How to Import and Use Brushes in Procreate

This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions on importing, using, and customizing brushes in Procreate. Discover how to expand your brush library by importing new brushes, apply them effectively in your artwork, and fine-tune their settings to achieve precise and unique creative results. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this guide equips you with the skills to maximize the potential of Procreate’s brush tools.

ㅤ

Table of content

ㅤㅤ

ㅤㅤ

➊ Downloading Brushes

Before importing brushes, ensure you have downloaded them to your device. Brushes for Procreate are usually in .brush or .brushset formats. You can find brushes on marketplaces, websites, or from artists offering free or paid downloads. Brushes are also available on our website.

 

ㅤ

1. Find Brushes: Locate the brush files you want to use.

2. Download to Device:

• If using an iPad, download the files directly to your iPad.
• If downloaded on another device, transfer the files to your iPad via, AirDrop or a cloud storage service (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud). Alternatively, you can send yourself a brush file as an email attachment or use an external drive to transfer files.

3. Locate the Files: Once downloaded, ensure the brush files are accessible in your Files app or relevant storage location.

4. Unzip files on an iPad: If the file is compressed in a .zip format, open the Files app, locate the .zip file, and tap on it. This will automatically unzip the file and create a folder with its contents. You can then proceed to import the brush files into Procreate.

ㅤ

ⓘ Tip: Procreate also supports importing Photoshop .abr brush files. You can use Photoshop brushes directly in Procreate for even more creative possibilities.

ㅤ

ㅤ

---

➋  Importing Brushes into Procreate

There are multiple ways to import brushes into Procreate. Follow the method that suits your setup.

ㅤ

🅰 Direct Import via Files App

1. Open the Files app on your iPad.
2. Navigate to the location where your brush files are saved.
3. Tap and hold the brush file (or tap the file once if it’s a .brushset).
4. Select Share from the options. Choose Procreate from the app list.
5. Procreate will automatically open, and the brush or brush set will be added.

ㅤ

 

ㅤ

🅱 Importing Directly Within Procreate

1. Open Procreate.
2. Tap the Brush Library icon (paintbrush symbol) at the top right.
3. Scroll to the desired brush category or create a new one by tapping the + button.
4. Tap the ✚ icon at the top of the brush library.
5. Select Import from the dropdown menu.
6. Navigate to your cloud service (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud) or Files app and locate your brush file.
7. Tap the file to import it into Procreate.
8. You will see your new brush set at the top of the Brush Library.

ㅤ

 

 

ㅤ

ㅤ

---

➌ Organizing Brushes in Procreate

Once imported, it’s helpful to organize your brushes to keep your workflow efficient.

ㅤ

1. Open the Brush Library.
2. Scroll to locate the newly imported brush or brush set.
3. Move Brushes: Tap and hold a brush to drag it to a different category if needed.
4. Create a New Category: Scroll to the top of the Brush Library, tap the + icon, and name the new category.
5. Add brushes to the new category by dragging them into it.

ㅤ

 

ㅤㅤ

ㅤ

---

➍ Using Brushes in Your Artwork

Now that the brushes are imported, you can start using them in your projects.

ㅤ

1. Open a canvas in Procreate.
2. Tap the Brush Library icon (paintbrush symbol).
3. Navigate to the desired brush category.
4. Select the brush you want to use.
5. Tap the Color Picker icon in the top-right corner to adjust brush color.
6. Adjust the brush size and opacity using the sliders on the left side of the screen.
7. Start drawing on your canvas!

ㅤ

 

ㅤ

Tips for Drawing Inside Selected Layers, Shapes, or Text Objects:

Procreate offers several ways to draw with your brushes inside selected layers, shapes, or text objects. Here are two easy ways: 

ㅤ

 

1. Using Alpha Lock:

Alpha Lock is ideal for adding texture, details, or shading without painting outside the lines. It locks the transparency of a layer so any new painting only affects existing content on that layer.

• In the Layers panel, tap the desired layer to bring up Layer Options.
• Tap Alpha Lock. A checkered background will appear in the layer thumbnail to indicate it's active.
• Shortcut: Swipe the layer left-to-right with two fingers to activate Alpha Lock.

 

ㅤ

2. Using Clipping Mask:

A Clipping Mask allows you to edit one layer using the content of another as a base, making it perfect for non-destructive modifications.

• In the Layers panel, create a new layer above the base layer you want to edit.
• Tap the new layer to bring up Layer Options.
• Tap Clipping Mask. The new layer will attach to the layer below and only affect the base layer's visible areas.

 

ㅤ

ⓘ Tip: You can stack multiple Clipping Masks above a single base layer to create complex effects or textures.

ㅤ

ㅤ

---

➎ How to Adjust Brush Settings

Procreate allows you to customize brush settings, giving you full control over their behavior and appearance.

ㅤ

🅰 Brush Size and Opacity:

Use the sliders on the left side of the screen:

• Top Slider: Adjusts the brush size.
• Bottom Slider: Adjusts the brush opacity.

ㅤ

 

ㅤ

🅱 Brush Color:

Tap the Color Picker in the top-right corner.

• Choose colors from the Disc, Classic, Harmony, Value, or Palettes tabs.
• Use the Eyedropper Tool by tapping and holding on the canvas to pick an existing color.

ㅤ

 

ㅤ

🅲 Advanced Brush Settings:

1. Open the Brush Library and select the brush you want to adjust.

2. Tap the brush again to enter the Brush Studio.

Navigate to specific settings, such as Shape, Grain, Dynamics, and more:

• Stroke Path: Change spacing, jitter, and streamline for smoother strokes.
• Shape: Customize the brush tip.
• Grain: For texture and pattern brushes, use the Scale slider to control the size of the texture or pattern applied by the brush.
• Dynamics: Control brush effects based on speed or pressure.
• Apple Pencil: Customize how the brush responds to pressure, tilt, and opacity changes.
• Tap Done to save changes.

ㅤ

 

ㅤ

Steps to Adjust Grain Scale:

• In the Brush Studio, tap the Grain tab.
• Use the Scale slider to increase or decrease the size of the texture or pattern.
• Test your adjustments in the preview area to see how the texture appears.

ㅤ

 

ㅤ

🅳 How to Duplicate a Brush with New Settings

Duplicating a brush allows you to make changes without affecting the original version.

ㅤ

1. Open the Brush Library in Procreate.
2. Locate the brush you want to duplicate.
3. Swipe left on the brush name to reveal options.
4. Tap Duplicate. A copy of the brush will appear in the same category with "1" added to its name.
5. Tap the duplicated brush to open the Brush Studio.
6. Adjust the settings as desired.
7. Tap Done to save your customized version.

ㅤ

 

ㅤ

Now you have a modified brush while keeping the original intact! 

⚠︎ It is highly recommended to backup your brushes. Save a copy of your downloaded brushes in cloud storage to prevent losing them.

ㅤ

ㅤ

---

☻ Congratulations!

You’re now ready to explore, import, and create amazing artwork using brushes in Procreate. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, mastering brushes will elevate your creative process to the next level.

If you’re looking for more tools to supercharge your artwork, check out our collection of premium and free Procreate Brushes available on our website. From textured brushes to specialized pattern brush sets, you’ll find everything you need to bring your imagination to life.

ㅤ

ㅤ