Unit
- Canvas setup: Open Procreate and tap the plus icon to create a new canvas. Choose from preset sizes like screen resolution or custom dimensions. The canvas size affects detail and export quality. For print work, use at least 300 DPI.
- Toolbar layout: The top toolbar contains actions like undo, redo, and settings. The left side hosts brush, smudge, and eraser icons. The right side offers layers, colors, and adjustments. This arrangement keeps tools accessible.
- Brush library: Tap the brush icon to open a library of over 200 brushes organized by category such as sketching, inking, and painting. Each brush can be duplicated and customized. Long-press a brush to view its properties.
- Color panel: Tap the circle icon to open the color panel. Use the disc, classic, or value sliders to pick colors. Save frequently used hues in the palette section. The eyedropper tool samples colors from your canvas.
- Layers panel: Tap the two squares icon to manage layers. Layers allow you to separate elements, adjust opacity, and apply blending modes. Use layer masks for non-destructive editing. Group layers to organize complex compositions.
- Gestures: Procreate supports multi-touch gestures. Two-finger tap undos, three-finger tap redos, and pinch zooms. Customize gestures in the settings menu. These gestures speed up your workflow significantly.
- Gallery management: Your artworks appear as thumbnails in the gallery. Swipe left to delete or share, long-press to rename, and tap to open. Create stacks to group related projects. The gallery supports search and sorting.
- Preferences: Access settings from the actions menu. Adjust pressure sensitivity for stylus, enable streamline for smoother strokes, and set canvas background. Preferences also include brush behavior and accessibility options.
- Export options: Procreate supports multiple export formats. Tap the actions menu and choose Share to export as PNG, JPEG, PSD, TIFF, or PDF. Each format has its own benefits: PNG preserves transparency, PSD retains layers for editing in Photoshop. You can also export a time-lapse video of your process.
- Selection tools: Procreate offers several selection methods. Tap the Selection icon to use freehand, rectangle, or ellipse selection. The automatic selection tool lets you select areas by color or subject. Invert selection to work around an area. Selections can be feathered or saved for later use.
- Text tool: Add text to your canvas using the Text tool. Tap to type, then adjust font, size, kerning, and color. Text layers remain editable until you rasterize them. You can also warp text using the transform tool. This is useful for titles or signage in your artwork.
Design Principle
Principle: Ergonomics of Digital Workspace
Definition: An ergonomic interface minimizes physical strain and cognitive load by placing frequently used controls within easy reach and grouping related functions together.
Application: Procreate places the most common tools (brush, color, layers) on the left and right edges, allowing your drawing hand to remain in the center. The gesture system lets you perform actions without searching menus, keeping your focus on the artwork.
Quick Revision
- Set canvas size and DPI according to output needs (300 DPI for print).
- The toolbar is divided into actions, brushes, layers, and colors.
- Over 200 brushes are available, each customizable.
- Layers enable non-destructive editing with masks and blending modes.
- Gestures like two-finger tap speed up workflow.
- Gallery management includes stacks and search.