How to Create Perfect Circles in Procreate: 3 Simple Techniques

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 19 June 2023 4 min read

Creating perfect circles in Procreate can elevate your digital artwork to the next level. In this blog, we'll explore three simple techniques on how to make a perfect circle in Procreate, so you can add more precision and polish to your designs.

Technique 1: Using the QuickShape Tool

The QuickShape Tool in Procreate is your go-to option for drawing perfect circles with ease. This handy feature automatically converts your freehand strokes into geometric shapes, and with a bit of practice, you'll be making perfect circles in no time.

Adjusting the QuickShape Settings

For optimal circle-drawing results, it's essential to adjust the QuickShape settings:

Select the brush tool and choose your preferred brush.
Draw a rough circle freehand, and hold your pencil or finger on the screen—Procreate will automatically convert your sketch into a perfect circle.
Without lifting your pencil, use another finger to tap the screen once. This will activate the "Edit Shape" option, allowing you to adjust the circle's size and position.

Note: You can also access the "Snap to Grid" feature in the Actions menu (wrench icon) under "Canvas" to ensure even more precision when creating circles.

QuickShape Examples in Procreate

Beyond drawing perfect circles, the QuickShape Tool can be used for various applications in your digital artwork:

Patterns and textures: Use circles as the base for creating seamless patterns or adding texture to your designs.
Character design: Circles are perfect for creating cartoon characters' heads, such as the classic "smiley face."
Geometric compositions: Combine circles with other geometric shapes, like squares and triangles, to create visually appealing designs.

Once you've mastered how to make a perfect circle in Procreate using the QuickShape Tool, you'll find endless creative possibilities at your fingertips.

Technique 2: Using the Shape Stencils

Shape stencils are another great way to create perfect circles in Procreate. These pre-existing shapes can be resized and customized to fit seamlessly into your artwork.

Selecting the Right Stencil

Follow these simple steps to select and use the appropriate stencil for your project:

Open the "Actions" menu (the wrench icon) and navigate to the "Add" section.
Tap on "Insert a Photo" and browse through your device's gallery to find the stencil you want to use. You can download circle stencils online or create your own beforehand.
Once the stencil is on your canvas, use the "Transform" tool (the arrow icon) to adjust its size and position.
Create a new layer above the stencil layer and start tracing the circle with your preferred brush.

Remember, you can always create multiple layers to trace over the stencil for more complex designs or if you need additional circles.

Using Stencils for Different Circle Sizes

Shape stencils offer the flexibility to create circles of various sizes. Here are some tips to maximize your stencil use:

Scaling: Use the "Transform" tool to resize the stencil, making it larger or smaller depending on your design needs.
Duplicating: To create multiple circles with the same size, duplicate the stencil layer and move it to the desired position.
Custom stencils: Create your own stencils with different circle sizes for a wide range of applications, such as creating polka dot patterns or intricate mandalas.

By learning how to make a perfect circle in Procreate using shape stencils, you'll unlock new creative possibilities and add precision to your artwork.

Technique 3: Drawing with Guides

Another effective method for creating perfect circles in Procreate is by using drawing guides. These handy tools provide a framework to assist your hand in drawing precise shapes. Let's explore how to make a perfect circle in Procreate using guides.

Setting Up Drawing Guides in Procreate

Follow these steps to set up drawing guides for circles:

Open the "Actions" menu (the wrench icon) and tap on the "Canvas" tab.
Enable the "Drawing Guide" option, which will display a grid on your canvas.
Tap on "Edit Drawing Guide" to customize the guide's settings. For circles, choose the "Ellipse" option.
Adjust the size and position of the ellipse guide by dragging the handles on the screen. You can also change the color and opacity of the guide lines for better visibility.
Once satisfied with your guide, tap "Done" to return to your canvas.

With the ellipse guide in place, you can now create perfect circles by tracing along the guide lines.

Practicing Circle Drawing with Guides

Although guides make it easier to draw circles, practice is key to achieving consistent results. Here are some tips for practicing with guides:

Experiment with different brushes: Try out various brushes and brush sizes to find the best combination for smooth, clean circle edges.
Adjust line thickness: Play around with the pressure sensitivity settings to achieve the desired line thickness while tracing the circle.
Build muscle memory: Practice drawing circles using the guides to improve your hand-eye coordination and build muscle memory for consistent results.
Toggle the guide on and off: As you grow more comfortable, try drawing circles without the guide visible to test your progress.

By mastering these techniques on how to make a perfect circle in Procreate, you'll gain the skills needed to create impressive and precise artwork that stands out from the crowd.

If you're looking to improve your ProCreate drawing skills, especially in the realm of still life, don't miss the workshop 'How to Draw A Fruit In ProCreate' by Vicky Catalan. This workshop will teach you the techniques and tricks to create realistic fruit illustrations using ProCreate, helping you elevate your digital art to new heights.