Procreate isn’t just for flat canvases — it also lets you paint directly onto 3D models. With the same brushes and tools you already use for illustration, you can texture objects in full 3D space. Whether you're creating concept art, product mockups, or just exploring something new, 3D painting in Procreate adds a whole new dimension to your work.
Importing a 3D Model
To get started, you’ll need a 3D model in .USDZ format. You can download free models online, use one of Procreate’s included samples, or export a model from a 3D app like Blender.
To import a model:
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Go to the Gallery, tap Import, and select your
.usdzfile. -
Procreate will open the model in a new 3D workspace, ready to paint.
Navigating the 3D Canvas
You can rotate, zoom, and pan around your model just like you would on a 2D canvas:
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Pinch and swipe to rotate and zoom.
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Tap the cube icon in the top left to reset or toggle camera angles.
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Use one finger to orbit the view, or two fingers to pan.
Painting on 3D Objects
You can paint directly on the model using any brush in your library. The brush strokes wrap naturally around the object’s surface, and you can paint from any angle.
Tips for painting:
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Use larger brushes for blocking in color and smaller brushes for detail work.
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Switch views often to make sure your design looks good from all angles.
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Tap and hold to use the eyedropper on any part of the model’s surface.
Procreate also gives you three texture maps to paint on:
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Base Color (the main surface color)
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Roughness (how shiny or matte the material looks)
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Metallic (how reflective it is)
You can switch between these modes from the top toolbar using the paint palette icon.
Customizing Lighting and Environment
Procreate lets you preview your model under different lighting conditions to see how your textures respond:
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Tap the Actions menu (wrench icon), then go to 3D > Edit Lighting & Environment.
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Choose from built-in lighting presets or adjust the position, intensity, and color of the light manually.
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You can also rotate the HDRI environment for realistic reflections.
Preview and Export
Once you’re done painting, you can preview your model in high quality by tapping 3D Preview in the Actions menu.
To export:
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Tap Actions > Share > choose from options like USDZ with textures, 3D model snapshot, or export texture maps (for use in other 3D software).
Use Cases for 3D Painting
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Product mockups (custom shoes, bottles, toys, etc.)
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Concept art for games or films
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Augmented reality previews (with USDZ files viewable in AR on iPhones and iPads)
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Stylized animations or content for social media using 3D snapshots
3D painting in Procreate is surprisingly intuitive if you already feel comfortable with the 2D tools. It opens up new possibilities for design, visualization, and storytelling — all without switching apps or learning complicated software. If you’re curious about bringing your illustrations to life in a new way, 3D is definitely worth exploring.
