Step-by-Step Guide: Changing Colors in Procreate Effectively

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 9 June 2023 9 min read

Mastering the art of changing colors in Procreate can elevate your digital artwork to new heights. This step-by-step guide will help you understand the fundamentals of colors, various techniques for changing them, and tips on how to customize your colors in Procreate effectively. Let's dive into the colorful world of Procreate and explore how to change colors in Procreate like a pro.

Understanding Colors in Procreate

Before we start exploring different methods to change colors in Procreate, it's essential to get familiar with some fundamental concepts related to colors. This section will cover color theory basics, creating and using color palettes, and color dynamics and blending in Procreate.

Color Theory Basics

Color theory is the backbone of any art form that involves colors. Knowing the basics of color theory can help you make informed decisions when changing colors in Procreate. Here are some key concepts:

Primary colors: Red, yellow, and blue are the primary colors. They cannot be created by mixing other colors.
Secondary colors: Green, orange, and purple are secondary colors, formed by mixing two primary colors.
Tertiary colors: These are the colors created by mixing primary and secondary colors, such as red-orange or blue-green.
Color wheel: A visual representation of colors arranged in a circle, showcasing the relationships between primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.
Complementary colors: Colors opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red and green or blue and orange. When used together, they create a strong contrast.

Creating and Using Color Palettes

Color palettes are a handy tool for organizing and managing colors in your Procreate artwork. Here's how to create and use them:

Open the color panel and tap on the "Palettes" tab.
Tap the "+" icon to create a new color palette.
Add colors to your palette by selecting a color and tapping an empty square in the palette.
Apply a color from your palette to your artwork by tapping on the desired color and using the brush tool to paint.

Creating color palettes can help you maintain color consistency and make the process of changing colors in Procreate more efficient.

Color Dynamics and Blending

Color dynamics and blending are essential techniques that can help you create smooth color transitions and add depth to your artwork. Here's a brief overview:

Opacity: The transparency of a color. Lower opacity values make the color more transparent, while higher opacity values make it more solid.
Flow: The rate at which color is applied when using a brush. Lower flow values create a more gradual build-up of color, while higher flow values create a more immediate color application.
Smudge tool: This tool allows you to blend colors on your canvas by smudging them together. Adjust the opacity and flow of the smudge tool to control the blending effect.

Experimenting with color dynamics

How to Change Colors in Procreate: Techniques

Now that you have a solid foundation in color theory and some essential concepts, it's time to explore various techniques on how to change colors in Procreate. This section will cover using Color Drop, adjusting hue and saturation, and working with the Recolor tool. By mastering these techniques, you'll be well on your way to creating vibrant and dynamic artworks.

Using Color Drop

Color Drop is a handy feature that allows you to quickly and easily change the color of a particular area in your artwork. Here's how you can use it:

Select the color you want to apply from the color panel.
Tap and hold the color circle, then drag it onto the area of the canvas you want to change.
Release your finger to apply the color to the selected area.

Keep in mind that the Color Drop feature works best when the area you're trying to change has clear borders or boundaries. If the borders are not well-defined, you might need to make some adjustments to the threshold slider that appears when using Color Drop.

Adjusting Hue and Saturation

Changing the hue and saturation of your colors can significantly impact the mood and overall appearance of your artwork. In Procreate, you can easily adjust these settings to achieve the desired effect. Here's how:

Open the "Adjustments" panel by tapping the magic wand icon.
Select "Hue, Saturation, Brightness" from the list of options.
Use the sliders to adjust the hue, saturation, and brightness of your selected layer or area.

Remember, adjusting the hue shifts the color along the color wheel, while changing the saturation alters the intensity of the color. Experiment with these settings to discover new color combinations and harmonies in your artwork.

Working with the Recolor Tool

The Recolor tool in Procreate allows you to change the color of specific areas while preserving the texture and shading of your original artwork. This is particularly useful when you want to make subtle color changes without altering the overall structure of your piece. Here's how to use the Recolor tool:

Select the "Adjustments" panel by tapping the magic wand icon.
Choose "Recolor" from the list of options.
Pick a new color from the color panel.
Tap on the area you want to change, and Procreate will replace the original color with your new selection.

As you get more comfortable with the Recolor tool, you'll find it's an effective way to explore different color schemes and variations in your artwork while maintaining the integrity of your original design.

By mastering these techniques on how to change colors in Procreate, you'll be well-equipped to bring your creative visions to life. The next section will discuss managing layers and colors for even more control over your artwork.

Managing Layers and Colors

Equipped with the knowledge of how to change colors in Procreate, let's dive into the world of layers and how they can help you manage colors more effectively. Working with layers is key to achieving more complex and intricate designs while maintaining control over your artwork. In this section, we'll cover layer blending modes, using Alpha Lock for color changes, and applying clipping masks. Ready to elevate your Procreate skills? Let's get started!

Layer Blending Modes

Layer blending modes in Procreate allow you to achieve unique effects by combining color and texture from different layers. By experimenting with blending modes, you can create depth and dimension in your artwork. Here's how:

Select the layer you want to modify.
Tap the "N" icon next to the layer thumbnail to access layer blending options.
Choose the desired blending mode from the list, such as Multiply, Overlay, or Add.

Each blending mode produces a different effect—Multiply darkens colors, while Overlay enhances contrast, and Add creates a bright, glowing result. Don't be afraid to try out various blending modes to see which one best suits your artwork's needs.

