Best Canvas Size for Procreate: Digital Art Tips

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 7 min read

Creating digital art is a skill that requires the right tools and settings to achieve the best results. One such tool that has revolutionized the digital art world is Procreate. With its unique features and user-friendly interface, Procreate has become a favorite among artists worldwide. But to truly unlock its potential, you need to understand the importance of choosing the right canvas size. This blog post will guide you on how to select the best canvas size for Procreate, ensuring your digital masterpieces are of the highest quality.

Getting to Know Procreate

Procreate is more than just another digital drawing app. It's a powerful platform that brings the art studio right to your fingertips. Let's dive into what makes Procreate stand out and why it has become a go-to choice for digital artists.

What is Procreate?

Procreate is a game-changing application designed for creative professionals. It's an app made for the iPad, created by Savage Interactive. The app offers a complete art studio at your disposal, filled with a vast range of professional art tools. From sketching to painting, Procreate makes it possible to create intricate artwork. The best part? You can do it all on the go, no matter where you are. The only limitation is your creativity.

Procreate's Unique Features

Procreate stands out from other digital art apps thanks to its unique features. Here are some that make it a favorite among artists:

Layering Options: Procreate allows you to create layers and group them together. This feature provides you with flexibility and control over each aspect of your artwork.
Brush Customization: With Procreate, you can customize brushes to suit your style. You can even create new brushes from scratch!
High-Resolution Canvas: Procreate supports high-resolution canvases, making it perfect for creating professional-grade artwork. The key to exploiting this feature is choosing the best canvas size for Procreate, which we'll delve into later.
Gesture Controls: Procreate leverages the touch interface of the iPad. It includes intuitive gestures like pinch to zoom or three-finger swipe to undo, making the app user-friendly and efficient.

With these features, Procreate provides an environment where you can let your creativity run wild. But to make the most out of Procreate, it's essential to understand how to choose the best canvas size for your projects.

Selecting the Right Canvas Size

Choosing the correct canvas size is a crucial part of digital art creation. It can significantly affect the quality of your final artwork. So, how do we determine the best canvas size for Procreate? Let's break it down.

Why Canvas Size Matters

The canvas size you select in Procreate directly impacts your artwork's resolution. A larger canvas size allows for more detailed work, but it also uses more of your device's memory. On the other hand, a smaller canvas size might not support high-resolution printing. Therefore, finding the right balance is key.

Common Canvas Sizes

While the best canvas size for Procreate largely depends on the project, there are a few common sizes that many artists find useful:

A4 Size: At 2480 x 3508 pixels, this size is great for detailed work and prints well at 300 DPI, which is a standard print resolution.
Screen Size: Using the dimensions of your device's screen (For example, 2732 x 2048 pixels for a 12.9-inch iPad Pro) is a good choice for digital-only work.
Custom Size: Procreate also allows you to enter a custom size. This is perfect when you need a specific size for a particular project or print size.

Guidelines for Choosing Canvas Size

So, what's the best canvas size for Procreate? The answer largely depends on what you're planning to do with your artwork. Here are a few guidelines to help you decide:

For Digital Use: If your artwork is primarily for online use, consider the requirements of the platform where you'll be posting. The screen size of your device is often a good starting point.
For Printing: Planning to print your artwork? A higher resolution is necessary. A good rule of thumb is to aim for 300 DPI, which means you'll need to increase your canvas size accordingly.
Consider Your Device: Remember, larger canvases use more memory. If your device is older or has limited storage, you might need to stick to smaller canvas sizes.

Choosing the right canvas size can feel like a balancing act, but with these guidelines, you'll be on your way to creating stunning digital art in no time!

Optimizing Procreate Settings

After you've selected the best canvas size for Procreate, the next step is to optimize Procreate's settings for your specific needs. Let's explore how you can adjust canvas settings, customize brushes, and use layers effectively to enhance your digital art experience.

