How to Curve Text in Procreate: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 24 May 2023 10 min read

Curving text in Procreate can add a unique and creative touch to your digital art designs. In this blog, we'll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to curve text in Procreate, covering everything from setting up your canvas to mastering advanced techniques. So grab your iPad, and let's get started!

1. Getting Started with Procreate

Before we dive into curving text, let's make sure you're familiar with the basics of Procreate. In this section, we'll cover installing the app, navigating the interface, and creating a new project.

Installing Procreate

To start using Procreate, you'll need to install the app on your iPad. Simply head over to the App Store, search for "Procreate," and tap on "Get" to download and install the app. Once it's installed, open the app, and you'll be greeted with the Procreate Gallery screen.

Navigating the Interface

Procreate has an intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate, even for beginners. Here are some key elements of the interface to help you get started:

Gallery: This is the main screen where you can view and manage all your projects.
Canvas: This is the workspace where you'll create your art.
Toolbar: Located at the top of the screen, the toolbar contains various tools and settings that you'll use while working on your project.
Layers Panel: Found on the right side of the screen, the Layers panel allows you to manage and organize your artwork using layers.

Now that you're familiar with the interface, let's create a new project.

Creating a New Project

To create a new project in Procreate, follow these simple steps:

On the Gallery screen, tap the "+" icon in the upper right corner.
Select a canvas size from the list of presets, or create your own custom size by tapping "Custom Size."
Tap "Create" to open your new canvas.

You've successfully created a new project in Procreate! Now you're ready to start adding text to your canvas and learn how to curve text in Procreate.

2. Adding Text to Your Canvas

Now that you've set up your canvas in Procreate, it's time to start adding text. In this section, we'll cover how to select the text tool, choose the perfect font and style, and position your text on the canvas. These steps will provide a solid foundation for learning how to curve text in Procreate.

Selecting the Text Tool

Adding text to your Procreate canvas is a breeze. Just follow these easy steps:

In the toolbar at the top of the screen, tap on the "Actions" menu, which looks like a wrench icon.
From the Actions menu, select the "Add" tab.
Tap on "Add Text" to open the text editor.

Voilà! You've successfully opened the text editor in Procreate. Now let's explore font and style options for your text.

Choosing Font and Style

Procreate offers a wide variety of fonts and styles to customize your text. Here's how to choose the perfect font and style for your project:

With the text editor open, tap on "Font" to open the font menu.
Browse through the list of available fonts, and tap on the one you like to select it.
To adjust the style of your selected font, tap on the "Style" tab. Here, you can choose options like bold, italic, and underline.

Remember, choosing the right font and style can have a significant impact on your design, so don't be afraid to experiment until you find the combination that works best for you. Next, let's learn how to position your text on the canvas before diving into how to curve text in Procreate.

Positioning Text on the Canvas

Once you've chosen your font and style, it's time to position your text on the canvas. Here's how:

Tap anywhere outside the text box to exit the text editor.
With the text layer selected in the Layers panel, use the "Move" tool—represented by an arrow icon—to drag and position your text on the canvas.
If you need to resize or rotate your text, use the blue handles around the text box while the Move tool is active.

Now that your text is in place, you're all set to learn the ins and outs of how to curve text in Procreate. Let's get curving!

3. How to Curve Text in Procreate

You've added text to your canvas and customized it to your liking—now it's time to learn how to curve text in Procreate! Curving text can add a unique twist to your designs and make them more visually appealing. In this section, we'll walk you through the process of curving text using the QuickShape Tool, adjusting text along the path, and finalizing your curved text masterpiece.

Using the QuickShape Tool

The QuickShape Tool is a versatile feature in Procreate that allows you to create perfect shapes with ease. To curve text using the QuickShape Tool, follow these steps:

Create a new layer above your text layer by tapping the "+" icon in the Layers panel. This will help keep your text and shape separate, making it easier to edit later.
Select the "Brush" tool from the toolbar, and choose a brush that works well for creating smooth lines, such as the "Technical Pen" or "Monoline" brush.
Draw a curved line on the new layer by dragging your finger or stylus across the canvas. As you finish drawing the line, hold your finger or stylus down to activate the QuickShape Tool. This will automatically smooth out your line and turn it into a perfect curve.

