30+ Best Hidden Procreate Features

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through over 30 hidden features in Procreate that can enhance your digital art experience. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, these tips can help you work more efficiently and creatively within the app.

Step 1: Switch Between Light and Dark Mode

• Go to the Settings menu in Procreate.
• Select "Appearance."
• Toggle between Light and Dark mode to reduce eye strain and improve visibility based on your environment.

Step 2: Easily Access Split Screen

• Swipe from the right edge of your iPad to open the Dock.
• Drag Procreate to the left or right side of the screen to activate split screen mode.
• This allows you to reference other applications while working.

Step 3: Add a Private Photo

• Tap the "+" icon to create a new canvas.
• Select "Insert a photo" from the options.
• Choose the photo you want to import privately into your artwork.

Step 4: Hide the Interface and Toolbar

• Use a two-finger tap to hide the interface.
• Tap again to bring it back for a clean view of your artwork.

Step 5: Full Screen Quick Pinch

• Pinch outwards with two fingers to enter full-screen mode.
• This helps you focus on your artwork without distractions.

Step 6: Reference Panel

• Access the Reference panel by tapping on the wrench icon.
• Use this feature to import images that inspire your work or serve as a guide.

Step 7: Rapid Undo and Redo

• Use a two-finger tap to undo and a three-finger tap to redo your actions.
• This speeds up your workflow significantly.

Step 8: Clear a Layer

• Select the layer you want to clear.
• Tap on the layer and choose the “Clear” option to remove all content from that layer.

Step 9: Auto Draw Perfect Shapes

• Use the QuickShape feature by drawing a shape and holding the stroke.
• Procreate will automatically correct it to its perfect form.

Step 10: Swap the Same Brush and Eraser

• Tap and hold the brush icon to quickly switch to the eraser.
• This saves time when you need to alternate between drawing and erasing.

Step 11: 3D Paint in Procreate Without Apple Pencil

• Use your finger to paint in 3D mode.
• This feature allows for interactive painting, giving a unique touch to your artwork.

Step 12: Customize Your Brush Sliders

• Go to the Brush Library and select a brush.
• Adjust the sliders to customize the brush settings to your preference.

Step 13: Save Multiple Brush Sizes

• Create a new brush and adjust its size.
• Save it by tapping "Duplicate" and changing the size for quick access later.

Step 14: View a Single Layer

• Tap on the layer you want to view and select "Hide Others."
• This isolates the layer for focused edits.

Step 15: Auto Layer Select

• Enable this feature in the settings to automatically select the layer you’re working on.
• This reduces the need to manually select layers.

Step 16: Select Multiple Layers

• Use a two-finger swipe to select multiple layers.
• This is useful for organizing your artwork efficiently.

Step 17: Merge Layers

• Select the layers you want to merge.
• Pinch them together to combine into one layer.

Step 18: Move Layers to New Canvas

• Select the layer you want to move.
• Tap on it and choose “Copy,” then paste it into a new canvas.

Step 19: Adjust Layer Opacity

• Tap on a layer and adjust the opacity slider to make it more transparent.
• This is helpful for creating depth in your artwork.

Step 20: Alpha Lock for Drawing Inside the Lines

• Enable Alpha Lock on a layer to restrict edits to existing pixels.
• This allows you to color or shade without going outside the lines.

Step 21: Automatically Create Palettes from Photos

• Import a photo and tap on it.
• Select the “Palette” option to create a color palette from the image.

Step 22: Eye Dropper Tool

• Tap and hold on the canvas to sample a color.
• This tool helps you quickly match colors in your artwork.

Step 23: Expand Color Circle

• Tap on the color circle and drag to expand it for more color options.
• This gives you greater control over your color selection.

Step 24: Quickly Swap Between Colors

• Use the color disc to quickly switch between recently used colors.
• This streamlines the color selection process.

Step 25: Recolor Tool

• Select the Recolor tool from the adjustments menu.
• Use it to change the color of specific areas without affecting others.

Step 26: Auto Fill a Selection

• Make a selection and tap on the paint bucket tool.
• This fills the selected area with the current color.

Step 27: Select Layer Contents

• Tap on the layer and choose “Select” to select all contents.
• This allows for easier edits and transformations.

Step 28: Selection Mask Darkness

• Adjust the mask darkness for more precise selections.
• This helps refine selections for detailed work.

Step 29: Cut, Copy, Paste Menu

• Use three-finger gestures to cut, copy, or paste your selections.
• This is a quick way to manipulate your artwork.

Step 30: Precise Control of Rotation and Size

• Use two fingers to rotate or resize your selection.
• This offers precision for positioning your artwork.

Step 31: Adjust the Bounding Box

• Tap the selection and use the bounding box to resize or transform it.
• This gives you control over the proportions of your artwork.

Step 32: Alignment Guides

• Enable alignment guides in the settings to help position elements accurately.
• This is useful for creating balanced compositions.

Step 33: Preview Artwork from Gallery

• Access the Gallery view to see thumbnails of your artwork.
• Tap on a piece to preview or make edits.

Conclusion

These hidden features in Procreate can significantly enhance your drawing and painting experience. Familiarize yourself with these tips to streamline your workflow and explore new creative possibilities. Consider diving deeper into classes or resources to further develop your skills. Happy drawing!