How to Fill in Color on Procreate: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 19 June 2023 7 min read

Learning how to fill in color on Procreate is an essential skill for anyone looking to create stunning digital artwork. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of choosing the perfect color palette, setting up your canvas, and applying colors using various tools and techniques. Let's dive in and explore the world of Procreate!

Choosing Your Color Palette

Before you start adding color to your artwork, it's important to choose a color palette that complements your design. There are several color schemes you can use to create a harmonious and visually appealing composition.

Analogous Colors

Analogous colors are those that sit next to each other on the color wheel. Using an analogous color scheme can create a sense of harmony and unity in your artwork. To achieve this, simply choose a base color and then select colors that are adjacent to it on the color wheel. For example, if you choose blue as your base color, you might use shades of blue-green and blue-violet to create a soothing, cohesive look.

Complementary Colors

Complementary colors are those that are opposite each other on the color wheel. Using a complementary color scheme can create a strong contrast and make your artwork pop. To use this color scheme, select a base color and then choose its opposite on the color wheel. For example, if your base color is red, you would choose green as its complement.

Triadic Colors

Triadic colors are evenly spaced around the color wheel, forming a triangle. This color scheme offers a balanced and vibrant look to your artwork. To create a triadic color palette, pick a base color and then choose the two colors that are evenly spaced from it on the color wheel. For example, if your base color is yellow, you would choose blue and red to complete the triadic color scheme. Experiment with these color schemes to find the perfect palette for your Procreate masterpiece!

Setting Up Your Procreate Canvas

Once you've chosen your color palette, it's time to set up your Procreate canvas. This involves selecting the right canvas size and choosing the best brushes for your artwork. Let's dive into these important steps to ensure a smooth coloring experience on Procreate.

Selecting Canvas Size

Picking the right canvas size is crucial for achieving the desired level of detail in your artwork. Procreate offers a variety of preset canvas sizes, as well as the option to create a custom size. When selecting your canvas size, consider the final output of your artwork. For example, if you plan to print your artwork, choose a larger canvas size with a high DPI (dots per inch) to ensure crisp, clear printing. If you're creating digital artwork for social media, consider the dimensions and resolution requirements of the specific platform. Remember, you can always scale down your artwork, but scaling up can result in a loss of quality.

Choosing Brushes

Procreate offers a wide array of brushes to help you achieve the desired look and texture in your artwork. Take some time to explore the different brush categories, such as Painting, Inking, and Airbrushing. Each category has unique properties that can enhance your coloring experience. For example, if you're looking to create smooth, blended colors, the Soft Airbrush might be a great choice. On the other hand, if you want to add texture and depth to your work, you might opt for a brush from the Artistic category. Don't be afraid to experiment with different brushes to find the perfect fit for your Procreate coloring needs!

Using the Color Drop Tool

Procreate's Color Drop tool is a quick and easy way to fill in shapes and areas with color. This handy tool can save you time and effort as you work on your masterpiece. Let's explore how to use the Color Drop tool effectively and adjust its settings to make the most of this powerful feature.

Color Drop Settings

Before you start filling in your artwork, it's a good idea to adjust the Color Drop settings to suit your needs. To access these settings, open the Actions menu (the wrench icon) and go to Prefs > Gesture Controls > ColorDrop. From here, you can adjust the ColorDrop Threshold, which determines how much of the surrounding area is filled when you drop a color. A lower threshold will result in a smaller fill area, while a higher threshold will fill a larger area. Play around with the slider until you find the perfect balance for your artwork.

Filling in Shapes

Now that your Color Drop settings are ready, it's time to fill in your artwork. To use the Color Drop tool, first, select the color you want to use from the Color panel. Next, simply drag and drop the color onto the area you want to fill in. Procreate will automatically fill the area with the selected color, based on the threshold settings you've chosen. If you need to make minor adjustments to the fill area, you can do so by holding the color drop in place and adjusting the threshold slider that appears on the screen. This way, you can achieve precise fills and make your artwork look seamless. And there you have it - you've mastered how to fill in color on Procreate using the Color Drop tool!

Applying Color with Brushes

Another way to add color to your Procreate artwork is by using brushes. This method gives you more control over the application of color and allows you to create various textures and effects. In this section, we'll explore different painting techniques and blending options to help you achieve the perfect look for your artwork.

