5 Simple Ways to Make Procreate Less Pixelated
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 9 min read

Contents

1. Increase Canvas Resolution

2. Optimize Brush Settings

3. Use Vector Layers

4. Apply Blur Effect

5. Export High-Resolution Image

Creating digital art with Procreate is fun and exciting, but sometimes you might face pixelation issues that can affect the quality of your work. To help you overcome this problem, we'll show you how to make Procreate less pixelated by following these five simple ways. Let's dive in!

1. Increase Canvas Resolution

Canvas resolution plays a significant role in determining the level of pixelation in your artwork. By increasing the resolution, you can achieve smoother and cleaner lines. Let's explore how you can do this:

Check Canvas Properties

First, you need to understand the current properties of your canvas:

  1. Open your Procreate project
  2. Tap on the wrench icon located at the top left of the screen
  3. Select "Canvas" from the menu
  4. Tap on "Canvas Information" to view the current resolution

Adjusting DPI

Now that you know your canvas properties, it's time to increase the DPI (dots per inch) to make Procreate less pixelated. A higher DPI will result in more details and less pixelation. Here's how:

  1. Create a new canvas by tapping on the "+" icon at the top right corner
  2. Select "Custom canvas" from the menu
  3. Increase the DPI value to at least 300 DPI for better quality
  4. Adjust the canvas size according to your needs
  5. Tap "Create" to start working on the new canvas

Remember that increasing the DPI will also increase the file size and may affect the performance of your device. So, it's essential to find a balance between quality and performance.

2. Optimize Brush Settings

Another effective way to make Procreate less pixelated is by optimizing your brush settings. This involves selecting the appropriate brush and adjusting its opacity. Let's see how to do this:

Selecting Appropriate Brush

Choosing the right brush can have a significant impact on the smoothness of your strokes. Some brushes in Procreate are designed to create a more pixelated appearance, while others provide cleaner lines:

  1. Open your Procreate project
  2. Tap on the brush icon located at the top right of the screen
  3. Browse through the available brushes and select one that provides a smoother stroke (e.g., brushes in the "Inking" category)
  4. Try different brushes to find the one that best suits your needs

Adjusting Brush Opacity

Lowering the opacity of your brush can also help reduce pixelation, as it allows you to build up colors gradually and create smoother transitions:

  1. Select the desired brush from the brush library
  2. Locate the "Opacity" slider at the top of the screen
  3. Slide it to the left to decrease the opacity of your brush
  4. Experiment with different opacity levels to achieve the desired smoothness in your artwork

By optimizing your brush settings, you can greatly improve the overall appearance of your digital art and make Procreate less pixelated.

3. Use Vector Layers

Vector layers are another fantastic tool for reducing pixelation in Procreate. Unlike raster layers, vector layers use mathematical formulas to create smooth, crisp lines that can be scaled without losing quality. Let's learn how to create and edit vector layers in Procreate:

Creating Vector Layer

To create a new vector layer, follow these steps:

  1. Open your Procreate project
  2. Tap on the layers icon located at the top right of the screen
  3. Tap on the "+" icon at the top right of the layers panel to create a new layer
  4. Select "Vector Layer" from the menu

Editing Vector Layer

Once you've created a vector layer, you can edit your artwork using the following tools:

  1. Use the "Node" tool to manipulate individual points and curves
  2. Utilize the "Pen" tool to create new paths and shapes
  3. Adjust the "Stroke" settings to modify the thickness and style of lines
  4. Experiment with the "Fill" options to apply colors and gradients

By using vector layers, you can create high-quality, scalable artwork that remains crisp and clean at any size, making Procreate less pixelated.

4. Apply Blur Effect

Applying a blur effect is another technique to help reduce pixelation in your Procreate artwork. There are two types of blur effects you can use: Gaussian Blur and Motion Blur. Let's explore these options:

Gaussian Blur

Gaussian Blur softens the edges of your artwork, making it appear less pixelated. Here's how to apply it:

  1. Select the layer you want to blur
  2. Tap on the "Magic Wand" icon located at the top left of the screen
  3. Select "Gaussian Blur" from the menu
  4. Adjust the blur amount by sliding your finger or stylus left or right on the screen
  5. Tap "Done" to apply the effect

Motion Blur

Motion Blur creates a sense of movement in your artwork, which can help disguise pixelation. To apply Motion Blur, follow these steps:

  1. Select the layer you want to blur
  2. Tap on the "Magic Wand" icon located at the top left of the screen
  3. Select "Motion Blur" from the menu
  4. Adjust the blur amount and direction by sliding your finger or stylus on the screen
  5. Tap "Done" to apply the effect

Try experimenting with both Gaussian and Motion Blur to find the best solution for reducing pixelation in your Procreate artwork.

