7 Easy Steps to Automatically Trace an Image in Procreate

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

1. Getting Comfy with Procreate

4. Exploring the AutoTrace Feature

6. Finalizing Your Traced Image

Are you looking to add a new skill to your digital art toolkit? You've chosen the right place to start. Today, we're diving into the exciting world of Procreate, a top-notch digital illustration app that artists around the globe swear by. Specifically, we'll be focusing on how to automatically trace an image in Procreate, a handy feature that can elevate your artwork to new heights. With these seven easy steps, you'll be a pro in no time, creating stunning pieces with the ease and precision of an expert.

1. Getting Comfy with Procreate

Before we dive into the specifics of how to automatically trace an image in Procreate, it's essential to understand the basics of the application itself. Procreate is an incredibly versatile and user-friendly digital art app, and getting the hang of it is easier than you might think.

Let's start with some basics:

Understanding the Interface: Procreate's interface is clean and intuitive. The toolbar is located at the top, and it houses your brushes, smudge tools, eraser, layers, and more. The sidebar on the right is where you'll find your color palettes, adjustment settings, and other handy tools.
Experimenting with Brushes: One of the great things about Procreate is the extensive collection of brushes it offers. Familiarize yourself with them; play around with different brushes and get a feel for how they operate.
Getting a Grip on Layers: Layers are your best friend in digital art. They allow you to work on different parts of your image without affecting the rest. In Procreate, the layers panel is on the top right. Learn how to add, delete, and rearrange layers. You can even adjust their opacity and blending modes for more control over your artwork.

In short, Procreate is a playground for digital artists. Explore it, make mistakes, and learn from them. Remember, the goal here is not just to learn how to automatically trace an image in Procreate, but to become comfortable with the application as a whole. So, get your iPad ready, and let's start sketching!

2. Picking the Right Image

Choosing the right image is crucial when learning how to automatically trace an image in Procreate. You want an image that's clear, has well-defined edges, and contains enough detail to make the final output interesting. Here's a little checklist to help you choose the perfect image:

Clarity: A blurry image can make the tracing process tricky and result in a less-than-ideal final product. So, always pick an image with sharp details.
Contrast: Images with high contrast between the subject and the background make for better tracings. The AutoTrace feature can pick up on these differences more easily, resulting in a more accurate trace.
Complexity: If you're a beginner, it might be best to start with a less complex image. As you get more comfortable with the AutoTrace feature, you can move on to more intricate images.

Take your time to select the right image. The better your initial image, the better your traced output will be. And remember, patience is a virtue, especially when you're just learning how to automatically trace an image in Procreate.

3. Setting Up the Image

Now that you've chosen your ideal image, let's get it set up in Procreate. Here's how:

Import your image: Open Procreate and tap on the photo icon. This will open your device's photo library. Select your chosen image to import it.
Adjust the size: Once the image is imported, you might need to adjust its size. You can do this by selecting the arrow icon and dragging the corners of your image until you're happy with how it looks.
Set the image opacity: If you plan to trace over your image, it might be helpful to reduce the image's opacity. Tap on the 'N' icon and adjust the opacity slider to a level that's comfortable for you.

Great! You've set up your image and are one step closer to learning how to automatically trace an image in Procreate. Next stop — exploring the AutoTrace feature!

4. Exploring the AutoTrace Feature

With your image all set up, it's time to dive into the heart of the matter: how to automatically trace an image in Procreate using the AutoTrace feature. Here's how you can explore and utilize this fantastic tool:

Find the AutoTrace feature: This is easier than finding a needle in a haystack — promise! Simply tap on the wrench icon, select 'add', and voila! There's your AutoTrace option.
Trace the image: Upon selecting AutoTrace, you'll notice that Procreate starts to trace the contours of your image. It's like magic, isn't it?
Adjust the traced lines: You might find that some lines aren’t quite right. No worries! You can easily adjust these by using the 'select' tool and moving the nodes of the traced lines.

Now, you've officially learned the basics of how to automatically trace an image in Procreate. But hold on, the fun doesn't stop here. Next, we're going to work on that outline to make your traced image pop!

5. Working on the Outline

After you have successfully traced your image, it's time to move on to the next step: refining the outline. Let's consider this your chance to go from good to great in your quest to learn how to automatically trace an image in Procreate. Here's how:

Choose your brush: First things first, you'll want to select a brush. You may want to experiment with a few options to see which one creates the outline style you love. The 'Studio Pen' from the inking set is a popular choice.
Define your outline: Now, let's get to tracing! Follow the traced lines and define the outline of your image. Take your time with this — it's like coloring inside the lines, but with a twist.
Refine the details: Once you've got your basic outline, take a moment to review it. Need to add more details or adjust a few lines? Go for it! Remember, the 'undo' button is your friend.

And there you have it! You're now one step closer to becoming a pro at automatically tracing images in Procreate. But we're not done yet—next up, we'll finalize your traced image. Exciting, isn't it?

6. Finalizing Your Traced Image

Now, it's time to cross the finish line! Let's finalize that traced image in Procreate. Keep in mind, the devil is in the details, so here's how to ensure your work is show-stopping:

Review your outline: Before you take the final step, take a minute to review your outline. Make sure it's exactly how you want it before you proceed.
Adding colors: Ready to add a splash of color? Select the 'Color Drop' tool, pick your desired color from the color wheel, and fill in your traced outline. Remember, you can adjust the color drop threshold by holding the color and dragging to the left or right.
Adjust the layers: If you want to add depth to your image, play around with the layers. You can adjust the opacity, blend modes, or even add a new layer for additional details.

And voila! You've now learned how to automatically trace an image in Procreate and have a finalized image to prove it. But don't keep it all to yourself. The world is waiting to see your masterpiece!

Let's not let all that hard work go unnoticed, shall we? It's time to show off your newly minted Procreate skills and your art to the world. Here's how to share your masterpiece:

Save your image: First things first, make sure you've saved your artwork. Tap on the wrench icon at the top left corner, select 'Share' and then 'Procreate'. This will save your image in the highest resolution.
Choose your platform: Next, decide where you want to share your image. Whether it's Instagram, Facebook, or an art portfolio site, ensure you select a platform that suits your audience best.
Upload and share: Now comes the exciting part—sharing your artwork! Every platform has a different method, so follow the specific steps for each one. Don’t forget to use relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience!

And there it is—you've gone from learning how to automatically trace an image in Procreate to sharing your own masterpiece. This is just the beginning, though. Keep practicing and exploring Procreate further. You've cracked the code of tracing, what's next? The art world is your oyster!

If you enjoyed learning about tracing images in Procreate and want to further develop your skills, check out the workshop 'How to Draw A Fruit In ProCreate' by Vicky Catalan. This workshop will provide you with step-by-step guidance on creating beautiful fruit illustrations using Procreate's versatile tools and features.