Painting Techniques

Procreate offers a vast selection of brushes, each with its own unique characteristics. To choose a brush, open the Brushes panel and explore the different categories available. Some popular brushes for coloring include the Hard Airbrush, Soft Airbrush, and the various painting brushes. When applying color with brushes, focus on using smooth, consistent strokes to create an even color distribution. You can also experiment with different brush sizes and opacity settings to achieve the desired level of detail and intensity in your work. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to try out different techniques to discover what works best for you.

Blending Colors

Blending colors is an essential skill when learning how to fill in color on Procreate. This technique helps you create smooth transitions between colors, giving your artwork a more polished and cohesive look. To blend colors, you can use the Smudge tool, which is located next to the brush icon. Choose a brush that suits your blending needs—for example, the Soft Airbrush is a popular choice for smooth blends. To blend, gently swipe the Smudge tool over the area where two colors meet, using a back-and-forth motion until the colors merge seamlessly. You can adjust the Smudge tool's opacity and size to achieve the perfect blend. With a little practice, you'll become a blending pro in no time!

Using Layers for Coloring

Layers are a powerful feature in Procreate that allows you to organize and manage different parts of your artwork. When coloring, using layers can help you separate different elements of your design, making it easier to edit and refine your work. In this section, we'll discuss how to create layers and use them effectively when filling in color on Procreate.

Creating Layers

Adding a new layer in Procreate is simple. First, open the Layers panel by tapping the layers icon in the top right corner of the screen. Next, tap the "+" button at the top of the panel to create a new layer. You can also rename your layers by tapping on the layer's name, which helps keep your work organized. It's a good idea to create separate layers for different elements of your design, such as the line art, base colors, shading, and highlights. This way, you can easily edit each part without affecting the others.

Coloring on Separate Layers

When filling in color on Procreate, using separate layers for each color allows you to make adjustments without altering the rest of your artwork. For example, you can change the hue or opacity of a specific color without affecting the colors around it. To color on a separate layer, first, create a new layer and place it below your line art layer. Then, select your desired color and brush, and start painting on the new layer. You can create as many layers as you need for different colors or elements of your design. Pro tip: use the Clipping Mask feature by tapping on the layer thumbnail and selecting "Clipping Mask" to constrain your colors within the boundaries of the layer below—this can help you color more precisely and keep your artwork clean.

Applying Shadows and Highlights

Shadows and highlights are essential for adding depth and dimension to your artwork. In this section, we'll discuss how to select appropriate shadow and highlight colors, and how to paint them onto your Procreate canvas to make your artwork more dynamic and lifelike.

Selecting Shadow Colors

When choosing colors for your shadows, it's important to avoid using plain black or grey, as this can make your artwork appear flat and lifeless. Instead, try selecting a darker, desaturated version of your base color. You can also experiment with using cooler or warmer colors for your shadows, depending on the lighting conditions you want to convey. For example, if you're depicting a warm sunset scene, you might use cooler shadows to contrast with the warm light.

Selecting Highlight Colors

Similar to selecting shadow colors, avoid using pure white for your highlights, as this can appear too harsh and unrealistic. Instead, choose a lighter, more saturated version of your base color. You can also play with the hue of your highlight color to match the light source in your scene. For instance, if your light source is a warm yellow light, you might use a slightly yellow-tinted highlight color to match.

Painting Shadows and Highlights

Once you've chosen your shadow and highlight colors, it's time to apply them to your artwork. First, create a new layer above your base colors and set the blending mode to "Multiply" for shadows or "Add" for highlights. This will help the colors blend more naturally with your artwork. Next, select a soft brush with low opacity to paint your shadows and highlights. Start by applying them to areas where the light would naturally hit or be blocked, such as the edges of objects or areas where two surfaces meet. Remember to consider the direction of your light source and how it would affect the shadows and highlights in your scene. Finally, use the Smudge tool or blending brushes to smooth out and blend your shadows and highlights for a more natural and polished look.

If you enjoyed this blog post and want to expand your skills in digital art, don't miss the workshop 'Refreshing your Colours in Procreate' by Faira. This workshop will teach you valuable techniques to refresh and enhance your color palette in Procreate, taking your digital art to new heights.