How to Erase on Procreate: A Step-by-Step Guide
Contents
1. Getting Familiar with Procreate
2. Selecting the Erase Tool
3. Adjusting Erase Settings
4. Practicing Erase Techniques
5. Applying Erase in Art
Unraveling the art of digital drawing can be exciting, especially with powerful tools like Procreate at your disposal. One of the fundamental aspects of digital artistry is mastering the eraser tool. In this guide, we'll take you through the process of how to erase on Procreate, ensuring you have all the knowledge to create and adjust your art with ease.
1. Getting Familiar with Procreate
The first step to mastering how to erase on Procreate is to familiarize yourself with the app. Let's dive into it.
Exploring the Interface
The Procreate interface is user-friendly and intuitive. At the top, you'll find the Actions, Adjustments, Selection, and Brush menus. On the right side, there's the Layers panel and the slider for brush size and opacity. Understanding these elements is key to successfully navigating Procreate.
Navigating the Menu
The heart of Procreate lies in its menu. The Actions menu (represented by a wrench icon) is where you access your canvas settings, share your artwork, or even import files. The Brush menu houses all your brushes, smudge tools, and the eraser—which we'll get into more detail later. The key here is to take your time and explore each menu, as they all have unique features that will assist in your art creation process.
Understanding Layers
Think of Layers as transparent sheets stacked on top of each other, each containing a part of your artwork. You can edit or erase on one layer without affecting the others—a feature that offers great flexibility when you're creating complex art pieces. Note that the eraser tool in Procreate interacts differently with each layer, so getting a good grasp of how layers work is going to be a game-changer when you're learning how to erase on Procreate.
2. Selecting the Erase Tool
Now that you're comfortable with the Procreate interface, it's time to discover the erase tool. This versatile feature is more than just a simple eraser—it's an artist's secret weapon.
Finding the Erase Tool
Locating the erase tool is straightforward. It's nestled between the brush and smudge tools on the top right corner of the screen. It's represented by an icon that looks, well, like an eraser. Click on it, and you're ready to alter your artwork.
Using the Erase Tool
With the erase tool selected, you can now start removing parts of your artwork. Just glide your stylus or finger over the areas you want to erase. Remember, the erase tool interacts with the currently selected layer. So, if you're wondering why it's not erasing anything, double-check to make sure you're on the correct layer!
Moreover, the erase tool uses the same brush you've selected for drawing. This means you can have all sorts of effects while erasing, from soft and airbrushed to textured and grainy. Experiment with different brushes to see how they influence your erasing style—it’s a fun way to learn how to erase on Procreate.
3. Adjusting Erase Settings
Now that we've covered how to select and use the erase tool in Procreate, let's dive into how you can adjust its settings. Playing around with these changes can greatly affect your erasing style, adding depth and creativity to your work.
Modifying Erase Size
Changing the size of the eraser is as easy as pie. See that slider on the left side of your screen? That's your ticket to resizing the eraser. Slide it up to increase the size, slide it down to decrease. Simple, right? Remember, a larger eraser is great for big changes, while a smaller one allows for detail work.
Changing Erase Opacity
Just beneath the size slider, you'll find another slider. This one controls the opacity of your erase action. If you slide it down, your eraser will become more transparent, resulting in softer erasures. On the other hand, if you slide it up, your eraser will totally remove any paint it comes across. This is particularly useful when you want to create subtle texture or completely erase a mistake.
Adjusting these two settings can change the way you erase on Procreate and can bring a new dimension to your digital artwork. So, don't be afraid to experiment with different settings!
4. Practicing Erase Techniques
Knowing how to erase on Procreate is one thing, but mastering the art of erasing is another. It's time to get our hands dirty and start practicing some erase techniques. Remember, practice makes perfect!
Practicing with Different Brushes
Did you know that Procreate allows you to use any brush as an eraser? Yes, you heard that right! Try selecting different brushes and see how each one affects your erasing style. It can range from a simple, soft erasure with the airbrush to a more textured, dynamic effect with a charcoal brush. Experimenting with different brushes will not only improve your erasure skills, it will also make your artwork more diverse and interesting.
Experimenting with Pressure
If you're using Procreate on an iPad with Apple Pencil, you're in for a treat. The pressure sensitivity feature means the harder you press, the more intense the erasure will be. Practice applying different levels of pressure and observe how it changes your erasing style. Light pressure can give you a fine, subtle erasure, while heavy pressure can remove paint more drastically. So, don't be shy with your Apple Pencil—press hard, press light, and find that sweet spot that works for you!
Remember, becoming proficient at erasing on Procreate takes time and practice. So, don't get discouraged if your first few tries don't turn out as you'd hoped. Keep experimenting, keep practicing, and you'll get the hang of it in no time.
5. Applying Erase in Art
Now that you've got a good grasp on how to erase on Procreate and practiced some techniques, let's talk about how to apply these skills to your artwork. You'd be surprised at the many ways erasing can enhance your art, from creating texture to making corrections, and even adding highlights. Let's dive in!
Creating Texture
One of the most exciting ways to use the erase tool in Procreate is to create texture. You can use different brushes to erase portions of your artwork and create interesting textures that add depth to your work. For example, using a chalk brush to erase can make your art look like it's been drawn on a chalkboard. Or, try using a spray paint brush to erase for a cool, splattered effect. The possibilities are endless!
Making Corrections
Art is all about trial and error, and even the best artists make mistakes. Thankfully, with Procreate's erase tool, you can easily fix those little mishaps. Whether you've colored outside the lines or just aren't happy with how a certain element turned out, the erase tool is your best friend. Just remember, it's all part of the process!
Adding Highlights
Lastly, another fun way to use the erase tool in Procreate is to add highlights to your artwork. By selectively erasing certain areas, you can create a sense of light and dimension in your drawings. Try it out on a dark background and watch how your art comes to life!
And there you have it! You now know how to erase on Procreate and apply it to your artwork. Remember, the key to mastering any skill is practice, so keep experimenting with different techniques and soon, you'll be erasing like a pro!
If you're eager to further develop your Procreate skills after learning how to erase, don't miss the workshop titled 'How to Draw A Fruit In ProCreate' by Vicky Catalan. This workshop will teach you step-by-step techniques to create stunning fruit illustrations in Procreate, enhancing your digital art capabilities.