5 Essential Tips for Using Procreate Reference Layers Like a Pro

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 19 June 2023 6 min read

Procreate has become a popular digital art tool for artists everywhere, and one of its powerful features is the ability to use reference layers. In this blog, we'll explore five essential tips to help you master using Procreate reference layers like a pro. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and techniques needed to make the most of reference layers in your digital art projects.

Tip 1: Understanding Reference Layers

Before diving into the tips, let's first get a clear understanding of what reference layers are and how they work in Procreate.

What are Reference Layers?

A reference layer in Procreate is a special type of layer that allows you to ColorDrop into the bounds of a different layer without affecting the original layer. This can be particularly useful when you want to separate your inking or sketching from your coloring, ensuring that your artwork stays organized and easy to edit.

How Reference Layers Work

When you designate a layer as a reference layer, it acts as a guide for other layers. Here's a step-by-step process on how to use a Procreate reference layer:

Select the layer you want to use as a reference layer.
Tap on the layer thumbnail to open the options menu, and choose Reference.
Create a new layer for coloring and make sure it's below the reference layer.
Select a color and use the ColorDrop tool to fill the areas of your artwork based on the reference layer.
The colors will stay within the bounds of the reference layer's content, but they won't affect the reference layer itself.

Now that we've covered the basics, let's move on to some practical tips for effectively using reference layers in your Procreate projects.

Tip 2: Using Reference Layers for Coloring

Reference layers come in handy when you're coloring your artwork. They save time and effort by allowing you to separate your linework from your colors. Let's discuss two techniques that you can use to make the coloring process smoother and more efficient.

Color Drop Technique

Using the ColorDrop technique with reference layers can speed up your coloring process. Here's how:

Designate the linework layer as your reference layer.
Create a new layer below the reference layer for coloring.
Select a color and drag it onto the area you want to fill.
Procreate will use the reference layer to determine the boundaries and fill the area in the coloring layer.

By using the ColorDrop technique with reference layers, you can quickly fill large areas of your artwork without accidentally coloring outside the lines.

Coloring with Clipping Masks

Another useful technique when coloring with reference layers is using clipping masks. This method allows you to add extra details, shading, or highlights without affecting your base colors or linework. Here's how to use clipping masks with reference layers:

Create a new layer above the one you used for coloring.
Tap on the new layer's thumbnail and choose Clipping Mask from the options menu.
Now, anything you draw on the clipping mask layer will be constrained within the boundaries of the layer it's clipped to — in this case, the coloring layer.
Feel free to add shading, highlights, or other details without worrying about going outside the lines or messing up your base colors.

Now that you have the coloring techniques down, let's move on to organizing layers for maximum efficiency in your Procreate projects.

Tip 3: Organizing Layers for Efficiency

When working with multiple layers, including reference layers, it's important to keep your workspace organized. An organized workspace allows you to focus on your artwork and helps prevent mistakes. Let's explore some tips for organizing your layers in Procreate for a seamless workflow.

Naming and Grouping Layers

When you have numerous layers, it's easy to get lost or confused about which layer is which. To avoid confusion, follow these steps:

Tap on a layer's thumbnail to open the layer options.
Select Rename and type a descriptive name for the layer, like "linework" or "shading."
To group related layers, tap on the layers you want to group and select Group from the options menu. You can also rename the group for easy identification.

Naming and grouping your layers will help you navigate your project more efficiently and make it easier to locate specific elements of your artwork.

Using Layer Opacity

Adjusting layer opacity is another useful technique for organizing your workspace in Procreate. Changing the opacity of a reference layer can help you focus on the layers you're currently working on. Here's how:

Tap on the reference layer's thumbnail to open the layer options.
Slide the opacity slider to the left to decrease the layer's visibility.
Now, you can work on other layers without the reference layer being too distracting.

Remember, you can always adjust the opacity back to 100% when you need to refer to the original layer again.

With your layers organized for efficiency, let's dive into leveraging reference layers for textures in your Procreate artwork.

Tip 4: Leveraging Reference Layers for Textures

Adding textures to your artwork can make it look more polished and professional. Procreate offers various ways to incorporate textures using reference layers. Let's explore two techniques for adding textures to your artwork with ease.

Applying Textures with Stencil Kit Brushes

Procreate comes with a range of stencil kit brushes that can help you add textures to your artwork. Here's how you can use them with reference layers:

Create a new layer above your reference layer.
Set the new layer as a clipping mask by tapping on the layer's thumbnail and selecting Clipping Mask from the options menu.
Choose a stencil kit brush from the brushes menu.
Apply the texture on the clipping mask layer by painting over the reference layer. The texture will only be applied within the boundaries of the reference layer's content.

Using stencil kit brushes with reference layers allows you to add textures without affecting the original artwork on the reference layer.

Using Alpha Lock

Another method for adding textures to your artwork is by using the Alpha Lock feature. Alpha Lock restricts your brush strokes to the existing content of a layer. Here's how to use it:

Tap on the layer's thumbnail you want to add texture to, and select Alpha Lock from the options menu.
Choose a textured brush from the brushes menu.
Paint over the alpha locked layer to add texture directly to the existing content.

Using Alpha Lock is a quick and efficient way to add textures to your artwork without creating additional layers.

Now that you know how to add textures to your artwork using reference layers, let's move on to mastering shortcut gestures for a smoother Procreate experience.

Tip 5: Mastering Shortcut Gestures

Procreate is well-known for its user-friendly interface and convenient shortcut gestures. Familiarizing yourself with these shortcuts can save you time and make your workflow more efficient. Let's explore some essential shortcut gestures that will help you manage your procreate reference layers like a pro.

Two-Finger Tap

The Two-Finger Tap gesture is a simple yet powerful shortcut that helps you undo your last action. To use this gesture:

Place two fingers on the screen.
Tap the screen quickly.

Performing this gesture will undo your previous action. Keep tapping to undo multiple actions in a row. This gesture is especially handy when you're working with procreate reference layers and need to correct any mistakes quickly.

Three-Finger Swipe

The Three-Finger Swipe gesture is another useful shortcut for managing your reference layers. This gesture allows you to access the Copy and Paste menu. To use this gesture:

Place three fingers on the screen.
Swipe down quickly.

This gesture will bring up the Copy and Paste menu, where you can copy, cut, or paste content between layers. This technique is particularly helpful when you need to duplicate or move elements within your reference layers.

Procreate's Quick Menu is a customizable menu that gives you instant access to frequently used actions. To access the Quick Menu:

Press and hold on the screen with one finger.
Release after a moment, and the Quick Menu will appear.

You can customize the Quick Menu to include actions specific to managing reference layers, such as creating a new layer, setting a reference layer, or turning on Alpha Lock. Customizing the Quick Menu to suit your workflow can make working with reference layers even more seamless.

Mastering these shortcut gestures will help you navigate Procreate more efficiently and make working with reference layers a breeze. With these tips in your toolkit, you're well on your way to becoming a pro at using procreate reference layers!

If you're interested in learning more about animation and want to explore the power of Procreate and Photoshop, check out the workshop called 'Animating with Procreate and Photoshop' by Nyanza. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and hands-on experience that will help you bring your animation projects to life.