Using Alpha Lock for Color Changes

Alpha Lock is a powerful feature that allows you to change colors in Procreate without affecting the transparency of your layer. This is particularly useful when you want to modify an object's color without changing its shape or boundaries. Here's how to use Alpha Lock:

Select the layer you want to apply Alpha Lock to.
Swipe right with two fingers on the layer thumbnail to enable Alpha Lock (a checkered pattern will appear).
Choose your new color and start painting on the locked layer—only the existing pixels will be affected, preserving the transparency of the layer.

Alpha Lock is a fantastic tool for making color adjustments without disrupting your artwork's structure, allowing you to focus on the hues and tones that truly matter.

Applying Clipping Masks

Clipping masks in Procreate offer another method for managing color changes while maintaining control over your layers. A clipping mask allows you to apply color or texture to a specific area of your artwork without affecting the original layer. Here's how to use clipping masks:

Create a new layer above the one you want to apply the mask to.
Tap the new layer, and select "Clipping Mask" from the menu.
Start painting on the clipping mask layer—any changes you make will only affect the area defined by the original layer below.

Clipping masks enable you to experiment with colors and textures while keeping your original artwork intact, providing the freedom to explore new ideas without commitment.

With these techniques for managing layers and colors in Procreate, you'll have even more control over your artistic creations. Next, let's explore customizing colors for your art, taking your skills to new heights!

Customizing Colors for Your Art

Now that you've mastered managing layers and colors in Procreate, it's time to take your art to the next level by customizing colors to bring your creations to life. In this section, we'll cover sampling colors with the Eyedropper, achieving color harmony, and using Gradient Maps for color transitions. Ready to make your digital artwork even more vibrant and dynamic? Let's dive in!

Sampling Colors with the Eyedropper

When you're working on a piece and want to match a specific color already present in your design, the Eyedropper tool comes in handy. This powerful tool allows you to pick and use colors directly from your canvas. Here's how to use it:

Press and hold your finger (or Apple Pencil) on the canvas where the desired color is located.
A magnifying glass will appear, displaying the color you're about to sample.
Release your finger (or Apple Pencil), and the sampled color will be added to your Color Palette.

The Eyedropper makes it quick and easy to match colors within your artwork, ensuring a cohesive look and speeding up your workflow.

Achieving Color Harmony

Color harmony is the art of combining colors in an appealing and balanced way. When you know how to change colors in Procreate, it's essential to understand the principles of color harmony to create visually striking and harmonious artwork. One way to achieve color harmony is by using color schemes, such as:

Monochromatic: A single color with various shades, tints, and tones.
Analogous: Colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel.
Complementary: Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel.

Experimenting with these color schemes will help you create balanced and harmonious compositions, making your artwork even more spectacular.

Using Gradient Maps for Color Transitions

Gradient Maps are a fantastic way to create smooth and visually appealing color transitions in your artwork. They work by mapping a range of colors onto the grayscale values of your image. Here's how to use Gradient Maps in Procreate:

Create a new layer above your original artwork.
Go to the Adjustments menu and select "Gradient Map."
Choose or create a gradient using the colors you want to transition between.
Apply the Gradient Map to the new layer and see how it transforms the colors in your artwork.

Gradient Maps are an excellent tool for customizing colors and creating stunning effects, adding depth and interest to your digital art.

Armed with these techniques for customizing colors in Procreate, you're well on your way to creating even more captivating and vibrant artwork. But remember, practice makes perfect! In the next section, we'll share some tips for mastering color changes through practice and experimentation.

Practice and Experiment: Tips for Mastering Color Changes

Now that you're equipped with the knowledge of how to change colors in Procreate, it's time to put theory into practice. In this section, we'll discuss tips to help you hone your skills and become a true color master. So, let's get started on this colorful journey!

Observe and Learn from Others

One of the best ways to improve your skills is to learn from fellow artists. By observing their work, you can gain insights into their color choices, techniques, and more. Here are some ways to learn from others:

Follow artists on social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter.
Join online communities and forums where artists share their work and ask for feedback.
Watch tutorials and read blog posts from artists explaining their techniques.

Remember, everyone's style is unique, and what works for one person may not work for you. The key is to observe, learn, and adapt these techniques to suit your own artistic vision.

Embrace Trial and Error

When it comes to learning how to change colors in Procreate, there's no substitute for hands-on practice. Embrace the process of trial and error to find what works best for you. Here are a few tips to help you experiment effectively:

Start with simple exercises, like recoloring basic shapes or experimenting with different color schemes.
Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Sometimes, an unexpected color combination can lead to stunning results!
Challenge yourself by trying out new techniques, such as Gradient Maps, or playing with Layer Blending Modes.

By embracing trial and error, you'll gradually build your skills and confidence in changing colors in Procreate.

Continue Learning and Improving

The world of digital art is constantly evolving, and so should your skills. To keep up with the latest trends and techniques, it's essential to stay curious and keep learning. Here are a few suggestions to help you stay on top of your game:

Subscribe to newsletters or blogs that cover the latest news and trends in digital art.
Attend workshops, webinars, or conferences to learn from professionals and network with other artists.
Stay up-to-date with Procreate app updates, as new features may be introduced that can aid in changing colors more effectively.

By continuing to learn and improve, you'll become more adept at changing colors in Procreate and create even more stunning digital artwork.

In conclusion, learning how to change colors in Procreate is a journey that requires practice, experimentation, and a willingness to learn from others. By following the tips in this guide, you'll be well on your way to mastering color changes and creating eye-catching, harmonious artwork. So, go ahead and unleash your creativity—your digital canvas awaits!

If you enjoyed our step-by-step guide on changing colors in Procreate and want to further enhance your skills, be sure to check out Vicky Catalan's workshop, 'Learn How to Draw in Procreate'. This comprehensive workshop will teach you everything you need to know about creating stunning digital artwork using Procreate, from basic techniques to advanced tips and tricks.