Adjusting Canvas Settings

Procreate's canvas settings are a gold mine for artists who like to have control over their work. Here's how you can make the most of them:

Color Profile: Play around with different color profiles to see which one best suits your project. sRGB is a safe bet for most digital artwork.
Canvas Properties: You can check your canvas information, including dimensions, DPI, and the color profile under the "Actions" menu, then "Canvas" and finally "Canvas information".

Customizing Brushes

Brushes can make or break your artwork, and Procreate offers a multitude of customizable options. Here's how to make them work for you:

Brush Library: Procreate's extensive brush library is at your fingertips. You can even create your own custom brushes to suit your specific needs.
Brush Settings: Don't forget to adjust your brush settings, such as size and opacity, to match the demands of your project.

Using Layers Effectively

Layers are your best friends when it comes to complex digital art pieces. Here's how you can use them to your advantage:

Organize Your Layers: Keep your work tidy by naming your layers and grouping related ones together. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
Blend Modes: Experiment with different blend modes to achieve unique effects in your artwork. This is where the magic happens.
Adjustment Layers: Use adjustment layers to tweak certain parts of your artwork without affecting the entire piece. They're like your secret weapon!

Optimizing these settings in Procreate can take some time, but it's worth it. Whether you're adjusting your canvas settings, customizing your brushes, or mastering the art of layers, each step brings you closer to creating digital art that truly stands out.

Improving Your Digital Art Skills

Now that you've discovered the best canvas size for Procreate and learned how to optimize your settings, it's time to dive into the nitty-gritty of improving your digital art skills. Let's get started!

Practice Makes Perfect

There's no shortcut to becoming a master artist—it all boils down to practice. Here are some pointers to help you on your journey:

Make Art Daily: A little practice each day can go a long way. Even a quick sketch during your coffee break can help you improve.
Experiment: Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Try new techniques, styles, and even mediums. The more you experiment, the more you grow.

Seeking Inspiration

Inspiration is everywhere if you know where to look. Here are some ideas:

Nature: The world around you is filled with beauty. Take a walk in your local park, or simply look out your window.
Books and Media: Books, movies, TV shows, and music can all be sources of inspiration. Keep your mind open to new ideas.

Joining Art Communities

Joining an art community can be a game changer. Here's why:

Feedback: Constructive criticism from fellow artists can help you see your work from a different perspective and improve your skills.
Support: Art communities are a great source of support and motivation. It helps to know you're not alone in your artistic journey.

Improving your digital art skills is a journey filled with exploration and learning. With consistent practice, inspiration, and support from your art community, you'll keep growing and creating amazing digital art on Procreate.

Final Thoughts on Procreate

As we wrap up this discussion on the best canvas size for Procreate, it's time to put everything into perspective. Let's look at a few more aspects of Procreate and how it stands out from other drawing apps.

Procreate vs. Other Drawing Apps

Although there are several digital art tools out there, Procreate holds its own for a few reasons:

User-Friendly Interface: It's simple, intuitive, and easy to use. You don't need to be a tech wizard to navigate Procreate.
Rich Features: From customizable brushes to layering options, Procreate offers an extensive range of tools that cater to both beginners and advanced artists.

Making the Most of Procreate

To make the most out of your Procreate experience, remember these key points:

Choose the Right Canvas Size: As we've discussed, the best canvas size for Procreate depends on your specific project and needs. Start with common sizes, and don't be afraid to experiment until you find what works best for you.
Optimize Your Settings: Take time to adjust your canvas settings, customize your brushes, and learn to use layers effectively. This will enhance your Procreate experience and help you produce better art.
Keep Improving: Join art communities, seek inspiration, and practice regularly. Remember, every artist was once a beginner. You're on your way to creating masterpieces!

Procreate is a powerful tool for digital artists, and mastering it opens up new horizons for creativity. With the right canvas size, optimized settings, and continuous skill improvement, you're well on your way to making the most of Procreate.

If you're interested in diving deeper into the world of digital art on Procreate, don't miss out on the workshop 'Intro to Procreate: Drawing with Digital Tools' by Vicky Catalan. This workshop will not only help you understand the best canvas size for your projects but also provide you with essential tips and tricks to master the Procreate app and elevate your digital art skills.