To open the Reference tab in Procreate, navigate to the Actions menu, select Canvas, and then toggle on the Reference option.
Accessing Procreate's Reference Companion
Procreate includes a built-in tool known as the Reference Companion. As noted in the reference, this is a valuable tool for artists to use reference images to enhance their creative process. This companion feature allows you to keep a reference image visible on your screen while you work on your canvas.
Here are the simple steps to access and open the Reference tab:
- Tap Actions: Locate the Actions icon in the top-left corner of your Procreate interface. This icon typically looks like a wrench or spanner. Tap it to open the Actions menu.
- Go to Canvas: Within the Actions menu, tap on the "Canvas" option. This section contains various settings related to your canvas and workspace.
- Toggle on Reference: Find the "Reference" option within the Canvas settings. Tap the toggle switch next to "Reference" to turn it on.
Once the Reference toggle is switched on, a separate window will appear on your screen. This is your Reference Companion window, ready for you to add a reference image (either your entire canvas, a specific image, or a face for facial reference).
Quick Steps Summary
For a quick overview of the process:
| Step | Action | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tap | Actions (wrench) | Opens Actions menu |
| 2 | Tap | Canvas | Opens Canvas settings |
| 3 | Toggle On | Reference | Opens Reference window |
This method allows you to easily bring up the Reference Companion whenever you need visual assistance during your drawing or painting process in Procreate.
