5 Effective Tips to Fix Procreate Crashing Issues

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

If you've ever wondered, "Why does Procreate keep crashing on my iPad?", you're not alone. This frustrating issue can disrupt your creative flow and halt your digital art projects in their tracks. Fortunately, there are strategies you can employ to mitigate this problem and get back to creating beautiful art on Procreate. Let's explore five effective tips to fix the recurring issue of Procreate crashing.

1. Ensure Your iPad is Up-to-Date

Keeping your iPad up-to-date is one of the first steps you can take to prevent Procreate from crashing. An outdated operating system or app can lead to compatibility issues, which often manifest as crashes. Here's how you can keep your iPad updated.

Update the Operating System

Updating your iPad's operating system is a simple yet effective way to reduce Procreate crashes. Apple frequently releases updates to fix bugs and enhance performance. To check for updates, you can navigate to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, tap "Install Now". Remember to connect your iPad to Wi-Fi and ensure it has enough charge before starting the update process.

Check for Procreate Updates

Just like your iPad's operating system, the Procreate app itself needs to be updated regularly. Developers continuously improve the app and fix bugs that may cause it to crash. To check for updates, simply open the App Store, tap on your profile photo, and scroll down to see if there's an update available for Procreate. If there is, tap "Update" next to Procreate.

Install Any Pending Updates

Sometimes, we can overlook pending updates. These neglected updates could be the answer to the question, "Why does Procreate keep crashing?". If you have pending updates, your device will list them under Settings > General > Software Update. It's a good habit to install these updates as soon as possible to keep your iPad and Procreate running smoothly.

2. Free Up Storage Space

Another common culprit behind the Procreate crash issue is insufficient storage space on your iPad. Your iPad needs a certain amount of free space to function properly, and if it's running low, Procreate may not have the resources it needs to run smoothly. Here are some ways you can free up storage space on your iPad.

Delete Unneeded Apps

Are there apps on your iPad that you rarely use? If so, deleting these apps can free up some much-needed space. To do this, simply press and hold the app you want to delete, then tap "Remove App" and confirm your action. Remember, you can always download these apps again from the App Store if you need them in the future.

Clear Cache and Cookies

Over time, your iPad accumulates data from the websites you visit. This data, known as cache and cookies, can take up a surprising amount of storage space. Clearing your cache and cookies can free up space and potentially resolve the Procreate crashing issue. To clear your cache and cookies, navigate to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.

Move Files to iCloud

If you're running out of storage space on your iPad, moving files to iCloud can be a game-changer. iCloud stores your files securely online, freeing up space on your iPad for Procreate to perform better. To move files to iCloud, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud, then choose which apps you want to back up to iCloud. Remember, moving files to iCloud may require a stable Wi-Fi connection, so plan accordingly.

3. Restart Your iPad

Let's be honest, when was the last time you gave your iPad a rest? Sometimes, a simple restart can work wonders, especially when dealing with issues like Procreate crashing. Let's take a look at how you can restart your iPad to potentially solve these issues.

Soft Reset Your iPad

Performing a soft reset is like giving your iPad a quick nap. It's a simple process that can fix minor software glitches. To do this, press and hold the power button until the power off slider appears. Slide it to turn off your iPad. After a minute, turn it back on. See if that solves your Procreate crashing issue.

Hard Reset Your iPad

If a soft reset doesn't work, it's time to move on to a hard reset — the equivalent of a deep sleep for your iPad. A hard reset forces your iPad to quickly turn off and back on, which can often fix more persistent issues. To perform a hard reset, simultaneously press and release the volume up button, the volume down button, and then hold the power button until you see the Apple logo. Don't worry, a hard reset won't delete any of your data.

Reboot in Safe Mode

Finally, if you're still wondering, "why does Procreate keep crashing," you might want to try booting your iPad in Safe Mode. Safe Mode starts your iPad with only the necessary system programs running, which can help identify if an app is causing the problem. To enter Safe Mode, first turn off the iPad, then turn it back on while holding the volume down button. While in Safe Mode, try running Procreate and see if the issue persists.

4. Reinstall Procreate

If restarting your iPad didn't work, let's try something a bit more aggressive. It's time to uninstall and reinstall the Procreate app. Before you panic, remember, you won't lose any of your masterpieces if you follow these steps correctly.

Backup Your Work

First things first, let's back up your artwork. You've put in too much time and effort to risk losing it. Luckily, Procreate makes it easy to backup your projects. Go to the gallery, swipe left on the artwork you want to save, and tap on the "Share" button. Choose "Procreate" format, and save it to a location you won't forget, like your iCloud Drive. Now, you can breathe easy knowing your work is safe.

Remove and Reinstall Procreate

Now, it's time to uninstall the app. Don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds. Just press and hold the Procreate app until it starts wiggling, then tap on the "X" to delete it. After the app is gone, go to the App Store and download Procreate again. This fresh install might just be the solution to the "why does Procreate keep crashing" question you've been asking.

Restore Your Work

With Procreate reinstalled, it's time to get your artwork back. Head to the location where you saved your work, tap on the saved Procreate files and choose "Open in Procreate." Voila! Your artwork is back in the app, and hopefully, the crashing issues are a thing of the past.

5. Contact Procreate Support

Still wondering "why does Procreate keep crashing?" It's okay, you're not alone. If you've tried everything and Procreate is still acting up, it's time to bring in the experts — the Procreate Support team. They're friendly, knowledgeable, and ready to help. Here's how you can get in touch with them.

Find the Support Contact

You can reach out to Procreate Support directly from the app. Click on "Procreate" in the top left corner of the gallery, then tap on "Support." This will take you to the support page where you can find their contact information.

Describe Your Issue

When you contact Procreate Support, try to be as specific as possible about your issue. Remember, the more details you provide, the better they can assist you. So, don't just say "Procreate is crashing." Instead, tell them when it crashes, what you were doing when it crashed, and any error messages you might have seen. This will give them a much clearer picture of what's going wrong.

Follow Their Guidance

Once you've reached out and described your issue, the only thing left to do is wait for their reply. They're pretty quick, so you won't have to wait long. When they do get back to you, follow their advice to the letter. They know their stuff, and their guidance could be the key to resolving your Procreate crashing issue.

In conclusion, there's no need to stress if Procreate keeps crashing. With these five steps, you're well equipped to tackle the problem. Remember, the Procreate Support team is always there to help if you need it. So, why not get back to creating some amazing art?

If you enjoyed our tips on fixing Procreate crashing issues and want to take your Procreate skills to the next level, consider checking out the workshop 'Animating with Procreate and Photoshop' by Nyanza. This workshop will teach you how to create stunning animations using both Procreate and Photoshop, making it an excellent resource for those looking to expand their digital art capabilities.