5. Export High-Resolution Image

Finally, exporting your Procreate artwork at a high resolution will ensure that it looks crisp and clean when viewed on various devices. To do this, you need to choose the right file format and adjust your export settings:

Choosing File Format

When exporting your artwork, it's important to select a file format that supports high-resolution images. Some popular options include:

  • PNG: Supports transparency and maintains image quality
  • JPEG: Offers good compression with minimal loss of quality
  • TIFF: Retains high-quality details and supports layers

Adjusting Export Settings

Now that you've chosen a suitable file format, follow these steps to export your high-resolution artwork:

  1. Tap on the wrench icon located at the top left of the screen
  2. Select "Share" from the menu
  3. Choose your desired file format
  4. Adjust the export settings, such as quality and resolution, as needed
  5. Tap "Export" to save your artwork

By exporting your Procreate artwork at a high resolution, you'll ensure that it looks its best when viewed on various devices, making it appear less pixelated.

By following these five simple ways, you'll be well on your way to making Procreate less pixelated and creating stunning, high-quality digital art. Now, go ahead and explore these techniques to enhance your artwork and bring your creative visions to life!

3. Use Vector Layers

Vector layers offer another great solution for reducing pixelation in Procreate. These layers use mathematical formulas to create smooth, crisp lines that can be scaled without losing quality. In this section, we'll explore how to create and edit vector layers in Procreate:

Creating Vector Layer

Follow these steps to create a new vector layer in Procreate:

  1. Open your Procreate project
  2. Tap on the layers icon located at the top right of the screen
  3. Tap on the "+" icon at the top right of the layers panel to create a new layer
  4. Select "Vector Layer" from the menu

Editing Vector Layer

Once you have a vector layer, you can edit your artwork using various tools:

  1. Use the "Node" tool to manipulate individual points and curves
  2. Utilize the "Pen" tool to create new paths and shapes
  3. Adjust the "Stroke" settings to modify the thickness and style of lines
  4. Experiment with the "Fill" options to apply colors and gradients

By using vector layers, you can create high-quality, scalable artwork that remains crisp and clean at any size, helping you make Procreate less pixelated.

4. Apply Blur Effect

Applying a blur effect is another effective technique to reduce pixelation in your Procreate artwork. You can use two types of blur effects: Gaussian Blur and Motion Blur. Let's examine these options:

Gaussian Blur

Gaussian Blur softens the edges of your artwork, making it appear less pixelated. To apply this effect, follow these steps:

  1. Select the layer you want to blur
  2. Tap on the "Magic Wand" icon located at the top left of the screen
  3. Select "Gaussian Blur" from the menu
  4. Adjust the blur amount by sliding your finger or stylus left or right on the screen
  5. Tap "Done" to apply the effect

Motion Blur

Motion Blur creates a sense of movement in your artwork, which can help disguise pixelation. To apply this effect, follow these steps:

  1. Select the layer you want to blur
  2. Tap on the "Magic Wand" icon located at the top left of the screen
  3. Select "Motion Blur" from the menu
  4. Adjust the blur amount and direction by sliding your finger or stylus on the screen
  5. Tap "Done" to apply the effect

Experiment with both Gaussian and Motion Blur to find the best way to reduce pixelation in your Procreate artwork.

5. Export High-Resolution Image

Finally, exporting your Procreate artwork at a high resolution ensures it looks crisp and clean on various devices. To achieve this, choose the right file format and adjust your export settings:

Choosing File Format

When exporting your artwork, select a file format that supports high-resolution images. Some popular options include:

  • PNG: Supports transparency and maintains image quality
  • JPEG: Offers good compression with minimal loss of quality
  • TIFF: Retains high-quality details and supports layers

Adjusting Export Settings

After choosing a suitable file format, follow these steps to export your high-resolution artwork:

  1. Tap on the wrench icon located at the top left of the screen
  2. Select "Share" from the menu
  3. Choose your desired file format
  4. Adjust the export settings, such as quality and resolution, as needed
  5. Tap "Export" to save your artwork

By exporting your Procreate artwork at a high resolution, it will appear less pixelated when viewed on various devices.

