Procreate Textures: A Comprehensive Guide

Published on 7 August 2023 9 min read

What are Procreate textures?
How to create Procreate textures
Types of Procreate textures
How to import textures in Procreate
How to use textures in your Procreate artwork
How to export Procreate textures
Tips and tricks for using textures
Resources for free and paid Procreate textures

If you've ever found yourself in the midst of a Procreate project and wondered how to add that extra bit of realism or depth, then you've unknowingly stumbled upon the magic of textures. Textures in Procreate can transform your artwork from flat and lifeless to vibrant and detailed, providing a touch of authenticity that's hard to replicate. And if you're specifically looking to create detailed textures in Procreate, then you've come to the right place. This guide is designed to take you through everything you need to know about Procreate textures, from creation to usage, and all the nifty tricks in between. So, let's dive in!

What are Procreate textures?

In Procreate, a texture is like a digital version of a real-world surface. Imagine running your fingers over a brick wall, a smooth stone, or a piece of rough paper—you're experiencing a texture. In the world of Procreate, these experiences can be replicated in your art through detailed textures.

Here's where it gets really interesting. Procreate textures are not just about simulating real-life surfaces. They can also be an incredible tool to add depth, create mood, and enhance the overall visual appeal of your artwork. Think of textures as the spice in your creative soup—they can subtly enhance or dramatically transform the flavor of your art.

Let's break it down a bit more:

Realism: Detailed textures in Procreate can add a level of realism to your work that's otherwise hard to achieve. For instance, you can mimic the look and feel of canvas on a digital portrait, making it appear as though it was painted with a brush and palette.
Depth: Textures can be used to add layers and depth to your artwork. This can make your 2D images appear more 3D and lifelike. A stone texture, for example, can give a simple circle the appearance of a realistic, round pebble.
Mood: Certain textures can evoke specific moods or feelings. A rough, grungy texture might express angst or distress, while a soft, watercolor texture might convey tranquility or peace.
Visual Interest: At times, your artwork might need a bit of a boost to make it more visually appealing. Textures can be that secret ingredient that makes your art pop and keeps the viewer's eyes engaged.

So there you have it—a quick rundown of what Procreate textures are and why they're a game-changer in the world of digital art. As we go further, we'll explore how to create, import, and export these detailed textures in Procreate, taking your art to the next level.

How to create Procreate textures

Creating detailed textures in Procreate might seem daunting, but fear not! With a few simple steps, you can start adding texture to your Procreate art. Here's how you can do it:

Create a New Layer: To start, you'll want to create a new layer in your Procreate canvas. This will allow you to add texture without altering your original artwork. Just tap the plus icon in the layers panel to create a new layer.
Choose a Brush: Next, you'll want to choose a brush to create your texture. Procreate comes with a variety of brushes that can create different textures. Try experimenting with different ones to see what effects they can create. Some good ones for creating detailed textures include the Charcoal, Spray Paint, and Rusty Nib brushes.
Apply the Texture: Now it's time to apply your texture. Select your desired color and start brushing over your new layer. Remember, the way you apply your brush strokes can greatly affect the end result of your texture. Long, smooth strokes create a different texture than short, choppy ones. Don't be afraid to experiment!
Modify the Layer: Once you've applied your texture, you can modify the layer to make it more subtle or dramatic. You can adjust the opacity, blending mode, and other layer properties until you achieve the desired effect.

And voila! You've just created your own detailed texture in Procreate. But remember, practice makes perfect. So, don't be discouraged if your first few attempts don't turn out exactly how you want. Keep experimenting and you'll soon be a pro at creating detailed Procreate textures!

Types of Procreate textures

Now that you've got the hang of creating detailed textures in Procreate, let's dive into the different types that you can play around with. Every texture will bring its own unique flair to your artwork, so it's worth getting to know them!

Grain Textures: Grain textures imitate the look and feel of traditional paper media. They give your digital art a touch of traditional charm. From smooth to rough, grainy to gritty, you can achieve a wide range of effects.
Fabric Textures: Want to give your artwork a soft, cozy feel? Try using fabric textures. These can mimic the look of cotton, silk, denim, or any other fabric you can imagine!
Metal Textures: Metal textures are great for adding some shine and hard edges to your work. Think steel, iron, copper, or even rusted metal.
Natural Textures: These textures are inspired by the great outdoors. They can mimic the look of wood, stone, water, and more. Natural textures can add a real-world touch to your digital art.
Brush Textures: These are the textures you create directly with Procreate's brushes. Brush textures can be anything you want them to be - the only limit is your imagination!

Remember, these are just a handful of the types of textures available in Procreate. Don't be afraid to mix and match, or even create your own. Adding detailed textures to your Procreate art can truly take it to another level!

How to import textures in Procreate

Okay, so you've got the hang of creating and the types of detailed textures in Procreate. But guess what? You can also import textures created by other artists or from your own collection. Let's break down the steps:

Open Procreate: Start by firing up Procreate on your iPad.
Tap on the "Brush" icon: See the brush icon on the top right? Go ahead and tap on that. This will open your Brush Library.
Select the brush: Now, you'll need to select the brush you want to import the texture into. You can choose an existing brush or create a new one.
Go to the "Grain" tab: Once you've selected the brush, tap on the "Grain" tab. This is where you'll be importing your texture.
Import the texture: Tap on "Edit", and then on "Import". You can import a texture from Files, Photos, or even directly from your Camera. Choose your texture file, and voila! Your texture is now in Procreate!

