How to Print from Procreate: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 19 June 2023 7 min read

Printing your artwork from Procreate can seem daunting at first, but don't worry! This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process of how to print from Procreate, ensuring that your digital masterpieces come to life on paper just as you envisioned. Let's get started!

Setting Up Your Document

Before diving into the actual printing process, it's important to set up your Procreate document correctly. This will help ensure that your artwork looks its best when printed. We'll cover two key aspects in this section: choosing the right canvas size and adjusting resolution and DPI settings.

Choosing the Right Canvas Size

When setting up your Procreate document, you'll need to select an appropriate canvas size. To choose the best size for your project, consider the following:

Final print size: Pick a canvas size that matches or is slightly larger than the size you want your final print to be.
Aspect ratio: Make sure your canvas has the same aspect ratio as the paper you'll be printing on, so your artwork doesn't get distorted or cropped.
File size: Larger canvases result in larger file sizes, which can slow down your device and make it harder to work with. Choose the smallest canvas size that still meets your needs.

Resolution and DPI Settings

Resolution and DPI (dots per inch) are crucial factors in determining the quality of your printed artwork. Here's how to set them up correctly:

In Procreate, open the Canvas Information panel by tapping on the wrench icon and selecting Canvas.
Check the DPI value. For high-quality prints, it's recommended to have a DPI of at least 300. If it's lower, you may need to resize your canvas to increase the DPI.
Keep an eye on the Pixel Dimensions as well. Larger prints require more pixels to maintain a high resolution, so make sure your artwork has enough pixels to support the print size you have in mind.

Now that your document is set up correctly, you're one step closer to learning how to print from Procreate with the best results possible. In the following sections, we'll cover exporting your artwork and printing it from your computer.

Exporting Your Artwork

Before you can print your Procreate artwork, you'll need to export it in a suitable file format. In this section, we'll discuss selecting the correct file format and making the most of your Apple Pencil settings when exporting.

Selecting the Correct File Format

Procreate offers a variety of file formats to choose from when exporting your artwork. To ensure the best print quality, consider the following options:

TIFF: This lossless format is ideal for high-quality prints, as it preserves all the details of your artwork without any compression artifacts. However, TIFF files can be quite large, so keep that in mind when sharing or storing them.
PDF: A versatile format that's compatible with most printers, PDFs can produce good print results while maintaining relatively small file sizes. This format is a great option if you're sending your artwork to a third-party printer.
JPEG: While not as high-quality as TIFF or PDF, JPEG files are still a popular choice for printing, especially for smaller prints or quick proofs. Just make sure to choose a high-quality export setting to minimize compression artifacts and maintain image quality.

Using Apple Pencil Settings

If you're using an Apple Pencil to create your artwork in Procreate, you'll want to make sure that the pressure and tilt settings are calibrated correctly before exporting. This ensures that your strokes and textures look their best when printed. To adjust these settings:

Open the Brush Settings panel by tapping on a brush in the brush library.
Go to the Pencil tab to access pressure and tilt settings.
Adjust the sliders for each setting to fine-tune the responsiveness and behavior of your Apple Pencil.
Test your adjustments on the canvas to make sure they produce the desired effects.

With your artwork exported and Apple Pencil settings fine-tuned, you're now ready to dive into the actual process of printing from Procreate!

Printing from Procreate

Now that your artwork is exported and ready, it's time to learn how to print from Procreate. In this section, we'll cover transferring files to your computer, choosing the right printer and paper type, and managing printer settings and color management.

Transferring Files to Your Computer

To print your exported Procreate artwork, you'll first need to transfer the file to your computer. There are several ways to do this:

AirDrop: If you have a Mac, AirDrop is a quick and easy way to transfer files between your iPad and computer. Make sure both devices have AirDrop enabled and are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Cloud Storage: Services like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox allow you to sync your files across devices. Upload your artwork to one of these services on your iPad and then access it on your computer.
Email: As a last resort, you can always email the file to yourself and then download it to your computer. Just be mindful of file size limitations for email attachments.

Choosing a Printer and Paper Type

The quality of your printed artwork will depend largely on the printer and paper you choose. Here are some things to consider when selecting a printer and paper type:

Printer Type: Inkjet printers generally produce better color quality and detail than laser printers. If you're serious about printing your Procreate artwork, consider investing in a high-quality inkjet printer designed for photo and art prints.
Paper Type: The paper you use can greatly impact the final appearance of your print. Choose a paper that's specifically designed for inkjet printing and matches the look and feel you want for your artwork. Options include matte, semi-gloss, and glossy finishes, as well as various textures and weights.

