Best Canvas Size for Procreate Prints Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 7 min read

Whether you're a seasoned digital artist or just stepping into the vibrant world of Procreate, you've probably asked yourself, "What's the best procreate canvas size for prints?" If so, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of Procreate, including how to choose your canvas size, draw and prepare your artwork for print, and troubleshoot common issues. Let's jump in!

Get to Know Procreate

Before we dive into the specifics of the procreate canvas size for prints, it's important to understand what Procreate is, how it differs from other apps, and the benefits it offers for digital art.

Understanding the Procreate App

Procreate is an award-winning digital illustration app exclusively for iPad. It's packed with features artists love— from true-to-life sets of pencils, inks, and brushes, to advanced layering system. Here's what you need to know:

Brush Library: Procreate offers a diverse array of customizable brushes.
Layers and Blend Modes: Like Photoshop, Procreate allows you to create layers and adjust their blend modes for complex compositions.
Animation: You can even create frame-by-frame animations in Procreate!

How Procreate Differs from Other Drawing Apps

While there are many digital art apps on the market, Procreate stands out for a few reasons:

User-friendly: Procreate's intuitive interface makes it easy for artists of all skill levels.
High-quality output: With Procreate, you can create high-resolution artworks, making it ideal for procreate canvas size for prints.
Exclusive for iPad: Procreate takes full advantage of iPad's high-resolution screen and powerful processor.

Benefits of Using Procreate for Digital Art

The benefits of using Procreate for digital art are numerous. To name a few:

Flexibility: Procreate gives you the freedom to work anytime, anywhere. All you need is your iPad and Apple Pencil.
Unlimited creativity: With hundreds of brushes and an advanced layering system, the creative possibilities are endless.
Great for prints: The high-resolution output of Procreate makes it perfect for prints. More on procreate canvas size for prints coming up next!

Now that we've covered the basics of Procreate, let's move on to one of the most important aspects— selecting the right canvas size.

Choosing Your Canvas Size

Choosing the right canvas size in Procreate is crucial for your artwork, especially if you plan to print it. Let's take a closer look at how you can make the best choice.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Canvas Size

When deciding on the procreate canvas size for prints, here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Aspect Ratio: This is the ratio of width to height. The aspect ratio should match the ratio of your intended print size.
Resolution: For a high-quality print, your canvas should be a minimum of 300 DPI (dots per inch).
File Size: Larger canvases result in larger file sizes. Make sure your iPad has enough storage capacity.

How to Set Canvas Size in Procreate

Setting the canvas size in Procreate is a breeze. Here's a quick step-by-step guide:

Open Procreate: Tap on the plus sign in the top right corner.
Select "Create Custom Size": Here, you can enter the dimensions and resolution for your canvas.
Tap "Create": Voila! Your custom canvas is ready.

Common Canvas Sizes in Procreate

While you can create a canvas of any size in Procreate, there are some common sizes that artists frequently use for prints:

5x7 inches: This is a common size for small prints or greeting cards.
8x10 inches: A popular choice for medium-sized prints.
11x14 inches: Ideal for larger prints or posters.

Remember, the key to a high-quality print is choosing the right procreate canvas size for prints, so don't be afraid to experiment with different sizes to see what works best for you!

Drawing on your Procreate Canvas

Now that you've got your canvas size set up, let's dive into the actual drawing process on Procreate.

How to Use the Drawing Tools

Procreate offers a variety of drawing tools, each designed to mimic the feel and effect of real-life art tools. Here's how you can make the most out of them:

Pencil: This is your basic drawing tool. Use it for sketching, outlining, and adding detail to your artwork.
Brush: Brushes come in all shapes and sizes in Procreate. You can even create your own custom brushes. They're perfect for adding texture and depth to your artwork.
Smudge: Like smudging on a real canvas, this tool lets you blend colours and soften lines.
Erase: Made a mistake? No worries. The eraser tool has got you covered.

Tips for Improving Your Drawing Skills

Just starting out with Procreate? Here are a few tips to help you improve your drawing skills:

Practice: The more you draw, the better you'll get. Set aside some time each day to practice.
Use References: Don't be afraid to use reference images or even trace over photos to get a feel for shapes and proportions.
Experiment: Try out different tools, techniques, and styles. You never know what might spark your creativity.

Using Layers in Procreate

Layers are a powerful feature in Procreate that allow you to work on different parts of your artwork independently. Here's how you can use them:

Add a New Layer: Tap on the layer icon and then the plus sign to add a new layer.
Rearrange Layers: Press and hold a layer, then drag it up or down in the list. The higher the layer, the more it will cover the layers beneath it.
Blend Layers: You can blend layers together by changing the blend mode. This can create some really cool effects!

As you can see, there's a lot to explore when it comes to drawing on your Procreate canvas. And remember, the key to creating great artwork is to have fun and let your creativity flow!

Preparing your Procreate Artwork for Print

Once you've completed your masterpiece, the next step is to prepare it for print. This is a crucial stage in the process, especially if you're looking to achieve high-quality prints.

How to Export Your Artwork

Procreate offers several export options, each serving a different purpose. Here's how you can export your artwork for print:

Choose Your File Format: For prints, it's best to go with a high-resolution format like TIFF or PNG.
Set the DPI: DPI stands for Dots Per Inch, and it determines the resolution of your print. For most prints, a DPI of 300 is more than enough.
Export Your Artwork: Once you've set your parameters, go to the actions menu (the wrench icon), select "share", and then your chosen file format to export your artwork.

Choosing the Right Printer Settings

Printing your artwork is not as simple as hitting the print button. You need to make sure you have the correct printer settings. Here are a few pointers:

Paper Size: Ensure that the paper size matches the size of your Procreate canvas.
Color Mode: If your printer supports it, use the CMYK color mode for more accurate colors.
Quality: Always choose high quality or photo quality in your printer settings for the best results.

Tips to Ensure High-Quality Prints

There are a few additional steps you can take to ensure high-quality Procreate prints:

Monitor Calibration: Calibrate your monitor to ensure the colors on your screen match the printed colors.
Test Prints: Make a few test prints before you print the final copy. This way, you can make any necessary adjustments.
Use High-Quality Paper: Investing in high-quality paper can make a world of difference in your prints.

That's all there is to it! With these tips, you should be able to print your Procreate artwork with confidence and achieve the results you want.

Troubleshooting Common Procreate Issues

Procreate is an excellent tool, but like any application, it can sometimes throw a curveball your way. Here, we'll tackle some common Procreate issues and how to fix them.

What to Do When Procreate Crashes

It's frustrating when your app crashes in the middle of a project. Here's what you can do if Procreate crashes:

Restart the App: Sometimes, a simple restart is all it takes to resolve the issue.
Reboot Your Device: If restarting the app doesn't work, try rebooting your iPad.
Update the App: Ensure you're using the latest version of Procreate. If not, update it.

Fixing Blurry Prints

Blurry prints can be frustrating, especially when you've put in so much effort. Here's how to fix this problem:

Check Your DPI: A low DPI setting can cause blurry prints. Make sure it's set to at least 300 DPI.
Adjust Your Canvas Size: If your Procreate canvas size for prints is too small, it might result in blurry prints. Try increasing the canvas size.
Use High-Quality Paper: Sometimes, the paper quality can affect the print quality. Make sure you're using good quality paper.

Solving Canvas Size Issues

Having issues with the Procreate canvas size for prints? Here are some things you might want to consider:

Consider Your End Goal: If you're planning to print your artwork, consider the size of the print when setting your canvas size.
Don't Forget About DPI: The DPI setting can affect your canvas size. Remember, a higher DPI means a larger canvas size.
Max Layers: Procreate has a maximum limit on the number of layers based on the canvas size. If you need more layers, you might need to reduce your canvas size.

And there you have it! Remember, sometimes, troubleshooting is part and parcel of the creative process. Happy creating!

If you're looking to improve the quality of your Procreate prints, don't miss the workshop 'How to Sharpen & Resize Images for Print' by Austin James Jackson. This workshop will provide you with essential techniques and tips for getting the best results when printing your Procreate artwork.