read on to learn ten essential tips to improve your Procreate workflow and get you on the track to making impressive illustrations.