Drawing and Painting on the iPad with Procreate

Link to the course

Canvas & Layers

• Larger canvas sizes reduce the number of available layers to maintain performance.
• Alpha Lock – Locks transparency, allowing painting only on existing pixels.
• Layer Blend Modes – Adjust how layers interact with each other for different effects.
• Layer Grouping – Helps organize layers for a more efficient workflow.
• Reference Layer – Allows tools like the Paint Drop to use borders from another layer.
• Masking – Works like masking tape, with two types:
  • Normal Masking – Applied directly to a layer.
  • Layer Masking – Uses the layer below as a mask.

Drawing Tools & Techniques

• Holding a drawn line refines it automatically.
• Holding another finger on the screen while drawing adjusts the angle.
• For precise and steady lines, use Studio Pen, then adjust for smooth strokes.

Color & Painting Features

• Color Drop Tool Threshold – Controls how color fills within an area.
• Procreate supports 3D painting on objects.

Grid & Assisted Drawing

• Isometric Drawing – Uses grids for accurate perspective work.