How to Undo in Procreate: Step-by-Step Guide for Quick Actions

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 24 May 2023 9 min read

Mistakes happen, but thankfully Procreate has your back with its intuitive undo and redo features. In this blog, we'll explore how to undo in Procreate using various techniques, helping you correct those little errors and refine your digital artistry. Let's dive into the world of undo and redo in Procreate!

Quick Undo and Redo in Procreate

Procreate makes it easy to quickly undo and redo actions with simple gestures. In this section, we'll cover the two-finger tap for undo and the three-finger tap for redo, as well as how to customize these settings for your convenience.

Two-Finger Tap: Undo

One of the most straightforward ways to undo in Procreate is the two-finger tap. When you make a mistake or want to step back, simply tap the screen with two fingers, and the last action will be undone. Here's how:

Place two fingers on the screen.
Tap the screen quickly and simultaneously with both fingers.

Note: You can repeat the two-finger tap to undo multiple actions in a row.

Three-Finger Tap: Redo

If you've undone something by mistake, don't worry! The three-finger tap is here to save the day. This gesture allows you to redo actions that you've previously undone. Here's how to use it:

Place three fingers on the screen.
Tap the screen quickly and simultaneously with all three fingers.

Note: Just like with undo, you can perform multiple redos in a row by repeating the three-finger tap.

Customizing Undo and Redo Settings

Procreate allows you to customize the undo and redo settings to suit your preferences. To access these settings, follow these steps:

Open Procreate and tap the "Actions" tab (the wrench icon).
Select "Prefs" from the menu.
Choose "Gesture Controls."
Tap "Undo/Redo" to adjust the settings for these gestures.

From here, you can modify the gesture controls for undo and redo, allowing for a more personalized experience while working on your masterpiece.

Using the Undo Brush

While the two-finger and three-finger tap gestures are incredibly useful, Procreate also offers another way to undo actions: the Undo Brush. This handy tool can be a lifesaver when you need to make more precise corrections to your work. In this section, we'll learn how to select the Undo Brush, some techniques and tips for using it, and its limitations.

Selecting the Undo Brush

To use the Undo Brush in Procreate, you first need to know how to select it. It's a quick and easy process, so let's get started:

Open the "Brushes" panel by tapping the brush icon on the top-right corner of the screen.
Scroll down to the "Retouch" category.
Select the "Undo Brush" from the list of brushes.

Now that you've got the Undo Brush selected, you're ready to start making more precise corrections to your artwork!

Undo Brush Techniques and Tips

Using the Undo Brush can be quite different from the tap gestures, but it also provides more control over the areas you want to undo. Here are some techniques and tips to help you make the most of this powerful tool:

Brush size matters: Adjust the brush size to suit the area you want to undo. Smaller brush sizes work well for intricate details, while larger sizes can cover more ground quickly.
Opacity control: Control the opacity of the Undo Brush to gradually undo an area, giving you more flexibility in your corrections.
Layer awareness: Remember that the Undo Brush only works on the currently selected layer. Make sure you're on the right layer before attempting to make corrections with this tool.

With these techniques in your arsenal, you'll be able to make precise adjustments to your work and have even more control over how to undo in Procreate.

Limitations of the Undo Brush

While the Undo Brush is a fantastic tool, it's essential to be aware of its limitations. Keep these points in mind so you can avoid any surprises while using it:

Undo history: The Undo Brush doesn't interact with your undo history like the tap gestures do. It only undoes the last action you made with the brush.
Layer limits: As mentioned earlier, the Undo Brush only works on the currently selected layer. It can't undo actions on multiple layers simultaneously.
Cannot redo: Since the Undo Brush doesn't interact with your undo history, you can't use it to redo actions. You'll have to rely on the three-finger tap gesture for that.

Despite its limitations, the Undo Brush is an invaluable tool for making precise corrections to your artwork, giving you even more ways to undo in Procreate.

Managing Undo History in Procreate

Now that you've mastered the Undo Brush, it's time to dive into another crucial aspect of how to undo in Procreate: managing your undo history. In this section, we'll explore how to view, clear, and understand the storage of your undo history in Procreate. Ready to level up your undo game? Let's get started!

Viewing Your Undo History

Keeping track of your undo history can be incredibly helpful when working on a project. It allows you to see the steps you've taken in your artwork and make adjustments as needed. Here's how you can access your undo history:

Tap the "Actions" menu (the wrench icon) on the top-left corner of the screen.
Select "Prefs" from the list of options.
Choose "Undo History" to open a timeline of your recent actions.

This timeline will show you a chronological list of the actions you've taken, making it easy for you to pinpoint any changes you want to undo or redo. Remember, though, that the undo history list can only go back a certain number of steps, so it won't show every single action from the beginning of your project.

Clearing Undo History

Occasionally, you might want to clear your undo history to free up some memory or to start fresh with a clean slate. Here's how to do it:

Follow the steps above to access your undo history.
Scroll to the bottom of the timeline.
Tap the "Clear" button to erase your undo history.

Keep in mind that clearing your undo history is irreversible, so be sure you're confident in your decision before going through with it. Once it's gone, you won't be able to recover any of the actions listed in your history.

Understanding Undo History Storage

Procreate stores your undo history in its memory, which means it takes up space on your device. Here are a few key points to remember about undo history storage:

Storage limits: The amount of undo history you can store depends on your device's memory capacity and the complexity of your project. Larger projects with many layers and high-resolution images will consume more memory, limiting the number of undo steps you can store.
Memory management: To free up space and improve your device's performance, consider clearing your undo history or closing other apps running in the background.
Restarting Procreate: When you close and reopen Procreate, you'll lose your undo history. Make sure you're happy with your work before exiting the app!

