Create Transparent Coloring Pages: Procreate Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 5 min read

Creating transparent coloring pages in Procreate can offer a unique and personalized touch to your digital art. This guide will walk you through the steps of transforming standard pictures into transparent coloring pages for Procreate. Let's get started!

Get Procreate Ready

Before you can start creating, you'll need to set up your Procreate workspace. This means downloading the app, arranging your workspace, and selecting the right tools. Let's break it down:

Procreate is available for download from the App Store on your iPad. It's a paid app, but it's worth the investment if you're serious about digital art. Just search for "Procreate", tap to purchase and download. Once installed, open the app and you're ready to go!

Set Up Your Workspace

Procreate offers a flexible workspace that you can customize to suit your needs. Here's a quick setup guide:

Canvas: Tap on the "+" sign to create a new canvas. For a standard coloring page, a size of 8.5" x 11" works great.
Layers: The layers panel allows you to work on different parts of your image without affecting the rest. It's like having multiple sheets of transparent paper stacked on top of each other.
Brushes: Procreate comes with a vast library of brushes. You can find them in the brushes panel. For coloring pages, a simple round brush often does the trick.

Choose Your Tools

With many tools available in Procreate, it's important to pick the ones that best suit your needs. For creating transparent coloring pages, you'll need:

Pencil tool: Ideal for sketching outlines or adding details.
Eraser tool: Perfect for correcting mistakes or creating interesting effects.
Smudge tool: This tool is handy for blending colors and creating smooth transitions.

Now that you've downloaded Procreate, set up your workspace, and chosen your tools, you're ready to find a picture and start creating your own transparent coloring pages for Procreate.

Find Your Picture

Every great transparent coloring page starts with a great picture. You can use any image you like, but there are a few things to consider when selecting the perfect one:

Select the Right Image

When choosing an image, look for one with clear, defined lines and shapes. This will make it easier to create your coloring page. Here are a few more tips:

High Resolution: Choose a high-resolution image. This ensures that your coloring page looks sharp and detailed.
Simple Composition: An image with a simple composition will make your coloring page less complicated and more fun to color.
Contrast: Images with high contrast between colors and shapes make great coloring pages.

Prepare the Image

Once you've picked the perfect image for your transparent coloring page, it's time to prepare it in Procreate. Here's how:

Import the Image: Tap on the wrench icon in the top left, select 'Add', then 'Insert a photo'. Navigate to your photo and select it.
Adjust the Image: If needed, resize or reposition your image using the arrow icon at the top.
Desaturate the Image: To make it easier to see your own colors, desaturate the image by going to the adjustments panel (magic wand icon), choosing 'Hue, Saturation, Brightness', and sliding the saturation all the way down.

Now, with your image selected and prepared, you're one step closer to creating your transparent coloring pages for Procreate.

Create a Transparent Layer

Now that your picture is ready, it's time to create a transparent layer. This step is pivotal in making transparent coloring pages for Procreate. Let's dive into it:

Set the Layer

The first thing you need to do is create a new layer. Here's how:

Open the Layer Panel: Tap on the two square icons in the top right corner.
Create a New Layer: Tap on the plus icon to create a new layer.
Arrange the Layer: Tap, hold, and drag the new layer below your image layer.

Remember, this layer will be where you add your colors, so make sure it's beneath the image layer.

Adjust the Opacity

Next, you'll need to adjust the opacity of your image layer to make it semi-transparent. This will allow you to see the colors you apply on your new layer. Here's how you do it:

Select the Image Layer: In the layer panel, tap on the layer where your image is.
Adjust the Opacity: Tap on the 'N' icon next to the checkmark, then drag the opacity slider to the left until you can just barely see your image.

And that's it! You've created a transparent layer for your coloring page. It's time to bring your transparent coloring pages for Procreate to life with colors.

Start Coloring

Now comes the fun part - bringing your transparent coloring pages for Procreate to life with color. Let's jump right in:

Choose Your Colors

Before you start coloring, it's a good idea to choose your color palette. Procreate has a wide range of colors to choose from, so you're sure to find something that suits your image. Simply tap the color circle at the top right of the screen to open the color picker and start selecting your colors. Remember, for a harmonious and balanced result, it's best to choose a mix of light, medium, and dark tones.

Apply the Colors

With your colors selected, it's time to start coloring. Select your new layer and grab your chosen brush. Then, apply your colors to the relevant parts of the image. Don't stress about staying within the lines — that's the beauty of using layers in Procreate. Each stroke is independent, and you can adjust them without affecting the rest of your image.

Blend the Colors

After applying your colors, you may notice some harsh lines or transitions. This is where blending comes in. By using the soft brush under the 'airbrushing' tool, you can gently blend your colors together to create a smooth transition. Remember to adjust the size and opacity of the brush for different effects. And just like that, your transparent coloring pages for Procreate are starting to take shape.

Up next, let's add some details and wrap this up!

Add Details and Finish

Once you've laid down the basic colors, the next step in creating transparent coloring pages for Procreate is to add details and finish up your masterpiece. Here's how:

Add Shadows and Highlights

Shadows and highlights can add a sense of depth and realism to your coloring pages. To add shadows, choose a color slightly darker than your base color. Use a brush with a lower opacity to layer on the shadows where the light source wouldn’t reach. Highlights, on the other hand, are areas where the light source directly hits. Choose a lighter color and add the highlights where it's appropriate. It's amazing how these tiny details can make your image pop!

Add Final Touches

Now, it's time for the final touches. This could be anything from adding a background color to cleaning up the edges with the eraser tool. Maybe you want to add more details or textures. This is your artwork, and the final touches are all about making it uniquely yours.

Export Your Work

Done with your artwork? Great job! Now, to share or print your transparent coloring pages, you'll need to export them from Procreate. Tap on the wrench icon, then select 'Share'. Choose the 'PNG' option to save your image with a transparent background. And there you have it, your very own transparent coloring pages for Procreate are ready to amaze the world.

Creating transparent coloring pages for Procreate is not just about coloring within the lines; it's a journey of creativity, discovery, and most importantly, fun. So, what are you waiting for? Start coloring!

If you enjoyed our blog on creating transparent coloring pages using Procreate, we highly recommend checking out the workshop titled 'Refreshing your Colours in Procreate' by Faira. This workshop will provide you with additional techniques and insights on how to enhance your coloring pages and elevate your Procreate skills.