Pro Guide: Step-by-Step Image Cropping with Procreate

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 5 min read

Ever wondered if there's an easier way to crop images on your iPad? Well, there absolutely is! Procreate, a popular digital illustration app, not only offers a world of creative possibilities, but it also includes a simple and efficient method on how to crop on Procreate. This blog post will explore Procreate's interface, and guide you through the process of cropping an image, step-by-step. So, let's get started!

1. Getting Comfy with Procreate

Before diving into the cropping process, it's important to familiarize yourself with Procreate's interface. It's like learning how to navigate a new city—once you know your way around, you'll find it much easier to get to your destination. So let's take a tour.

Understanding the Interface

Think of Procreate's interface like a well-organized workspace. On the top left, you'll find the Actions menu, symbolized by a wrench icon. It's where you access settings like canvas information and sharing options. On the top right, you'll see your Brushes, Smudge, Eraser, and Layers tools. Remember these locations—it's where you'll find the tools you need to crop your images.

Brushes and Their Uses

Imagine having an artist's toolbox filled with hundreds of brushes—that's what Procreate offers. You can experiment with different brushes to add texture and depth to your artwork. But for the task at hand—learning how to crop on Procreate—the brush tool won't be our main focus. However, it's still good to know that they're there, ready to bring your creative ideas to life.

Layers and How to Use Them

If you've ever made a collage, you'll understand the concept of layers. Procreate lets you create multiple layers for your artwork, making it easier to edit specific parts without affecting the whole image. When cropping, you can choose to crop a single layer or the whole canvas. It's like having the power to slice a layer of cake without disturbing the rest of it. Sweet, isn't it?

2. Importing Your Image

Now that you're familiar with Procreate's interface, it's time to import your image. This process is much like inviting a guest into your home. Let's see how you can roll out the red carpet for your image.

Choosing the Right Image

When deciding how to crop on Procreate, it's important to pick the right image. Consider the final use of the image and select a photo that meets your needs. For instance, if you're creating a banner for your website, you'll want a horizontal image with a clear subject. It's like picking the right outfit for an event—you want to make sure it's suitable and makes a great impression!

Import Process

Importing images into Procreate is as easy as tapping a few buttons. To do this, open the Actions menu (remember the wrench icon?), select Add, and then Insert a photo. From there, you can choose an image from your iPad's photo library. It's like calling a friend and inviting them over. After a few taps, your image is ready to be cropped.

3. Cropping Basics

With your image comfortably settled in Procreate, it's time to start cropping. That's where the real fun begins. Think of it as giving your image a haircut. You're about to learn how to trim and style it to perfection.

Selection Tool

Let's start with the scissors of Procreate: The Selection Tool. This tool allows you to select specific areas of your image and manipulate them. You'll find it at the top of the screen, disguised as an S icon. It's like your magic wand, allowing you to choose exactly which parts of your image you want to keep and which you want to discard.

Resizing and Repositioning

Now that you've got your selection, it's time to resize and reposition. You can use the blue handles on the corners of your selection to resize it. Think of them as the handles on a suitcase, letting you stretch or shrink it to fit your needs. To reposition, just drag your selection around the canvas. It's like moving furniture around a room until it feels just right. Remember, practice makes perfect when learning how to crop on Procreate.

4. Fine-Tuning Your Crop

Just like tuning a guitar, fine-tuning your crop is about making small adjustments to get the perfect result. Here, you'll use the Adjustment Options and Guides to make your image sing its best tune.

Adjustment Options

Think of the Adjustment Options as the knobs on a stereo. You can tweak them to adjust the tone, contrast, and brightness of your image. You'll find them on the toolbar, represented by a magic wand icon. With these options, you can adjust the finer details of your crop, ensuring that every part of your image is just where you want it to be. It's all about striking the right note.

Using Guides for Precision

Imagine trying to draw a straight line without a ruler. It's tricky, right? That's where the Guides come in. They're like your rulers in Procreate. You'll find them under the Actions menu, represented by a wrench icon. With guides, you can ensure your lines are straight, your circles are perfect, and your crop is just right. They're a powerful tool for precision when figuring out how to crop on Procreate.

5. Exporting Your Work

It's showtime! You've tweaked, adjusted, and fine-tuned. Now, it's time to export your work and share it with the world. In this section, we'll talk about the importance of choosing the right file format and discovering the sharing options in Procreate.

Choosing the Right File Format

Choosing the right file format is like picking the right outfit for an event. It depends on where you're going, right? The same applies to your cropped image. If you're planning to print your image, a high-resolution format like TIFF might be best. But if you're sharing it online, a JPEG or PNG might be more suitable. Remember, the right choice can make a huge difference in how your work appears to others.

Finally, you've mastered how to crop on Procreate, and it's time to show off your masterpiece. Procreate makes it easy to share your work. You'll find the sharing options under the Actions menu. You can send your work directly to your photos, email it, or even post it directly to your social media accounts. It's like a digital art gallery at your fingertips!

If you enjoyed our Pro Guide on image cropping with Procreate and want to further explore your artistic skills, don't miss Vicky Catalan's workshop, 'How to Draw A Fruit In ProCreate.' This workshop will guide you through the process of creating stunning fruit illustrations using Procreate's powerful tools and features.