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How To Use Layers in Procreate: A Beginner's Guide

Writer: Envision LinEnvision Lin

Hello, digital artists! I'm Maggie, the owner of Envision Lin. I'm thrilled to kick off a two-part series on mastering layers in Procreate. If you're new to the world of digital drawing, this is a guide you won't want to miss. So, without further ado, let's dive right into the wonderful world of layers!


In this video, you'll see me navigate through Procreate, pick colors, create shapes, and build stunning compositions right before your eyes. It's like having a personal guide walking you through every step of the process. You won't miss a single detail, and you'll learn not only how to do it but also why it's done that way.



Getting Started with Layers


To kick things off, we need to open a new canvas in Procreate. Head to the main page and tap the plus sign in the upper right corner. Now, let's focus on the fourth icon in the toolbar, which is your gateway to the magical world of layers.


Before we start drawing, let's select a color from the circular palette on the far right. Once you've got your desired color, switch to the brush tool and let your creativity flow. For practice, let's draw a simple rectangle. It's crucial to ensure that there are no gaps in your shape. Why, you ask? Well, this will make it a breeze to fill the entire graphic with colors later on. Trust me; it's a game-changer! And if, by any chance, you make a mistake, don't worry – simply undo it by tapping the screen with two fingers.


Now, let's get back to our layer options. Click on the plus sign to create a new layer and give it a name; you can call it something like "Layer 2." Choose a vibrant color and draw a cute heart. Because the heart is on its own layer, it's free to move independently. Similarly, the black rectangle resides on a separate layer, and it also allows you to move it around. These two layers won't interfere with each other, which is one of the beauties of working with layers.


Here's where it gets interesting: when we slide "Layer 2" beneath "Layer 1," the heart gets covered by the rectangle, but it's still there, lurking underneath. Conversely, if we move "Layer 2" above "Layer 1," the heart takes its place on top of the black rectangle again. Layers give you the power to rearrange elements in your artwork with ease, adding depth and dimension to your creations.


So, how's your understanding of layers coming along? I hope this first episode has shed some light on this crucial aspect of digital drawing. In the next episode, we'll dive deeper into the world of layers as I draw an adorable kitty to illustrate some more advanced layer techniques.


On my next blog, I’ll deepen your understanding of layer by draw a cute kitty together. Don't forget to subscribe to my blog so you won't miss the next lesson! We'll unlock the full potential of Procreate's layer system and take your digital art to new heights. See you in the next one! 🎨🐾

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