How to Create Brushes in Procreate
Imagine having the perfect brush for every creative idea—made exactly to your style, preferences, and artistic needs. With Procreate, one of the most powerful digital art tools out there, this isn’t just a dream—it’s entirely possible! Whether you want to create a unique texture, a fun stamp, or a smooth calligraphy brush, Procreate makes it easy.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating your very own custom brushes in Procreate. From designing brush shapes and textures to adjusting settings for the perfect stroke, you’ll learn everything you need.
So, grab your iPad, fire up Procreate, and let’s start creating.
Required Materials and Setup for Brush Creation
When I first got Procreate and my iPad- I had no idea I could create my own brushes and stamps. When I figure out that you can create your own- I will admit, I stayed away from it thinking it was way to complicated for me to understand. But, Im here to show you that once you get the hang of it, it’s not hard at all. You can’t break anything by trying so don’t let all the setting intimidate you! I will go over all of them with you so you know what everything does and if you mess up- no biggie- just try again.
To start making your own custom brushes in Procreate, you’ll need a few things. First, you need an iPad that works with Apple Pencil. This is really important for making detailed and expressive strokes. Next, download the Procreate app from the App Store.
After getting your materials, it’s time to set up your workspace. Open the Procreate app and find the brush library in the upper right hand corner of the app. Procreate comes with a ton of pre installed brushes. You can start playing around and tweaking your brushes using the procreate brush settings.
How to Create Brushes in Procreate: Step-by-Step Guide
After you play around in Procreate for a bit- let’s create a brush of your own.
1. Plan Your Brush Style
Decide the type of brush you want to create:
- Texture Brush: For unique patterns or effects.
- Stamp Brush: For shapes or designs like leaves, stars, or icons.
- Calligraphy Brush: For hand lettering and smooth strokes.
- Painting Brush: For emulating traditional media like watercolor or oil.
2. Create a Brush Shape and Grain
The brush in Procreate is built from two key elements:
- Shape Source: Defines the brush tip.
- Grain Source: Adds texture to the strokes.
Create the Shape:
- Open a New Canvas: Use a square canvas (e.g., 2048×2048 px) for high resolution.
- Draw or Import: Draw your brush shape using Procreate tools or import a pre-made shape (e.g., from a photo or design software).
- Export as PNG: Ensure the shape is in grayscale (black and white) and has a transparent background.
Create the Grain:
- Make a Texture: You can paint or import textures (e.g., wood grain, paper).
- Adjust Brightness: Light areas will be more transparent in the brush, while dark areas will appear solid.
- Export as PNG: Save the grain as a seamless texture if it will repeat.
3. Create the Brush
- Open the Brush Library in Procreate.
- Tap the + Icon: This creates a new brush.
- Shape Source:
- Go to the Shape tab.
- Tap Edit Shape Source and import your shape PNG.
- Grain Source:
- Go to the Grain tab.
- Tap Edit Grain Source and import your grain PNG.
- Adjust Settings:
- Stroke Path: Adjust jitter, spacing, and stabilization for smoother lines.
- Taper: Customize the brush’s stroke dynamics.
- Apple Pencil: Set pressure and tilt sensitivity.
- Properties: Adjust brush size, opacity, and preview.
- Dynamics: Add jitter or scatter effects.
4. Test and Refine
Make adjustments to settings like size limits, opacity, or flow for better performance.
Use the brush on a canvas to see how it performs.
5. Name and Save
- