One of Procreate’s biggest advantages is its simple interface and clean design, which make it easy for beginners to jump in and start creating right away.
After installing the app, you’ll see some example artworks in the Gallery. Just tap any preview image to open it — you can start editing right away. Tap the Gallery button in the top-left corner to return to the main preview screen.
To manage files, swipe left on any artwork to reveal the context menu. Here you can Share, Duplicate, or Delete a file.
Renaming is just as simple: tap the file name, type the new name, and you’re done.
You can also group files into folders, called Stacks in Procreate. To create a stack, just drag one artwork on top of another. Alternatively, tap Select, choose the artworks you want to group, then tap Stack. You can move files in and out of stacks anytime.
To create a new canvas, tap the + icon in the top right corner.
Canvas Setup
When you tap the + icon to create a new canvas, you’ll see a list of preset sizes. Procreate gives you a few ready-made options like "Screen Size" or "Square," but you can also create your own custom canvas by tapping the New Canvas button at the top.
In the custom canvas menu, you can define the width, height, DPI (dots per inch), and color profile. DPI is important if you plan to print your artwork — for print, 300 DPI is ideal.
Quick Tour of the Interface
Once your canvas opens, here’s a quick breakdown of what you see:
-
Top Right: Your core tools — Brush, Smudge, Eraser, Layers, and Color.
-
Top Left: Actions menu (wrench icon), Adjustments (magic wand), and Selections.
-
Sidebar (on the left): Brush size and opacity sliders, and buttons for undo/redo.
Gestures You Should Know
Procreate makes great use of gestures — they’ll speed up your workflow:
-
Undo: Tap with two fingers.
-
Redo: Tap with three fingers.
-
Zoom: Pinch in or out.
-
Fit to screen: Quick pinch in and out.
-
Clear layer: Use three fingers and swipe down to bring up the QuickMenu — then choose Clear.
Getting started in Procreate is surprisingly easy thanks to its clean layout and intuitive design. Once you’re comfortable with the interface and basic gestures, you’ll be ready to start creating with confidence. In the next part, we’ll take a closer look at Layers — how they work and why they’re essential for building flexible, professional-looking art.
