Mastering Palm Support in Procreate: Tips and Techniques

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 9 min read

If you're an artist who loves to create on the go, Procreate is likely your go-to app for digital art. But if you want to level up your game and create even more detailed and precise art, mastering the palm support feature in Procreate is a must. Let's dive into the world of palm support in Procreate and explore how to get comfy with it, so you can create your artwork comfortably and efficiently.

1. Getting Comfy with Palm Support

Before we kick things off, let's take a moment to understand palm support, how to turn it on, and how to adjust its settings to best suit your artistic style.

Understanding Palm Support

In Procreate, palm support is a handy feature that recognizes your hand's presence on the screen when you're drawing with a stylus. This means you can rest your palm on the screen without causing any unwanted strokes or marks. It's a game-changer for artists who like to sketch naturally, just as you would on a physical canvas. The palm support in Procreate helps create a seamless, intuitive drawing experience.

Turning on Palm Support

Turning on palm support in Procreate is quite straightforward. Head over to the "Actions" menu, tap on "Preferences", then "Gesture Controls". Under the "General" tab, you'll find the "Palm Support" option. Simply toggle it on, and voila, you're all set! You can now rest your palm on the screen while drawing without any interruptions.

Adjusting Palm Support Settings

Now that you've turned on palm support, let's tweak its settings to match your drawing style. Again, go to the "Gesture Controls" under "Preferences". Here, you'll find two settings for palm support: "Standard" and "Fine". Standard palm support is ideal for most artists. But if you tend to make very light or fine strokes, you might want to opt for the "Fine" setting. Remember, adjusting the palm support settings in Procreate is all about finding what works best for you, so don't be afraid to play around with it until you find your sweet spot.

2. Nailing the Gesture Controls

Now that you're comfortable with palm support in Procreate, let's take a step further and master the gesture controls. This will give you more freedom and flexibility in creating your digital masterpieces.

Mastering Basic Gestures

Gesture controls in Procreate are similar to those you use on your iPad daily. Pinch to zoom in and out, twist your fingers to rotate your canvas, swipe with three fingers to undo, and with four fingers to redo. Practice these basic gestures until they become second nature. Trust me, it'll save you a lot of time in the long run!

Using Gestures for Palm Support

Did you know you can tweak gesture controls to work better with palm support? For instance, you can change the undo and redo gestures to a tap instead of a swipe, so you won't accidentally undo a stroke when you're resting your palm on the screen. To do this, go to "Gesture Controls", then "Undo and Redo". Here, you can customize the gesture that feels most comfortable for you.

Customizing Gesture Controls

Procreate allows you to customize gesture controls according to your preference. Whether you're left-handed or right-handed, or prefer using certain gestures over others, Procreate has got you covered. Look under the "Gesture Controls" menu; here you'll find a plethora of options to customize. Personalizing your gesture controls, along with mastering palm support in Procreate, can truly enhance your drawing experience.

3. Exploring Procreate Brushes

With palm support and gesture controls under your belt, let's now dive into one of the most exciting features of Procreate - its vast array of brushes. With these tools at your disposal, you can create art that's as unique and diverse as your imagination.

Experimenting with Brushes

Procreate comes packed with a variety of brushes that cater to different styles and textures. You've got everything from pencils to watercolors, from inks to charcoals. And the best part? You can play around with each one until you find your perfect match. Don't be afraid to experiment—after all, discovering new tools is part of the creative journey. And remember, with palm support in Procreate, you can sketch, paint or doodle as comfortably as you would on paper.

Choosing the Right Brush for Your Art

The key to making stunning art is not just knowing how to use a brush, but also picking the right one for your project. Want to capture the softness of a cloud or the roughness of a rock? Each brush has its own unique effect, so choose wisely. As you continue experimenting, you'll start to see which brushes align with your style and your vision. So, go ahead, let your creativity run wild and let your palm support Procreate journey continue to evolve with each brushstroke.

4. Making the Most of Layers

Once you get the hang of brushes and start creating your art, you'll find that layers are a game changer in your digital art journey. Think of layers as transparent sheets stacked on top of each other, letting you work on individual elements of your art without affecting the rest of it. It's like having an undo button for every stroke you make. And with palm support in Procreate, managing and editing these layers is a piece of cake.

Understanding Layers

Layers allow you to break down your artwork into manageable parts. It's like cooking a complex recipe—you wouldn't throw all the ingredients in a pot at once, would you? Each layer can contain different parts of your art, making it easier to edit, erase or move them around without messing up your entire artwork. It's a smart way to build your art piece by piece, especially when using palm support in Procreate.

Using Layers for Easier Editing

Think of the last time you made a tiny mistake in your drawing and wished you could fix it without ruining the rest of your masterpiece. With layers, you can! Each layer works independently, meaning you can edit, delete, or even rearrange them without affecting other parts of your drawing. So, whether you're looking to adjust the color of a single flower or add a new character to your comic strip, layers make the editing process a breeze. And with palm support in Procreate, you can make these edits with the same ease and comfort as drawing.