It's that simple. Now you can use imported detailed textures in Procreate to add depth and uniqueness to your artwork. Happy importing!

How to use textures in your Procreate artwork

So, you've created or imported some pretty cool textures. Now, the burning question is, how do you use these detailed textures in Procreate to jazz up your artwork? Let's walk through the process:

Select your texture: First things first—pick a texture from your collection. This could be a texture you've created, or one you've imported.
Choose a suitable brush: Next, you'll need to select a brush. The brush you choose can dramatically change the effect of the texture. Experiment with different brushes to see what works best for your artwork.
Apply the texture: Now comes the fun part—applying the texture! Tap on the layer you want to apply the texture to. Then, simply start painting with your chosen brush. You'll see the texture appear on your artwork.
Adjust the opacity: If the texture is too strong or too subtle, you can adjust its opacity. Just go to the "Layers" panel, select the layer with the texture, and adjust the opacity slider.
Experiment: Don't be afraid to play around. Try using multiple textures, or layering textures to create a unique look. Remember, there's no right or wrong way to use textures—it's all about what looks good to you!

And there you have it! Now you know how to use detailed textures in Procreate to take your digital art to the next level. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first few attempts don't turn out exactly as you envisioned. Keep experimenting, and you'll soon be a pro at using textures in your artwork.

How to export Procreate textures

After you've spent time creating or importing detailed textures in Procreate, you might want to share them with others or use them in other projects. The good news is, exporting textures from Procreate is a piece of cake! Let's break it down:

Create a new canvas: Start by creating a new canvas that matches the size of the texture you want to export.
Apply your texture: Apply your texture to the canvas. Remember, Procreate allows you to adjust the scale and rotation of the texture to fit your needs, so take advantage of that feature!
Save your texture: Once you're happy with how your texture looks, it's time to save it. Go to the Actions menu (the wrench icon), tap on "Share," and then "JPEG" or "PNG".
Choose your location: After tapping on the jpeg or png option, a new menu will pop-up, asking you where you want to save your texture. You can save it directly to your device, send it via email, or even upload it to cloud storage.

And voila! You've successfully exported a texture from Procreate. Now you can easily share your textures with other digital artists, use them in different projects, or even sell them if you want to. Remember, the sky's the limit when it comes to what you can do with your Procreate textures!

Tips and tricks for using textures

Texturing in Procreate can be quite a thrill, but it can also be a bit of a challenge. Don't worry, though. We've got you covered. Here are some handy tips and tricks for using detailed textures in Procreate:

Layering is your friend: When it comes to texturing, you don't have to stick to one texture. Layer different textures to create a unique effect. Don’t forget to experiment with the blend modes for each layer; it can make all the difference!
Keep it subtle: Texturing is all about adding a touch of reality to your work, but that doesn't mean you have to go overboard. A subtle texture can sometimes do more to enhance your artwork than a more pronounced one.
Custom brushes can be textures too: Did you know that you can use your textures as custom brushes in Procreate? This can open up a whole new world of possibilities for your art.
Use high-quality textures: The quality of your textures can make or break your artwork. Always opt for high-quality textures, even if they take a bit longer to download or cost a bit more.
Don't forget to have fun: At the end of the day, Procreate is a tool for you to express your creativity. Don't get so caught up in the technicalities that you forget to have fun. Play around, make mistakes, learn, and most importantly, create!

In the end, the best way to get good at using textures in Procreate is to keep practicing. So, go on, get your hands dirty—figuratively, of course—and start experimenting with detailed textures in Procreate today!

Resources for free and paid Procreate textures

Now that we've covered some of the ropes about using detailed textures in Procreate, you might be wondering where to find these textures. You're in luck: there are plenty of resources out there, both free and paid, that are just waiting to be discovered.

Procreate's own Texture library: Procreate itself offers a variety of pre-installed textures. While they might not be as varied or detailed as some other resources, they're a great place to start, especially if you're just getting to grips with texturing.
Online marketplaces: Websites like Creative Market, Design Cuts, and Gumroad have a wealth of Procreate textures created by talented artists. These are often more detailed and unique, but keep in mind they usually come with a price tag.
Texture Packs: There are many artists who create texture packs specifically for Procreate and sell them online. These packs often include a variety of textures, giving you a lot of bang for your buck.
Free Online resources: Don't want to spend a dime? No problem! There are plenty of websites that offer free textures. Sites like TextureKing and TexturePalace are great places to start. But remember, you often get what you pay for; these textures might not be as high-quality or unique as paid ones.

So, there you have it: a range of places where you can find detailed textures in Procreate. With these resources at your fingertips, you're well on your way to creating some truly textured masterpieces. Happy creating!

If you enjoyed our comprehensive guide on Procreate textures and want to expand your knowledge on digital texturing techniques, don't miss the 'Substance Painter Texturing Workshop' by tabithaswanson_. This workshop will introduce you to the powerful texturing tool Substance Painter, allowing you to explore new ways to create stunning textures for your digital art projects.