New to Procreate? Here Are 13 Tips to Start Using Layers
Are you still having trouble with layers in Procreate? You're not the only one. Even though Procreate is fairly easy to use, there are still many features you need to learn for yourself. You can learn by trial and error, or you can start here and learn these basic layer tricks in Procreate.
1. How to Create a New Layer in Procreate
This is as basic as it gets, but if you don't even know where to start, it's time to create your first layer.
Note: If you can't see the menu at the top of your canvas, you're using Procreate in fullscreen mode. To exit it, tap your screen with four fingers.
2. Move a Layer Above or Below Another Layer
Remember that your canvas will show what's on the top layer first, overlapping any other drawing the layers below have. So, if you want to show something from a layer below, you might need to move it. Here's what you need to do:
3. Move a Layer to Another Canvas
This is one of the coolest Procreate tricks you can do. You can move a layer from one canvas onto another. It's easy to do too, but you'll need to use both hands for this.
What's cool about this is that if you drop your layer in the library, it'll automatically create a new canvas with that layer. You can also move more than one layer by selecting multiple layers at once. But more on that in a second.
4. Select Two or More Layers
If you want to group or move a lot of layers simultaneously, you're better off selecting all of them instead of doing it individually. Here's how:
Every layer you choose will be highlighted. You'll then be able to move them around or group them together like we're about to show you.
5. How to Create a New Group of Layers
If you're thinking about using many different layers in one canvas, you should try to create various groups of layers. Granted, this isn't necessary, but it does help to keep your work organized. Plus, it's easier to find specific layers.
Now it's like your layers are part of another folder.
Pro tip: You can change the group's name by tapping it and then selecting Rename.
6. How to Duplicate a Layer
If you want to try something new on a layer, but don't want to mess up any of your work, you can always work on a duplicate layer.
7. How to Delete a Layer
If you don't like what a layer looks like, you can just delete it and forget about it. Here's how.
8. Hide a Layer
If you don't want to delete your layer, you can always hide it from your canvas. It's a simple trick, but here's what you need to do.
And it's done! If you want to see that layer on your canvas again, just repeat these steps.
9. How to Use the Clipping Mask in Procreate
The Clipping Mask is a neat feature that lets you clip a layer to another layer below it. For example, you could use the Clipping Mask to color your drawing or add details without going over the lines.
You'll know you did it because the layer above will have a small arrow pointing to the layer below.
10. How to Use Alpha Lock in Procreate
Like the Clipping Mask, Alpha Lock lets you lock a layer so you can't go over the lines of your layer. But instead of using a different layer, you're Alpha Locking and using the same layer with your drawing.
11. How to Lock Your Layer
If you're done with a layer, it's good practice to lock it, so you don't accidentally ruin anything in it. Here's how you can do it:
You can later repeat these steps to unlock it and use it if you want.
12. How to Change the Layer Opacity
If you want your layer and everything you drew on it to be more translucent, you can reduce the opacity of your layer from the Layers menu.
Want a quicker way to do it? Tap with two fingers on the layer you want to change and then slide your finger to the left or the right side on your canvas.
13. How to Merge Multiple Layers
You can merge multiple layers into one with a quick gesture. Here's what you need to do:
And voilà! You now have one layer. If you don't like it anymore, you can tap with two fingers on your canvas to undo it.
It's Your Turn to Get Creative
Now it's your turn to play around with layers. There's a lot more to learn from Procreate, but if you're just starting out, focus on playing around with the settings and have fun. Once you're done with that, you can start learning more advanced techniques.
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