By understanding and managing your undo history, you'll be able to work more efficiently and make smarter decisions in your artwork—another important aspect of how to undo in Procreate.

Now that you know how to manage your undo history, you're well on your way to becoming a Procreate master! In the next section, we'll delve into Procreate undo shortcuts for even more efficient work. Stay tuned!

Procreate Undo Shortcuts for Efficiency

Great job on mastering undo history management! Now, let's take a closer look at Procreate undo shortcuts that will boost your efficiency and make the process of undoing and redoing even faster. We'll cover shortcut gestures, using the Apple Pencil, and external keyboard shortcuts to help you become a Procreate pro. Ready? Let's dive in!

Shortcut Gestures for Undo and Redo

Procreate comes with built-in shortcut gestures that make it easy to undo and redo actions without having to navigate through menus. These shortcuts are as simple as a tap or a swipe:

Two-finger tap: As we mentioned earlier, a quick two-finger tap on the screen will undo your last action. You can keep tapping to undo multiple actions in a row.
Three-finger tap: Similarly, a three-finger tap will redo the action you just undid. You can tap repeatedly with three fingers to redo multiple steps.

These intuitive gestures help you work faster and more efficiently in Procreate, making it a breeze to undo and redo as you create your masterpiece.

Using Apple Pencil for Undo Actions

Did you know that you can also use your Apple Pencil for undo actions in Procreate? This awesome feature allows you to quickly undo without even lifting your drawing tool from the screen. Here's how:

Double-tap: With the Apple Pencil 2nd generation, you can double-tap the lower part of the pencil to undo your last action. This feature can be customized in the Apple Pencil settings on your iPad.
Keep drawing: After undoing with the Apple Pencil, you can immediately continue drawing without any disruption to your workflow.

Using the Apple Pencil for undo actions is a great way to work efficiently and maintain focus on your artwork.

External Keyboard Shortcuts

If you're using an external keyboard with your iPad, you can take advantage of even more undo shortcuts in Procreate. These keyboard shortcuts will save you time and keep your creative flow going:

Undo: Press Command + Z to undo your last action.
Redo: Press Command + Shift + Z to redo an action you just undid.

With these handy keyboard shortcuts, you'll be able to work even faster and more efficiently in Procreate, making it easier than ever to perfect your artwork.

By incorporating these Procreate undo shortcuts into your workflow, you'll be well on your way to mastering how to undo in Procreate like a pro! But what if something goes wrong? In the next section, we'll tackle troubleshooting undo issues in Procreate to ensure smooth sailing as you create your masterpiece. Stay tuned!

Troubleshooting Undo Issues in Procreate

Now that you've learned how to undo in Procreate using various shortcuts, it's time to address some common issues that might arise while working on your digital masterpiece. Don't let these hiccups slow you down! In this section, we'll discuss troubleshooting techniques for undo issues in Procreate and help you get back on track in no time.

What to Do When Undo Isn't Working

Imagine this: you're working on your latest Procreate project, and suddenly, the undo function stops working. Don't panic! Here are some quick troubleshooting steps to try:

Restart the app: Sometimes, a simple app restart can resolve temporary glitches. Close Procreate and reopen it to see if the undo function starts working again.
Check for updates: Make sure you're using the latest version of Procreate. Updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that could resolve your undo issue.
Inspect your gestures: Ensure that you're using the correct gesture for undoing (two-finger tap) and that your fingers are making proper contact with the screen.

If these steps don't resolve your issue, it might be worth reaching out to Procreate's support team for further assistance.

Dealing with Limited Undo Steps

Procreate's undo history is limited by the amount of available memory on your iPad. This means that sometimes you may run out of undo steps. Here's what you can do to manage this limitation:

Be mindful of your actions: Think twice before making significant changes to your artwork. By being more deliberate with your actions, you can minimize the need for multiple undos.
Save versions: Consider saving multiple versions of your work as you progress. This way, you can revert to an earlier version if you run out of undo steps.
Optimize your iPad: Close unused apps and free up storage space on your device to potentially increase the number of available undo steps.

By following these tips, you can work around the limitations of undo history in Procreate and ensure you always have a backup plan.

Recovering Lost Work After Undoing

Accidentally undoing too many steps can be frustrating, especially if you've lost a significant portion of your artwork. Here are some tips to help you recover your lost work:

Redo: If you realize your mistake quickly, you can use the three-finger tap to redo the actions you just undid. Be cautious not to make any new changes, as this will overwrite your redo history.
Previous versions: If you've been saving multiple versions of your work, you can open an earlier version and recover some of your lost progress.
Take a deep breath: Remember, art is a process, and sometimes setbacks can lead to new creative discoveries. If you can't recover your work, take it as an opportunity to explore new ideas and techniques.

While losing work can be disheartening, these tips can help you bounce back and continue creating with confidence.

With these troubleshooting techniques under your belt, you're now fully-equipped to tackle any undo issues that may come your way in Procreate. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep experimenting with different undo methods and shortcuts to find the workflow that suits you best. Happy creating!

If you're looking to expand your knowledge on using Procreate, be sure to check out the workshop 'Procreate Basics: Making Digital Art' by Sameera Maruvada. This comprehensive workshop will help you master the essential tools and techniques to create stunning digital art in Procreate, including quick actions like undoing and redoing steps in your creative process.