Now that you have a smooth curve, it's time to adjust the text along the path.

Adjusting Text Along the Path

With your curved path ready, you can now adjust your text to follow the curve. Here's how:

Select the text layer in the Layers panel, and tap on the "Selection" tool in the toolbar. Make sure to choose "Automatic" mode for the selection tool.
Drag your finger or stylus over the text to select it. You'll notice that the text gets highlighted with a blue overlay.
With the text selected, tap on the "Move" tool, then tap on the "Snapping" button at the bottom of the screen. Enable "Distort" and "Magnetics" options.
Now, drag your text towards the curved path. The text should snap to the curve and follow its shape. Adjust the position and size of the text as needed using the blue handles.

Once you're satisfied with the placement of your text along the curve, it's time to finalize your curved text design.

Finalizing Your Curved Text

After adjusting your text along the curved path, follow these steps to finalize your design:

Tap on the "Layers" panel, and select the curved path layer you created earlier.
Swipe left on the layer thumbnail, and tap on the "Delete" button to remove the curved path. This will leave only your curved text visible on the canvas.
If you need to make any additional adjustments to your curved text, use the "Move" tool to fine-tune its position, size, or rotation.

Congratulations! You've successfully learned how to curve text in Procreate. But why stop here? Let's explore some advanced tips and tricks to take your curved text designs to the next level.

4. Advanced Tips for Curving Text in Procreate

Now that you've mastered the basics of curving text in Procreate, let's delve into some advanced tips and techniques that can help you create even more stunning designs. In this section, we'll cover customizing curved text appearance, combining text effects, and troubleshooting text issues.

Customizing Curved Text Appearance

There's more to curving text in Procreate than simply following a path. You can also customize the appearance of your curved text to make it truly unique. Here are some ways to do so:

Adjusting character spacing: To fine-tune the spacing between individual characters, first select your text layer and open the "Text" panel. Then, use the "Kerning" slider to increase or decrease the space between the characters.
Modifying line height: If your curved text design includes multiple lines, you can adjust the line height for better readability. In the "Text" panel, use the "Leading" slider to change the distance between lines.
Applying layer effects: Add depth and style to your curved text by applying layer effects, such as shadows or glows. To do this, open the "Layers" panel, tap on the "N" icon next to your text layer, and choose from the available "Blend Modes" and "Opacity" options.

These customizations can help elevate your curved text designs and make them more visually appealing.

Combining Text Effects

Why settle for just one effect when you can combine multiple effects to create a truly unique design? In Procreate, you can easily layer different text effects to add depth and visual interest. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Stacking curved text: Create multiple curved text layers with different font styles or sizes, and then arrange them on top of one another for a dynamic, layered look.
Overlaying textures: Add an interesting texture to your curved text by using Procreate's brush tools to paint directly onto the text layer. This can create a distressed, vintage, or hand-drawn appearance.
Incorporating illustrations: Enhance your curved text by incorporating illustrations or other design elements. You can draw these directly onto your canvas using Procreate's vast array of brushes, or import them from your photo library.

Experiment with different combinations of these effects to discover new and exciting possibilities for your curved text designs.

Troubleshooting Text Issues

As you explore how to curve text in Procreate, you might encounter some common issues or challenges. Don't worry—we've got you covered with these troubleshooting tips:

Text not snapping to the curve: If your text isn't snapping to the curved path as expected, double-check that the "Distort" and "Magnetics" options are enabled in the "Snapping" panel.
Curved text appearing distorted: If your curved text appears stretched or distorted, try adjusting the "Distort" settings in the "Snapping" panel, or experiment with different font sizes and styles to find the best fit for your design.
Unable to edit text after curving: Once you've curved your text and deleted the path layer, you may find that you can't edit the text directly. To make further edits, simply create a new text layer and follow the steps for curving text in Procreate once more.

