Procreate Keeps Crashing? Here's How to Fix It

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 5 min read

If you're a digital artist, you've probably used or heard of Procreate, one of the best drawing apps available for iPad. But what if your trusted app, Procreate, keeps crashing? Frustrating, isn't it? Not to worry. This guide will show you some practical and easy-to-follow steps to bring your Procreate back to life and get you back to creating your masterpieces.

Check Your Software Version

One of the common reasons Procreate keeps crashing is due to outdated software. Let's make sure you're running the latest versions of both Procreate and iOS.

Update Procreate

Keeping your Procreate app up-to-date ensures that you're taking advantage of all the latest features and bug fixes. Here's how to do this:

Open the App Store on your iPad.
Tap on your profile icon at the top right corner of the screen.
Scroll down to the "Pending Updates" section. If Procreate is on this list, tap "Update".
If Procreate is not on this list, your app is up-to-date.

Note: If Procreate still keeps crashing after the update, continue to the next step.

Update iOS

Just like updating Procreate, it's also important to keep your iPad's operating system up-to-date. Outdated iOS may cause compatibility issues with Procreate, leading to unexpected crashes. Here's how to update your iOS:

Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Tap "General", then "Software Update".
If there's an update available, tap "Download and Install".
Enter your passcode if prompted.

Once your iOS is updated, check if Procreate keeps crashing. If it does, don't worry, we still have a lot more solutions to try!

Clear Your iPad's Cache

Another common culprit when Procreate keeps crashing is a cluttered cache on your iPad. Cache is where your device stores temporary data. Clearing it can often solve a lot of issues, including Procreate crashes. Let's walk through how to do this.

Close Unused Apps

Having many apps running in the background can hog your iPad's memory, which might make Procreate crash. Here's how to close them:

Double click the Home button on your iPad.
You'll see small previews of your recently used apps.
Swipe left or right to find the app you want to close.
Swipe up on the app's preview to close it.

Pro Tip: Try to close all apps you're not currently using to free up as much memory as possible.

Remove Temporary Files

Your iPad stores a lot of temporary files, and these can build up over time and cause problems like Procreate crashing. Here's how to remove these files:

Open the Settings app on your iPad.
Scroll down and tap "Safari".
Tap "Clear History and Website Data", then confirm by tapping "Clear".

Note: This will log you out of most websites. Make sure you remember your passwords!

After clearing the cache, see if Procreate is still crashing. If it is, let's move on to the next step.

Optimize Procreate's Performance

If your iPad's cache is clear and Procreate keeps crashing, it may be time to fine-tune the app itself. Procreate is a powerful tool with a lot of features, but sometimes it can be a bit too much for your device to handle. Here are a couple of ways you can optimize Procreate's performance.

Limit Layers

Layers are a fantastic feature in Procreate that allow for complex designs and easy edits. However, each layer uses memory and the more layers you have, the more likely Procreate is to crash. Try limiting the number of layers you use in your artwork. You can merge layers together, or simply try to plan your work in a way that requires fewer layers.

Remember: Merged layers cannot be unmerged. Make sure you're completely happy with the layers you're merging before you do it.

Reduce Canvas Size

A bigger canvas means more pixels, and more pixels mean more memory usage. If Procreate keeps crashing, try reducing your canvas size. A smaller canvas will have fewer pixels, which should make the app run smoother. You might need to adjust your brush sizes to compensate for the smaller canvas, but it's a small price to pay for a stable app.

Take Note: Reducing your canvas size will reduce the resolution of your artwork. Make sure it's still big enough for your needs.

After optimizing Procreate's performance, see if the app is still crashing. If it is, there's one more thing you can try.

Reinstall Procreate

If you've gone through all the steps above and Procreate keeps crashing, it might be time for a fresh start. Don't worry, you won't lose any of your work if you do it right. So, let's get to it.

Backup Your Work

Before you even think about deleting Procreate, make sure you've backed up all your work. You can do this by exporting your artworks as Procreate files (.procreate) and saving them to iCloud, Dropbox, or another safe place. This way, you'll be able to access them even if something goes wrong.

Remember: Exporting your artworks as image files (.jpeg, .png) won't preserve your layers. Make sure to export them as .procreate files to keep all your layers intact.

Delete and Reinstall Procreate

Once you're sure your work is safe, you can delete Procreate from your device. Simply press and hold the app, then click on 'Delete App'. After Procreate has been deleted, go to the App Store and download it again.

Quick Tip: After you've reinstalled Procreate, don't open any of your backed-up artworks right away. Try creating a new artwork first and see if the app is still crashing.

If Procreate keeps crashing even after reinstalling, you may need to reach out to the pros.

Reach Out for Support

If you've tried everything and Procreate keeps crashing, it's time to ask for help. Procreate has a dedicated team of experts who are there to assist you. Plus, there's a whole community of Procreate users who may have experienced the same issue and found a solution.

Contact Procreate Support

First, head over to the Procreate website and navigate to their support page. You can directly email them about your issue, or fill out their contact form. Be ready to provide information like your iPad model, iOS version, and a description of the issue you're experiencing. Don't forget to mention that Procreate keeps crashing even after you've tried all the suggested fixes.

Pro tip: Screenshots or screen recordings of the issue can help the support team understand your problem better.

Visit Online Forums

While you're waiting for a response from the Procreate support team, why not check out some online forums? Places like Reddit, the Procreate community forums, or even relevant Facebook groups can be a goldmine of information. You might find that someone else has had the same problem and figured out a solution. Just remember: not all advice on the internet is good advice, so use your discretion.

Remember: You're not alone in this. If Procreate keeps crashing, chances are someone else has faced the same issue and found a solution. It's just a matter of reaching out and asking for help.

If you've experienced issues with Procreate crashing and want to continue exploring its vast potential, don't miss out on the workshop 'Creating the Cosmos with Procreate' by Jeffrey Thelin. This workshop will not only help you overcome technical challenges but also inspire you to create stunning cosmic artwork using Procreate.