Easy Steps to Invert Colors on Procreate: A Beginner's Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 5 min read

Have you ever wondered how to invert colours in Procreate? It's not as complicated as it may seem. This guide provides an easy-to-follow, beginner-friendly roadmap that will help you master the art of inverting colours in Procreate, starting with a basic understanding of the app itself.

1. Get Familiar with Procreate

Before you can start inverting colours in Procreate, it's crucial to understand the basics of the app itself. Here, you'll learn how to download and install Procreate, explore the interface, and experiment with its various tools and brushes.

Download and Install Procreate

Procreate is available for download from the App Store on any iPad running iOS 13.2 or newer. Installation is as simple as clicking the "Get" button and allowing the app to install. Remember to give it the necessary permissions to function effectively.

Explore the Procreate Interface

Once installed, take time to familiarize yourself with the Procreate interface. The interface is intuitive and user-friendly. At the bottom, you'll find the tools panel which contains your brushes, smudge tool, eraser, and colours. On the top, you'll find options like layers, adjustments, and actions. Don't be afraid to click around and explore—you won't break anything!

Experiment with Tools and Brushes

Procreate offers a wide variety of tools and brushes to let your creativity run wild. Use the sketching brushes for drawing, airbrushes for painting, and texture brushes for adding depth to your art. Try them out, and see which ones you like best. Remember, the more comfortable you are with the tools, the easier it'll be to invert colours in Procreate later on.

2. Start with a New Canvas

Now that you're more familiar with Procreate, it's time to start creating. And what's a better way to begin than setting up a new canvas? Here, you'll learn how to select the canvas size and understand the concept of layers—both vital steps to invert colours in Procreate.

Select the Canvas Size

Starting a new project in Procreate is simple. Click on the "+" icon in the top-right corner to open up the new canvas screen. Here, you can choose from a range of preset sizes or create a custom size. Think about what you want to create and select a size that suits your needs. For example, a larger canvas is great for detailed artwork, while a smaller one works well for quick sketches.

Understand Layers

Layers in Procreate work like transparent sheets stacked on top of each other. You can draw on each layer separately, which can be incredibly useful when you want to make changes without affecting the entire image. To add a new layer, just tap on the layers panel (it looks like two squares) and then hit the "+" icon. Remember, when you're inverting colours in Procreate, you'll be working with the layer that you want to invert. So, keep track of your layers!

3. Learn to Select and Deselect

Let's move on to the next step: mastering the art of selection and deselection. This might seem like a small detail, but it comes in handy when you need to invert colours in Procreate. After all, you don't want to invert your entire artwork when you only intended to change a small part, right?

Use the Selection Tool

The Selection tool—represented by the "S" icon—allows you to mark an area of your artwork that you want to work on, without affecting the rest of the canvas. You can choose from different types of selections: freehand, automatic, rectangular, and elliptical. The selection area will be highlighted with a diagonal pattern. Now, when you invert colours, Procreate will only apply the changes to this marked area.

Master the Deselection Process

What if you've selected an area but then change your mind? No problem, you can easily deselect it. Simply tap on the "S" icon again or click anywhere outside the selected area. Now you're back to a clean slate. Practice this a couple of times to get the hang of it. Remember, mastering selection and deselection is a key step to invert colours in Procreate.

4. Grasp Color Inversion

Now that you've got the hang of selecting and deselecting, let's tackle the real deal — how to invert colours in Procreate. This is a simple yet powerful tool that can give your artwork a whole new look. It's like seeing the world through a different lens, quite literally! Ready? Let's dive in.

Find the Adjustments Tab

First, look for the Adjustments tab in the top-right corner of the screen. It's symbolized by a magic wand icon. This is where all the magic happens! Click on it, and a drop-down menu will appear with a list of different actions you can take. Here, you'll find the options to add effects, adjust brightness, saturation, and yes — invert colours on Procreate.

Navigate to Invert Colors

Next, scroll down the list until you find the option that says "Invert". Just tap on it, and voila! You've inverted your colours. But remember, this will affect the entire layer or the selected area depending on whether you've made a selection. The colours will flip to their exact opposite on the colour wheel. For instance, blue turns to orange, red to green, and so on. This is a fun and easy way to experiment with colour schemes and add a unique twist to your artwork. Enjoy playing around with it and see how it transforms your work!

5. Practice and Improve

By now, you've learned how to invert colours in Procreate, and you're ready to start experimenting. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. It's time to take your creativity to the next level. Are you ready to dive in? Let's go!

Experiment with Different Colors

First off, don't limit yourself to just a few favourite colours. The beauty of art lies in its diversity. Play with different shades, hues, and tones. What happens when you invert a pastel colour palette? What about a monochromatic one? The possibilities are endless when it comes to inverting colours on Procreate. So, go ahead, mix and match, and let your creativity run wild!

Try Out Different Brushes

Next, explore the wide range of brushes available on Procreate. Each brush can create a different effect when used with the invert colours feature. For example, a watercolour brush can create a dreamy, surreal effect when its colours are inverted, while a chalk brush might give your artwork a vintage, retro feel. So, don't stick to just one or two brushes. Try them all out and see which ones you like the best!

Finally, don't keep your masterpieces to yourself. Share them with your friends, family, or even on social media. Getting feedback from others can help you see your work from a different perspective and improve your skills. Plus, who knows, your inverted colour artwork might inspire someone else to start their creative journey on Procreate!

Remember, the journey of art is all about exploration and expression. So keep experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly, have fun while doing it!

If you enjoyed learning how to invert colors in Procreate and want to further improve your skills, check out the workshop 'Refreshing your Colours in Procreate' by Faira. This workshop will teach you more techniques for working with colors and enhancing your digital art creations.