Mastering Procreate Clipping Masks: Tips & Techniques

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 7 min read

Ever wondered how artists create those intricate, layered designs on Procreate? The secret ingredient is the clipping mask. Using the clipping mask procreate tool, artists can create stunning designs and effects. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, mastering the Procreate clipping mask can take your digital art to the next level. So, let's get started!

1. Dive into the Basics

Before we start creating art, it's important to understand the basics. We'll begin by learning what Procreate clipping masks are, how to use Procreate tools, and set up your canvas.

Understanding Clipping Masks

In Procreate, a clipping mask is a tool that helps you control where you apply colors and textures. Think of it as a stencil — you're drawing within the lines, but the lines are a shape you've created. Here's how it works:

First, create a base layer. This layer acts as the shape of your stencil.
Next, create a new layer above it. This layer is your clipping mask.
When you draw on the clipping mask, the color only shows up where it overlaps with the base layer.

This technique allows you to experiment with different colors and textures without worrying about going outside the lines of your design.

Procreate Tools and Their Use

Now that you understand what a clipping mask is, let's talk about the tools you'll need to create one. Procreate is packed with useful tools, but for clipping masks, we'll focus on these three:

Layers: This is where you create your base layer and clipping mask. You can add, delete, and rearrange layers as needed.
Brushes: Procreate offers a wide range of brushes to choose from. Use different brushes to apply colors and textures to your clipping mask.
Colors: This tool allows you to select and customize the colors you use in your design.

Setting Up Your Canvas

Before you start drawing, you need to set up your canvas. In Procreate, you can customize your canvas size to fit your needs. Here's how:

Open Procreate and tap on the "+" button to create a new canvas.
Choose the size of your canvas. If you're unsure, a good size to start with is 2000 x 2000 pixels.
Tap on "Create" to open your new canvas. Now you're ready to start drawing!

Now that we have a handle on the basics, it's time to start experimenting with simple shapes and clipping masks in Procreate.

2. Start with Simple Shapes

Now that we've covered the basics, let's put our knowledge into practice. We'll begin with simple shapes — the building blocks of any design. By applying clipping masks to these shapes, we can start to see the magic of Procreate in action.

Creating Basic Shapes

Creating shapes in Procreate is as simple as drawing them by hand. But remember, Procreate also offers a handy tool called QuickShape that can perfect your hand-drawn shapes. Here's how you can create basic shapes:

Pick a brush from the brush library.
Draw your shape on a new layer — let's start with a circle, for instance.
Hold your pencil at the end of the stroke, and Procreate will automatically perfect the shape.

Play around and create as many shapes as you want — squares, triangles, stars, the sky's the limit!

Applying Clipping Masks to Shapes

Now that we have some shapes, let's apply our first clipping mask. Here's a simple step-by-step guide to apply a clipping mask in Procreate:

Choose the layer with your shape and create a new layer above it.
Tap on the new layer and select "Clipping Mask".
Now, anything you draw on this layer will only appear within the shape of the layer below.

Try different colors, brushes, and techniques, and watch as your shape transforms!

Experimenting with Colors and Textures

One of the best things about clipping masks in Procreate is the ability to experiment with different colors and textures. You can create textures by using different brushes, and you can change colors quickly without affecting the rest of your design. Here are some ideas:

Gradients: Use two different colors and the soft airbrush to create a smooth gradient effect.
Patterns: Use a textured brush to create a pattern within your shape.
Shadows: Add depth to your shapes by adding shadows with a darker color.

Remember, the key to mastering clipping masks in Procreate is practice, so don't be afraid to experiment and try new things!

3. Explore Advanced Techniques

Once you've got the hang of basic shapes and clipping masks, it's time to level up. Let's dive into some advanced techniques that can help you create more complex and intricate designs with Procreate's clipping masks.