Organizing Your Layers

When working with multiple layers, it's important to stay organized. A neat trick is to name your layers based on what they contain—like 'sky,' 'mountains,' or 'trees.' This way, you'll know exactly what each layer holds, making it easy to locate and edit them later. You can also group related layers together for a more streamlined workspace. And with palm support in Procreate, all these tasks can be done with simple, intuitive gestures, keeping your creative flow uninterrupted.

5. Mastering the Art of Blending

Blending is like the secret sauce of digital art. It's the trick that takes your artwork from good to breathtakingly realistic. And with palm support in Procreate, achieving smooth, seamless blends is easier than ever before.

Exploring Blending Modes

Blending modes in Procreate are options that change the way colors interact with each other. It's like hosting a party and watching how different guests mingle—you can create entirely new atmospheres depending on who's talking to whom. For example, the "Multiply" mode makes colors darker, mimicking the effect of a shadow, while the "Screen" mode does the opposite, creating a lightened effect. With palm support procreate, you can easily switch between different blending modes, giving you full control over the “mood” of your artwork.

Blending Colors Effectively

Blending colors in Procreate is as satisfying as watching a sunset—the colors merge into each other, creating a beautiful gradient. The key is to pick colors that complement each other and to control the pressure of your Apple Pencil. Remember, blending is about creating a smooth transition, not muddling the colors together. And with palm support in Procreate, you get to have a more natural and comfortable drawing experience, making color blending a delight.

Creating Textures with Blending

Ever wonder how digital artists create those realistic textures? The secret is blending. Whether you're trying to mimic the roughness of a tree bark or the softness of a cloud, the right blend can provide the illusion of texture. To do this, you'll need to play around with different brushes and blending modes. And thanks to palm support in Procreate, you can do all this while feeling like you're drawing on a physical canvas—just without the mess.

6. Getting Creative with Colors

Colors are the heart and soul of any artwork. They set the mood, tell a story, and can evoke powerful emotions. And when it comes to color, Procreate with palm support gives you an all-access pass to the rainbow and beyond.

Understanding Color Theory

Color theory is like the grammar of art—it gives you the rules so you can break them effectively. Understanding how colors work together can help you create harmony and contrast in your artwork. For example, knowing that orange and blue are complementary colors can help you create a vibrant, eye-popping contrast. But remember, art is a personal journey, so don't be afraid to experiment with your own color rules. With palm support in Procreate, you always have the freedom to test, tweak, and tinker.

Using the Color Wheel

Remember the color wheel from your school days? It's back and more useful than ever in Procreate. The color wheel helps you pick colors that work well together, whether you're going for a harmonious monochromatic scheme or a contrasting complementary scheme. And with palm support, the color wheel is as easy to use as a spin-the-bottle game—just with less awkwardness and more color fun.

Creating Your Own Color Palettes

Creating your own color palettes in Procreate is like being a kid in a candy store. You can pick and choose all your favorite hues to create a palette that's uniquely yours. Whether you're inspired by a misty morning sky or a vibrant cityscape, you can capture those colors in your palette. With Procreate palm support, creating color palettes becomes a tactile and immersive experience, making your art sessions even more enjoyable.

7. Using Reference Images Effectively

Reference images are like your personal art GPS—they guide you to your final destination. They're vital for accurate drawing, especially for complex subjects. Procreate with palm support makes using reference images a breeze, helping you bring your ideas to life.

Importing Reference Images

Importing reference images into Procreate is as easy as uploading a photo to social media. You can use any image saved on your device, whether it's a picture you've taken yourself, or a saved image from the internet. With palm support, you're just a few taps away from having your reference image ready to go. So, whether you're drawing a detailed portrait or an intricate cityscape, you can always have your reference handy.

Using Reference Images for Accurate Drawing

Using reference images can be the difference between a good drawing and a great one. They provide you with a blueprint to follow, ensuring your proportions and details are spot on. With Procreate's palm support, you can zoom in and out of your reference images with ease, allowing you to capture every minute detail. And the best part? You don't have to worry about smudging your artwork with your palm. Now, isn't that a relief?

After hours of pouring your creativity into Procreate, it's time to show the world what you've created. But how do you share your work in a way that's safe, secure, and showcases your talent? Let's find out.

Exporting Your Artwork

Procreate makes exporting your work simple and quick. You can choose to export your masterpiece in various formats including JPEG, PNG, and even Procreate's own file format, which preserves your layers for future edits. With palm support, you can carry out all these actions while resting your hand comfortably on the screen, making the process feel natural and effortless.

Want to share your art with friends, family or even potential clients? Social media platforms are the way to go. You can directly share your Procreate art to platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter right from the app itself. Remember, the palm support feature ensures a smooth operation, so you can focus on crafting the perfect caption to accompany your art piece.

While sharing your work can be exciting, it's important to protect it too. Add a watermark to your art before sharing, or use low-resolution images for online sharing to deter any unsolicited use of your work. The palm support feature in Procreate can be a great help here, allowing you to add watermarks with precision and ease. Now, you can share your work with peace of mind, knowing that it's protected.

If you're eager to expand your skills in digital drawing and master palm support in Procreate, be sure to check out Vicky Catalan's workshop, 'Intro to Procreate: Drawing with Digital Tools'. This workshop will not only help you learn tips and techniques for mastering palm support in Procreate but also introduce you to a world of digital drawing possibilities.