With these troubleshooting tips in mind, you'll be well-equipped to tackle any challenges that come your way as you create stunning curved text designs in Procreate.

Now that you've learned how to curve text in Procreate and explored some advanced tips and techniques, you're ready to take your digital art skills to new heights. Don't forget to check out additional resources, such as Procreate tutorials, joining the Procreate community, and staying updated on the latest Procreate features. Happy designing!

5. Additional Resources for Procreate Users

As you continue your journey into the world of Procreate and curving text, it's essential to have access to resources that can help you grow and refine your skills. In this section, we'll explore some valuable resources, including Procreate tutorials, joining the Procreate community, and staying updated on the latest Procreate features.

Procreate Tutorials and Guides

One of the best ways to expand your knowledge and expertise in Procreate is by following tutorials and guides created by fellow artists and experts. These resources can provide you with step-by-step instructions, practical tips, and inspiration for your own projects. Some of these tutorials include:

Procreate's Official YouTube Channel: This treasure trove of educational content features numerous video tutorials covering a wide range of techniques, tools, and features in Procreate.
Artist Blogs and Websites: Many professional artists share their knowledge and techniques through blog posts and articles. Look for those who specialize in Procreate to find helpful tips and tricks specific to this app.
Online Art Courses: If you prefer a more structured learning experience, consider enrolling in online art courses focusing on Procreate. Many platforms offer both free and paid courses to suit your needs and budget.

By engaging with these resources, you'll be well on your way to mastering not only how to curve text in Procreate but also countless other techniques and effects.

Joining the Procreate Community

Connecting with fellow Procreate users is a fantastic way to learn, share ideas, and gain inspiration for your projects. The Procreate community is filled with individuals who are passionate about digital art and eager to help you succeed. Here are a few ways to get involved:

Social Media Groups: Platforms like Facebook and Reddit host dedicated Procreate groups where users can ask questions, share their work, and engage in discussions about the app.
Procreate Forums: The official Procreate forums are a great place to connect with other users, share your art, and access a wealth of information on various topics related to Procreate.
Art Challenges and Events: Participating in online art challenges or events can help you push your creative boundaries and connect with other artists who also use Procreate. Keep an eye out for events like Inktober, Draw This in Your Style, and more.

By joining the Procreate community, you'll not only learn more about how to curve text in Procreate but also gain valuable insights and inspiration from fellow artists.

Staying Updated on Procreate Features

Procreate is regularly updated with new features, improvements, and bug fixes, ensuring that you always have the best tools at your disposal. Staying informed about these updates is crucial to making the most of your Procreate experience. Here's how to stay up to date:

Follow Procreate on Social Media: Procreate's official social media channels, such as Twitter and Instagram, often share news about app updates, new features, and upcoming events.
Subscribe to Procreate's Newsletter: By subscribing to their email newsletter, you'll receive regular updates about new features, tips, and other relevant information straight to your inbox.
Check the App Store: Keep an eye on the App Store for any updates to Procreate. You can enable automatic updates for your apps, ensuring you always have the latest version installed.

By staying informed about the latest Procreate updates, you'll be better equipped to take advantage of new features and improvements, enhancing your ability to create stunning curved text designs and more.

Now that you're equipped with valuable resources to help you learn how to curve text in Procreate and beyond, you're ready to explore new artistic possibilities. Remember, practice makes perfect—so don't hesitate to experiment and try new techniques as you gain confidence in your Procreate skills. Have fun, and happy creating!

If you enjoyed learning how to curve text in Procreate and want to explore more advanced techniques, don't miss the workshop 'Creating the Cosmos with Procreate' by Jeffrey Thelin. This workshop will guide you through the process of creating stunning cosmic art using Procreate, helping you expand your skills and unleash your creativity.