How Do I Use Layers In Procreate And What For?

Jun 13

These are the first questions I came across when I first opened Procreate. Actually, I knew what layers were for, and how powerful they were, so now I just needed to learn how to use them. And it’s actually pretty straight forward once you know how.

Let me explain how they work.

Layers actually work as if you were layering sheets of tracing paper, so by separating elements in different layers you have the ability to modify or delete each element without affecting the rest. For example, you can see here that this illustration has two main components: the raccoon and the background. Each one of those is created by using several layers.

illustration of a raccoon and how to use layers in Procreate

By having a file organized this way, I can make changes easily if I don’t like something. And if you’re working for a client, they’ll love this! Because then it’s easier for them to make edits too.

For example, if I want to change the size of his eyes, I can just go that layer and change the eyes without having to redraw the whole face.

This allows me to resize elements, recolour them, delete them, move them. So many options!

If you want to learn how to use layers in more detail, you can join my new class on this topic and also learn how to use layer masks.

In this class I go over the whole process of creating two illustrations using layers and different types of masks. You’ll also get my free reources and it’s self-paced and instant access so you can take it whenever you want.

canvas and color palettes in procreate — Set up your canvas, install brushes and colour palettes

Get my free brush set and colour palette!

How to create a floral illustration in Procreate — Understand the use of layers

Create a cute and simple floral illustration.

Create a mushroom illustration in Procreate tutorial — Use Masks to improve your illustrations.

Learn how to use clipping masks, alpha lock and regular masks to bring this mushroom illustration to the next level.

IIf you want to join Skillshare or are already a member, you can enrol below. If you don’t know what Skillshare is, it’s a platform with thousands of classes by amazing teachers where you pay a yearly subscription and you get access to all my 30 classes plus all the other classes in their catalogue and wit my link, you get 1 month free with your subscription.

Join now on Skillshare

And because there are so many ways to teach and explain the same thing, here’s an amazing class by Cat Coquillette on Skillshare: