Procreate Blending Tools: Master Tips & Techniques

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 5 min read

If you're looking for ways to take your Procreate art to the next level, understanding and mastering the blending tools in Procreate is a great place to start. In this blog, we'll dive into all things blending—from basic techniques to advanced tips that can transform your digital artwork. So, let's get started!

1. Get Familiar with the Tools

Before you can create stunning blended effects in your artwork, you have to understand the tools at your disposal. Let's explore the types of blending tools in Procreate, how to access them, and their basic functions.

Types of Blending Tools

Procreate has a variety of blending tools that can help create unique effects in your art. These include:

Smudge tool: Think of this as your digital finger, smudging and blending colors together.
Brush tool: It can act as a blender when you adjust the opacity and apply it to different color layers.
Eraser tool: Surprisingly, the eraser tool can also function as a blender when used with low opacity.

How to Access Blending Tools

Accessing the blending tools in Procreate is simple:

Open the Procreate app on your iPad.
In the top right corner, you'll see the brush, smudge, and eraser icons.
Select the smudge tool to blend colors already on your canvas, or select the brush tool to blend as you draw.

Basic Functions of Blending Tools

Understanding the basic functionality of blending tools in Procreate is crucial. The Smudge tool, for example, can be used to merge colors. The Brush tool, on the other hand, can be used to create soft transitions between hues. With the Eraser tool, you can create effects by erasing parts of your drawing with a low opacity setting, which gives the impression of blending. The key here, however, is to experiment and play around with each tool to fully grasp its capabilities.

2. Practice Basic Blending Techniques

Once you're acquainted with the blending tools in Procreate, it's time to practice. Here, we'll cover some basic blending techniques that will help you get started.

Using Smudge Tool for Blending

The Smudge tool can be your best friend for blending in Procreate. Here's a simple way to use it:

First, lay down two colors side by side on your canvas.
Select the Smudge tool and choose a brush from the brush library.
Then, simply drag the smudge tool back and forth over the two colors to blend them together. The more you smudge, the smoother the blend will be!

Blend Colors with Brush Tool

Did you know you can also blend colors with the Brush tool? Here's how:

Start by selecting two colors and drawing them side by side on your canvas.
Select the Brush tool and lower its opacity in the top left control panel.
Then, just like with the Smudge tool, drag your brush back and forth over the colors to blend them.

Applying Gradient Blending

Gradient blending can give your artwork a smooth transition of colors. Here's a simple way to create a gradient effect:

First, choose two colors and draw a line of each side by side.
Then, select the Soft Airbrush from the Brush library, and set it to a larger size.
Use the airbrush to slowly paint over the space between the two colors, creating a soft gradient effect.

3. Experiment with Advanced Blending

Now that you've got a handle on the basics, let's push the boundaries with some advanced blending techniques in Procreate. Exciting, isn't it?

Using Layers for Blending

Layers are a fantastic tool for blending. You can blend colors without affecting the rest of your artwork. Here's how:

Create a new layer and draw your first color.
Add another layer and draw your second color.
Then, simply use the Smudge or Brush tool to blend the colors on each layer.
And voila! You've accomplished blending without disturbing your other artwork.

Blending Modes Explained

Blending modes can sound complicated, but they're really just different ways the colors interact with each other. Think of them as filters for your blending. They range from Multiply, which darkens your colors, to Screen, which lightens them. Experiment with different modes to see what you like best.

Creating Textures with Blending

Blending isn't just for colors — it's for textures, too! Take the Soft Airbrush, for example. By blending with this brush, you can create a soft, fluffy cloud or a smooth gradient sky. Alternatively, blending with a rough brush can create a more textured look, perfect for creating the illusion of grass or fur. The key here is to experiment and have fun with it!

4. Apply Techniques to Different Styles

Great! You've got a pretty good handle on blending tools in Procreate. Now let’s put those skills to test and apply them to different art styles.

Blending for Realistic Styles

For more realistic styles, subtle blending is your friend. Here's a tip: start with the base color, then add shadows and highlights on separate layers. Use the smudge tool with a soft brush to blend these layers gently, creating a smooth transition from light to dark. The result? A realistic looking artwork that's sure to impress!

Blending for Abstract Styles

Abstract art is all about breaking rules and expressing emotions. Don't be afraid to go bold with your blending! Mix up those blending modes, experiment with different brushes, or stack multiple layers of colors and blend them together. Remember, there's no right or wrong in abstract art — it's all about your own interpretation and expression.

Blending for Cartoon Styles

For cartoon styles, you might want to keep the blending minimal to maintain that crisp, clean look. A simple gradient blend for the sky or a soft blend for shadows can add depth to your cartoon without going overboard. Keep in mind that less is often more when it comes to blending in cartoon style artwork.

5. Master the Art of Blending

Now that you've got the basics down and tried applying blending tools in Procreate to various styles, let’s take a deep dive into mastering the art of blending.

Practice Makes Perfect

Like anything else in life, practice is the key to becoming a pro at using blending tools in Procreate. Set aside some time each day to experiment with different tools and techniques. Challenge yourself to try something new each time. Remember, each brush stroke brings you one step closer to mastering the art of blending.

Learn from Procreate Artists

One of the best ways to learn is from those who have already mastered the craft. Look up your favorite Procreate artists and study their work. Notice how they use blending tools to create different effects. Don’t copy, but do learn and apply those techniques to your own work. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right?

Explore Different Art Styles

Don't limit yourself to just one art style. Branch out and explore! Try using blending tools in Procreate to emulate the look of watercolor, oil painting, or even charcoal sketches. Each style will offer unique challenges and learning opportunities, helping you to become a more versatile artist.

If you're excited about mastering Procreate blending tools and want to dive deeper into the world of digital drawing, don't miss the workshop 'Intro to Procreate: Drawing with Digital Tools' by Vicky Catalan. In this workshop, you'll learn the fundamentals of using Procreate and explore various techniques to enhance your digital art skills. Join now and start creating stunning digital masterpieces!