How to Use Layers in Procreate
By Leila Mikhaleva · Game Designer · Digital Artist
What are layers and why do we need them?
Layers in Procreate let you overlay image elements without changing your completed work. You can edit, recolor, and remove individual elements from the canvas. When you first create your canvas, you have two layers by default — the background and Layer 1.
Once you’re comfortable with layers, the next stop is How to Color in Procreate — picking and applying colour is the other half of any layered painting workflow.
Where can I find layers?
Click the icon with two squares in the upper right corner to open the layers panel.
How can I create a new layer?
Click the plus sign in the upper right corner of the layers panel.
How can I hide my layer?
Click the checkmark next to the letter “N” to hide or show your layer.
How can I duplicate, lock or delete the layer?
Swipe left on the layer to access these options.
What is a duplicate?
A duplicate creates an identical copy of your layer.
What is a lock?
With a lock, you block the layer and you can’t draw on it.
What is delete?
Delete removes your layer entirely.
How can I lock the layer so it doesn’t go beyond the edges of the drawing?
Swipe the layer right to enable alpha lock — useful for coloring tasks where you want to stay within an existing shape.
How can I change the visibility of my layer?
Tap with two fingers and swipe left/right, or click the letter N and adjust the visibility slider.
Where can I find other layer functions?
Select the layer and click on it to access rename, clear, copy, colour, and select.
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