Using Multiple Clipping Masks

Did you know you can use more than one clipping mask for a single shape? This allows you to layer different colors and textures, creating a more dynamic look. Here's how:

Create your shape and apply your first clipping mask as you did before.
Create another new layer above the first clipping mask layer.
Tap on the new layer and select "Clipping Mask".
Now, anything you draw on this new layer will also stay within the shape, but on top of the first clipping mask.

The beauty of this is that you can edit each layer independently, giving you more control and flexibility over your design.

Combining Clipping Masks with Other Procreate Features

Apart from clipping masks, Procreate has a myriad of other features that can enhance your artwork. For instance, you can use the blending modes to change how your clipping masks interact with the layers beneath them. Or, try using the alpha lock feature to lock in the pixels of your shape before adding more details.

Remember, Procreate is a playground for creators. So, mix and match different features, and see what unique effects you can create.

Creating Detailed Artworks

With the power of Procreate's clipping masks and its other features, you're now ready to create detailed artworks. Whether it's a vibrant cityscape, a detailed character design, or an intricate pattern design, the possibilities are endless.

Just remember, the key to creating detailed artwork is patience and practice. So take your time, enjoy the process and watch as your art evolves.

4. Practice and Perfect Your Skills

Mastering the art of clipping masks in Procreate isn't something that happens overnight. It takes time and practice. Here are a few strategies you can adopt to hone your skills and become a Procreate clipping mask pro.

Following Tutorials and Guides

One of the best ways to learn is by following along with tutorials and guides. There are countless resources available online that can help you understand the intricacies of using clipping masks in Procreate. These often include step-by-step instructions, which are especially helpful for beginners. By following these guides, you'll gain practical experience and learn tips and tricks used by professionals.

Participating in Procreate Challenges

Another fun and effective way to practice is by participating in Procreate challenges. These challenges, often organized by artists on social media, give you a theme or a prompt and encourage you to create something based on it. Not only does this help you practice using clipping masks, but it also sparks your creativity and helps you think outside the box.

Remember, the goal here isn't to produce perfect artwork—it's to learn, grow, and have fun!

Don't be afraid to share your work with others. This could be with friends, family, or even online communities of artists. Sharing your work opens up opportunities for constructive feedback, which is invaluable for your growth as an artist. Plus, it's a great way to connect with other artists and learn from them too.

As you continue to practice, experiment, and learn, you'll find that your skills with clipping mask Procreate techniques will continue to improve. Eventually, you'll be able to create complex and detailed artworks with ease.

5. Explore Creative Possibilities

Once you've mastered the basics and honed your skills, it's time to explore the creative possibilities that come with using clipping mask Procreate techniques. Here are a few ways to stretch your imagination and create unique, captivating artworks.

Applying Clipping Masks in Different Art Styles

Clipping masks in Procreate aren't limited to a specific art style. You can apply them in digital painting, graphic design, abstract art, and more. For instance, you can use clipping masks to add intricate patterns in a surrealism piece or to create crisp, clean lines in a minimalist design. The versatility of clipping masks means you can adapt them to whatever art style you prefer.

Innovating with Clipping Masks

There's no rule book on how to use clipping masks. That's the beauty of it. You can experiment with different shapes, colors, and textures. You can layer multiple clipping masks to create depth, or use them with other Procreate features like alpha lock or layer blending modes. The sky's the limit!

Inspiring Others with Your Art

Art, at its core, is a form of communication. It's a way to express your thoughts, ideas, and emotions. And with the power of clipping masks, you can create art that not only looks visually stunning but also tells a story. By sharing your work, you can inspire others and encourage them to explore the world of digital art. Who knows, you might just inspire the next generation of Procreate artists!

Becoming proficient with clipping mask Procreate techniques can open a whole new world of creative possibilities. So, pick up your stylus, fire up Procreate, and start exploring!

If you're looking to further enhance your Procreate skills, be sure to check out the workshop 'How to Draw A Fruit In ProCreate' by Vicky Catalan. This workshop will not only help you master the art of drawing fruits but also provide you with valuable tips and techniques for using Procreate's powerful features like clipping masks. Don't miss this opportunity to level up your digital art skills!