Procreate 3D Guide: Painting & Importing Models

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

Embarking on the journey to create stunning 3D artwork? Look no further than Procreate 3D. This powerful digital art tool is not just a canvas for your creativity, but a universe waiting to be explored. This guide will introduce you to Procreate's 3D capabilities, teaching you how to paint and import models, enhancing your art, and finally sharing your masterpieces with the world. So, let's dive in and start making some Procreate 3D models!

1. Getting Familiar with Procreate 3D

Before you can start creating amazing Procreate 3D models, you need to get familiar with the software itself. This section will take you on a tour of Procreate's interface, toolbox, and how to set up your canvas.

Exploring the Interface

Procreate's interface is intuitive and designed for ease of use. Here are some key points to get you started:

Canvas: This is your workspace where your Procreate 3D models will come to life.
Toolbar: Located at the top, you'll find tools for brushing, erasing, layering, and more.
Slide Bar: On the right, you'll spot a slide bar for adjusting brush size and opacity.
Colors: The top right corner houses the color picker, where you can choose or create any color you imagine.

Navigating Through the Toolbox

The toolbox is your one-stop-shop for all the tools you need to create Procreate 3D models. Here are some must-know tools:

Brush Library: This is where you find all your brushes. Procreate offers a wide range to choose from, so don't be shy to experiment!
Smudge Tool: Use this to blend colors and create smooth transitions.
Erase Tool: Mistake? No worries. The erase tool has got you covered.
Layers Panel: This allows you to work on different parts of your artwork without affecting the rest.

Setting Up Your Canvas

Setting up your canvas correctly can make your journey with Procreate 3D models much smoother. Here's how:

Size: Start by deciding what size canvas you need. This will depend on what you're creating and the level of detail you want.
Color Profile: Choose your color profile. For most digital artwork, RGB is a good choice.
Background Color: Decide on your background color. You can always change this later, but starting with a neutral color can make your colors pop.

Now that you're familiar with Procreate 3D and its interface, you're ready to start creating your own Procreate 3D models. So let's move on to painting your first 3D model!

2. Painting Your First 3D Model

Now that you've set up your canvas and familiarized yourself with the tools, let's jump into the fun part — painting your first Procreate 3D models! This section will guide you on selecting the right brushes, applying colors and textures, and making the most of layers and blending modes.

Choosing Your Brushes

Choosing the right brush can make a world of difference when painting Procreate 3D models. Here's how to pick the right ones:

Understand Your Needs: Different brushes serve different purposes. Some are great for detailing, while others are ideal for larger color blocks. Understand what you need for your model, and choose accordingly.
Experiment: Don't be scared to try different brushes. You might find that a brush you wouldn't typically use works perfectly for a specific texture or detail.
Customize: Remember, you can always tweak your brushes in the brush settings to suit your needs better.

Applying Colors and Textures

Color and texture breathe life into your Procreate 3D models. Here's how to apply them effectively:

Choose Your Palette: Start by choosing a color palette that aligns with your vision for the model.
Apply Base Colors: Begin by applying the base colors to your model. These are the main colors of your model.
Add Texture: Use different brushes to add textures. This can make your model look more realistic or stylized, depending on your preference.

Using Layers and Blending Modes

Layers and blending modes are powerful tools when creating Procreate 3D models. Here's how you can make the most of them:

Separate Elements: Use layers to separate different parts of your model. This way, you can work on one part without affecting others.
Try Different Blending Modes: Blending modes can help you achieve unique effects. For example, the 'Multiply' mode can create a cool shadow effect.
Adjust Opacity: You can adjust the opacity of each layer to fine-tune how elements interact with each other.

With these tips in mind, you're now ready to paint your own Procreate 3D models. Let's move on to the next step—importing 3D models into Procreate.

3. Importing 3D Models to Procreate

Now that we've painted our first Procreate 3D model, let's learn how to import pre-existing 3D models into Procreate. Importing can save you time and allow you to focus more on the creative aspects of your project. We'll cover where to find 3D models online and the process of importing them into Procreate.

Finding 3D Models Online

Finding 3D models online is easier than you might think. Here are a few pointers:

Free and Paid Models: There are various resources online where you can find both free and paid 3D models. Sites like Sketchfab offer a wide variety of models for your Procreate projects.
Check Compatibility: Ensure the models you choose are compatible with Procreate. Procreate currently supports the OBJ file format for 3D models.
Consider Your Needs: Choose models that align with your project needs. Whether you're looking for a specific character or a simple geometric shape, there's a model out there for you.

Importing Process and Tips

Once you've found your model, it's time to import it into Procreate. Here's how:

Save Your Model: Download and save your 3D model to your device.
Open Procreate: Launch Procreate and open a new project.
Import Model: Tap on the wrench icon, select 'Add', and then 'Insert a file'. Navigate to where you saved your model and select it.

Just like that, your model is ready to be painted and transformed into a unique piece of art. But, we're not done yet. Let's learn how to enhance our Procreate 3D models next!

4. Enhancing Your 3D Artwork

Importing and painting Procreate 3D models is just the first step. It's equally important to enhance your artwork to bring it to life. Let's explore how you can add depth and realism to your Procreate 3D models using lighting and shadows, and then spice it up with filters and effects.

Using Lighting and Shadows

Lighting and shadows can turn a flat artwork into a three-dimensional masterpiece. Here's how you can use them effectively:

Explore Light Settings: Procreate offers a range of light settings. You can adjust the intensity, direction, and color of the light source to achieve the desired effect.
Add Shadows: Shadows add depth and make your Procreate 3D models look more realistic. Experiment with shadow hardness and opacity to get it just right.

Applying Filters and Effects

Filters and effects can add a unique spin to your artwork. Here's how you can apply them:

Select a Layer: Choose the layer to which you want to apply a filter or effect.
Choose a Filter: Tap on the magic wand icon to open the adjustments menu. Select a filter or effect that suits your aesthetic.
Adjust Settings: Every filter and effect comes with its own settings. Play around with these until you're happy with the look.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to enhancing your Procreate 3D models. Trust your creative instincts and don't be afraid to experiment. Ready to share your masterpiece with the world? Let's move on to exporting and sharing your 3D designs.

Now that you've created and enhanced your Procreate 3D models, it's time to show them off to the world. You can easily export your artwork in a format of your choice and share it on your preferred social media platform. Let's see how.

Exporting Your Artwork

Exporting your Procreate 3D models is straightforward. Here's how to do it:

Select the Share Icon: This is located in the top right corner of your Procreate interface.
Choose an Export Format: Procreate supports several export formats, including JPEG, PNG, and PSD. Select the one that best suits your needs.
Save Your Artwork: Lastly, choose a location to save your artwork. You can save it to your device, or upload it to a cloud storage service.

Once your artwork is saved, you can share your Procreate 3D models on social media. Here's how:

Open Your Social Media App: Whether it's Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, navigate to the app where you want to share your artwork.
Select the Artwork: Navigate to the location where you saved your artwork. Select it and hit the share button.
Write a Caption: Don't forget to add a catchy caption and relevant hashtags to get your artwork noticed.

And there you have it! You've just created, enhanced, and shared your very own Procreate 3D models. Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and don't be afraid to let your creativity shine.

If you enjoyed our Procreate 3D Guide on painting and importing models, you will definitely want to check out the workshop 'Transform Yourself into a 3D Character' by Julia Salnikova. This workshop will teach you how to create stunning 3D characters from scratch, allowing you to turn yourself or others into incredible digital works of art. Don't miss out on this opportunity to level up your 3D skills!