Separating your outline or line art in Procreate is a fundamental technique that allows you to edit or manipulate the lines independently from the rest of your artwork, such as colors or backgrounds. The primary method for achieving this separation is by utilizing Procreate's layer system.
Understanding Layers for Separation
Procreate uses layers like transparent sheets stacked on top of each other. To separate your outline, you simply draw it on one layer and place other elements, like fills or shading, on different layers.
Method 1: Drawing on Separate Layers (Recommended)
The easiest and most common way to ensure your outline is separate from the start is to plan your layers before or during the drawing process.
- Step 1: Create a New Canvas: Open Procreate and start a new canvas.
- Step 2: Add Layers: Procreate automatically gives you a layer. You can add more by tapping the
+icon in the Layers panel. - Step 3: Designate Outline Layer: Choose one layer specifically for your outline or line art. It's helpful to rename this layer (swipe right on the layer and tap "Rename") to something like "Outline" or "Line Art".
- Step 4: Draw Your Outline: Use your chosen brush to draw your entire outline on this designated layer.
- Step 5: Add Color/Other Elements: Add new layers below your "Outline" layer for colors, shading, or backgrounds.
- Step 6: Draw Color/Elements: Paint your colors and other details on the layers beneath the outline layer.
By keeping your outline on its own layer above everything else, it remains completely separate and can be easily hidden, selected, or edited without affecting the color or background layers.
Method 2: Separating Existing Artwork
If you've already drawn your outline and colors on the same layer, you'll need to use selection tools to move the outline to a new layer.
- Step 1: Duplicate the Layer: To be safe, duplicate the layer containing both line art and color by swiping the layer to the left and tapping "Duplicate". Work on the duplicate layer.
- Step 2: Select the Outline:
- Open the Selection tool (the 'S' icon).
- Choose "Automatic".
- Tap on the area outside your line art or on a part of the background. Adjust the Selection Threshold by dragging your stylus/finger to capture the desired area without creeping into the lines.
- Alternatively, you can tap on the line art itself if it has consistent thickness and color, again adjusting the threshold.
- For complex art, you might need to use "Freehand" or "Rectangle/Ellipse" modes, or select the background and then invert the selection (tap "Invert" in the selection options).
- Step 3: Cut and Paste: With the outline selected, open the Layers panel. Swipe the layer you're working on to the left and tap "Cut". Then, tap the
+icon to add a new layer and swipe it left, tapping "Paste". (Sometimes, tapping the wrench icon > "Cut" and "Paste" after selecting also works). - Step 4: Refine (if needed): You may need to clean up edges or repeat the process if not all the line art was selected perfectly.
Following either of these layer-based methods ensures your outline is no longer merged with other parts of your illustration.
The Result of Separation
When your outline is successfully moved to or drawn on its own layer, it becomes an independent element. You can now:
- Change the color of the outline easily (using Alpha Lock or Recolor).
- Adjust the thickness or style of the lines.
- Apply effects or filters only to the outline.
- Select the outline layer to easily select the lines themselves.
- Hide the outline to see just the colors.
By employing these techniques in Procreate, you effectively separate your outline from other artwork elements. As you implement these layer management strategies, you will find that your line art is isolated and ready for further manipulation. As confirmed when using layer-based methods in Procreate, And then your line Arc will be separate.
Summary Table
| Method | Description | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Draw on Separate Layers | Draw outline on one layer, colors on others below. | New artwork or planned illustrations. |
| Separate Existing Art | Use Selection tool to cut/paste outline to new layer. | Artwork where lines/colors are on same layer. |
Utilizing layers is the core principle behind separating elements like outlines in Procreate, providing flexibility and control over your digital artwork.
