Select Multiple Layers in Procreate: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

If you've ever found yourself lost in a sea of layers while using Procreate, fret not! This guide will walk you through the process of selecting multiple layers in Procreate, making your digital art journey a breeze. But first, let's start with the basics.

1. Get to Know Procreate

Before we dive into how to procreate select multiple layers, it's important to get a lay of the land. Procreate offers a robust and user-friendly interface for you to create stunning digital art. Let's familiarize ourselves with the interface, tools, and how to set up your canvas.

Understanding the Interface

Procreate's interface is designed to give you quick access to your tools and layers. Here are some key areas to note:

The Toolbar at the top houses options like the brush library, eraser, and smudge tool.
On the right, you'll find the Layers Panel— the heart of our discussion today—and the color picker.
The Canvas in the center is your playground. Spread out and let your creativity flow.

Exploring the Tools

Procreate is filled with a plethora of tools to bring your digital artwork to life. Here's a quick rundown:

Brush Library: With over 130 customizable brushes, you can create any texture or pattern.
Eraser and Smudge Tools: These are your best friends in refining your artwork. Use them to correct mistakes or blend colors.
Color Picker: Choose from a wide array of colors or create your own.

Setting Up Your Canvas

Setting up your canvas in Procreate is easy as pie. Follow these steps:

Tap on the "+" icon on the top-right corner.
Select the size of your canvas. You can choose from Procreate's presets or create a custom size.
Tap "Create" and you're good to go!

Now that we've covered the basics, we're ready to start our journey on how to procreate select multiple layers. Buckle up!

2. Start with a Single Layer

Before we discuss how to select multiple layers in Procreate, let's take it one step at a time and start with a single layer. It's like building a house—you start with a solid foundation before adding the walls and roof. Similarly, understanding how to work with a single layer in Procreate will make it easier to navigate multiple layers later on.

Creating a New Layer

Creating a new layer in Procreate is as simple as tapping a button. Here's how:

Open the Layers Panel on the right.
Tap the "+" icon to add a new layer.
Voila! You have a new layer ready for your artistic touch.

Drawing on Your Layer

Now that you have a layer, it's time to draw. Select a brush from the Brush Library, pick a color from the Color Picker, and let your imagination run wild on the canvas. Remember, in Procreate, you draw on the layer that's currently highlighted in the Layers Panel.

Adjusting Layer Properties

Each layer in Procreate has properties that you can adjust to achieve different effects. You can change the opacity, blend mode, or even add a layer mask. To access these options, simply tap the "N" icon next to the layer in the Layers Panel.

Now that you've mastered working with a single layer, it's time to up the game. Let's add more layers!

3. Adding More Layers

So you've got the basics down with a single layer in Procreate. Now it's time to build on that and add more layers. In art, as in life, the more layers, the more depth and complexity you can achieve. So let's get to it.

How to Add a Layer

Adding a layer in Procreate is a piece of cake! Just like when you created your first layer, you'll want to:

Open the Layers Panel.
Tap the "+" icon.
And you've got another layer ready to go!

Naming Your Layers

Once you start adding more layers, things can get a bit confusing. That's where naming your layers can come in handy. To name a layer, simply tap on the layer's default name in the Layers Panel and type in a new one. It's like labeling your socks, but far more artistic!

Organizing Your Layers

With more layers comes the need for better organization. You can rearrange layers by tapping, holding, and then dragging them up or down in the Layers Panel. It's a bit like sorting your books on a shelf. You get to decide the order!

Now, with multiple layers in your Procreate project, you're ready to move on to the next step—selecting multiple layers. Don't worry, we've got you covered.

4. Selecting Multiple Layers

Exciting times lie ahead! You're about to learn one of the coolest tricks in Procreate—how to select multiple layers. Think of it like picking the best chocolates from a box, only this time, you get to select as many as you want!

How to Select Multiple Layers

Selecting multiple layers in Procreate is as easy as one-two-three:

Open the Layers panel.
Swipe right on the layers you want to select.
Voila! You've selected multiple layers.

Remember, this can be a game-changer when you want to edit multiple layers at once.

Manipulating Multiple Layers

Once you've selected multiple layers in Procreate, you can manipulate them just like you would a single layer. You can move them, resize them, or rotate them all at once. It's like conducting an orchestra. Every instrument (or in this case, layer) moves in harmony!

Merging Selected Layers

Another neat trick you can do with multiple selected layers is to merge them. To do this:

Select the layers you want to merge.
Press the "Merge Down" button in the Layers Panel.
And there you have it! Your layers are now merged into one.

Just remember, merging is a one-way street. Once you've merged your layers, there's no turning back!

So, you've mastered the art of selecting and manipulating multiple layers in Procreate. What's next? Let's dive deeper and explore the magic of layer blending modes, masks, and more. Ready to become a Procreate pro?

5. Mastering Procreate Layers

We've had a fun ride learning how to select and manipulate multiple layers in Procreate. Now, let's take things up a notch. Are you ready to become a true Procreate layer maestro?

Layer Blending Modes

Blending modes in Procreate are like the secret sauce that makes your artwork pop. They determine how your layer's colors interact with the ones below it. Here's how to use them:

Select a layer and tap on the little "N" button on your layer panel.
Choose a blending mode from the list—multiply, overlay, darken, to name a few. Each has a unique effect!
Adjust the layer opacity for subtle or more dramatic effects.

With blending modes, the possibilities are endless. So, don't be afraid to experiment and let your creativity shine!

Layer Masks in Procreate

Next up on our Procreate journey is the use of layer masks. Think of them as invisible cloaks you can use to hide parts of your layer without permanently erasing them. Pretty cool, right? Here's how you can use them:

Select a layer and tap on the mask button (it looks like a square with a circle inside).
Now, use your brush to paint on the mask. Black hides parts of your layer, while white reveals them.
If you make a mistake, no problem! Just paint over it with the opposite color.

Layer masks are super handy for non-destructive editing. So, go ahead and give them a try!

Layer Opacity and Transparency

Last but not least, let's talk about layer opacity and transparency. These are like the volume knobs for your layers—turn them up for more intensity, or down for a more subtle effect. Here's how:

Select a layer.
Slide the opacity slider to adjust. Easy as pie!

Remember, mastering layers in Procreate is all about practice. So, don't be afraid to play around and make mistakes. Who knows? You might stumble upon your next big idea while experimenting. Happy Procreating!

If you've mastered selecting multiple layers in Procreate and are ready to take your skills to the next level, don't miss the workshop 'Animating with Procreate and Photoshop' by Nyanza. This workshop will teach you how to create stunning animations using both Procreate and Photoshop, allowing you to further enhance your digital art creations.