To edit layers in Procreate, tap the Layers panel icon, then tap the layer you want to modify – it will highlight in blue to indicate it's selected, allowing you to paint, erase, transform, or apply effects to it.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of how to edit layers effectively in Procreate:
Accessing the Layers Panel
The first step is to access the Layers panel.
- Locate the Layers Icon: This icon looks like two stacked squares, typically found in the top-right corner of the Procreate interface.
- Tap the Icon: Tapping the icon will open the Layers panel.
Selecting a Layer for Editing
Once the Layers panel is open:
- Identify the Layer: Find the specific layer you want to edit within the panel. Layers are stacked in order, with the top layer appearing above the others in your artwork.
- Tap to Select: Tap on the layer. A blue highlight around the layer thumbnail and name indicates that it is currently selected.
Performing Edits on a Selected Layer
With a layer selected, you can perform a variety of edits:
- Painting and Drawing: Any brushstrokes you make will now only affect the selected layer.
- Erasing: Use the Eraser tool to remove portions of the selected layer.
- Transforming:
- Access Transform Tool: Tap the Arrow icon (Transform tool) at the top of the screen.
- Manipulate the Layer: You can now move, scale, rotate, distort, or warp the selected layer.
- Applying Effects: Procreate offers numerous effects:
- Access Adjustment Menu: Many adjustments are found by tapping on the "Adjustments" (magic wand) icon at the top. This gives you options like Gaussian Blur, Hue/Saturation/Brightness, Color Balance, and more.
- Apply and Adjust: Select the effect you want, and use the sliders or on-screen controls to customize its intensity and parameters.
- Layer Options Menu: Tapping the layer thumbnail itself in the Layers panel (when the layer is already selected) brings up a menu with even more options, including:
- Rename: Change the layer's name for better organization.
- Select: Select the content of that layer, useful for complex selections.
- Copy/Paste: Duplicate the layer's content.
- Alpha Lock: Prevents painting outside the existing content of the layer.
- Clipping Mask: Use the layer above as a mask for the current layer.
- Merge Down: Combines the selected layer with the layer directly below it.
- Delete: Removes the layer.
Layer Opacity and Blending Modes
These options control how the layer interacts with the layers below it.
- Opacity: Adjust the layer's transparency using the "N" menu (Blend Mode Menu) at the top of the layer, then adjusting the slider.
- Blending Modes: Experiment with different blending modes (also found in the "N" menu) like Multiply, Screen, Overlay, etc., to achieve various effects.
Example Scenario
Let's say you have a sketch on one layer and want to add color to it.
- Create a new layer above the sketch layer.
- Select the new layer.
- Choose a color and brush, and start painting. Because the color layer is above the sketch layer, it will appear on top of the sketch.
- If you want the color to stay within the lines of the sketch, you can use a clipping mask (select the color layer, tap its thumbnail, and choose "Clipping Mask").
- You can also set your coloring layer to "Multiply" blending mode (select the color layer, tap the "N" and chose "Multiply") so the sketch lines can show through the coloring.