By implementing these five simple ways, you'll be on your way to making Procreate less pixelated and creating stunning, high-quality digital art. Now, go ahead and explore these techniques to enhance your artwork and bring your creative visions to life!

4. Apply Blur Effect

Applying a blur effect is another effective technique to reduce pixelation in your Procreate artwork. You can use two types of blur effects: Gaussian Blur and Motion Blur. Let's examine these options:

Gaussian Blur

Gaussian Blur softens the edges of your artwork, making it appear less pixelated. To apply this effect, follow these steps:

  1. Select the layer you want to blur
  2. Tap on the "Magic Wand" icon located at the top left of the screen
  3. Select "Gaussian Blur" from the menu
  4. Adjust the blur amount by sliding your finger or stylus left or right on the screen
  5. Tap "Done" to apply the effect

Motion Blur

Motion Blur creates a sense of movement in your artwork, which can help disguise pixelation. To apply this effect, follow these steps:

  1. Select the layer you want to blur
  2. Tap on the "Magic Wand" icon located at the top left of the screen
  3. Select "Motion Blur" from the menu
  4. Adjust the blur amount and direction by sliding your finger or stylus on the screen
  5. Tap "Done" to apply the effect

Experiment with both Gaussian and Motion Blur to find the best way to reduce pixelation in your Procreate artwork.

5. Export High-Resolution Image

Finally, exporting your Procreate artwork at a high resolution ensures it looks crisp and clean on various devices. To achieve this, choose the right file format and adjust your export settings:

Choosing File Format

When exporting your artwork, select a file format that supports high-resolution images. Some popular options include:

  • PNG: Supports transparency and maintains image quality
  • JPEG: Offers good compression with minimal loss of quality
  • TIFF: Retains high-quality details and supports layers

Adjusting Export Settings

After choosing a suitable file format, follow these steps to export your high-resolution artwork:

  1. Tap on the wrench icon located at the top left of the screen
  2. Select "Share" from the menu
  3. Choose your desired file format
  4. Adjust the export settings, such as quality and resolution, as needed
  5. Tap "Export" to save your artwork

By exporting your Procreate artwork at a high resolution, it will appear less pixelated when viewed on various devices.

By implementing these five simple ways, you'll be on your way to making Procreate less pixelated and creating stunning, high-quality digital art. Now, go ahead and explore these techniques to enhance your artwork and bring your creative visions to life!

5. Export High-Resolution Image

Exporting your Procreate artwork in high resolution is the final step towards making it less pixelated. This ensures that your artwork looks crisp and clear on various devices. To accomplish this, you'll need to choose the right file format and adjust your export settings:

Choosing File Format

Selecting a suitable file format helps maintain the quality of your artwork during export. Some popular high-resolution file formats include:

  • PNG: Supports transparency and preserves image quality
  • JPEG: Provides good compression with minimal loss of quality
  • TIFF: Retains high-quality details and supports layers

Adjusting Export Settings

Once you've chosen the right file format, follow these steps to export your high-resolution artwork in Procreate:

  1. Tap on the wrench icon located at the top left of the screen
  2. Select "Share" from the menu
  3. Choose your desired file format
  4. Adjust the export settings, such as quality and resolution, to match your needs
  5. Tap "Export" to save your artwork

By exporting your Procreate artwork at a high resolution, you'll ensure that it appears less pixelated on different devices, showcasing your talent in the best possible light.

In conclusion, following these five simple steps will help you make Procreate less pixelated and enhance the quality of your digital art. Keep experimenting with these techniques, and you'll be able to create stunning, high-quality artwork that captures your creative vision perfectly. Happy drawing!

If you're looking to improve your color skills in digital art, don't miss the workshop 'Refreshing your Colours in Procreate' by Faira. This workshop will teach you essential techniques to refresh and enhance your color palette, ultimately elevating your artwork in Procreate.