Printer Settings and Color Management

Properly configuring your printer settings and managing colors is essential for achieving accurate and consistent prints. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:

Printer Settings: Access your printer's settings or preferences on your computer, and adjust them according to the paper type and print quality you desire. Make sure the correct paper size and orientation are selected, and choose a high-quality print setting for the best results.
Color Management: Color accuracy can be challenging when printing from Procreate, as colors can appear differently on your iPad screen and the final print. To improve color accuracy, consider using color profiles specific to your printer and paper type. You can usually find these profiles on the manufacturer's website. Additionally, calibrating your iPad screen and computer monitor can help ensure consistent color representation across devices.

With these printing tips in mind, you're well on your way to creating beautiful prints of your Procreate artwork!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even when you know how to print from Procreate, you may still encounter some issues along the way. In this section, we'll address common problems related to image quality, resolution, and color accuracy, along with some helpful solutions.

Image Quality and Resolution Problems

If your printed artwork appears pixelated, blurry, or lacks detail, it's likely due to issues with image quality and resolution. Here are some steps to address these problems:

Check Canvas Size and DPI: Ensure that your Procreate canvas size and DPI settings are appropriate for your desired print size. Remember, a higher DPI setting will result in better print quality, but may also increase file size.
Export in the Right Format: When exporting your artwork from Procreate, choose a high-quality file format like TIFF or PNG to preserve image quality and details.
Printer Settings: Double-check your printer settings to make sure they're set to a high-quality print mode and are configured correctly for your chosen paper type.

Color Accuracy and Consistency

Ensuring accurate and consistent colors when printing from Procreate can be tricky. If you're noticing discrepancies between your iPad display and your printed artwork, consider the following solutions:

Calibrate Your Devices: Calibrate your iPad screen and computer monitor to ensure consistent color representation across both devices. There are various tools available online, some of which are free, to help with this process.
Use Printer Profiles: Utilize color profiles specific to your printer and paper type to improve color accuracy. These profiles can often be found on the manufacturer's website.
Adjust Colors Manually: If all else fails, you may need to adjust the colors in your Procreate artwork manually to compensate for the differences between your iPad display and the final print. This method may require some trial and error, but it can help you achieve more accurate colors in your prints.

By addressing these common issues, you'll be better equipped to create stunning prints of your Procreate artwork that accurately reflect your digital creations.

Additional Resources and Tutorials

Now that you have a better understanding of how to print from Procreate, you might be interested in further refining your skills and learning new techniques. The following resources and tutorials can help you expand your Procreate knowledge and take your digital art to the next level.

Procreate User Guides and Tutorials

The best place to start is with Procreate's own resources. They offer a wealth of information to help you get the most out of the app:

Procreate Handbook: The official Procreate Handbook is a comprehensive guide to the app's features and functionality. It covers everything from basic tools and gestures to advanced techniques and settings.
Procreate YouTube Channel: Procreate's YouTube channel is filled with useful video tutorials on a wide range of topics, from beginner tips to advanced techniques.
Procreate Community: Join the Procreate Community on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with other artists, share your work, and get inspired.

Third-Party Resources

There are also numerous third-party resources available to help you elevate your Procreate skills. Some popular options include:

Online Courses and Tutorials: Websites like Skillshare, Udemy, and YouTube offer a variety of Procreate courses and tutorials created by experienced artists and educators.
Art Blogs and Forums: Blogs and forums focused on digital art, such as ArtStation and DeviantArt, can be helpful places to find tips, tricks, and advice from fellow Procreate users.
Books and eBooks: There are many books and eBooks available on the subject of digital art and Procreate, offering in-depth information and step-by-step guides.

By exploring these resources and tutorials, you'll gain valuable insights and inspiration that can help you improve your Procreate skills and create even more impressive prints of your digital artwork.

If you're excited about exploring the world of digital art and illustration, don't miss the workshop titled 'Intro to Procreate: Drawing with Digital Tools' by Vicky Catalan. This workshop will help you unlock your creativity and learn how to make the most of Procreate's powerful tools for digital drawing and painting. Get started on your digital art journey today!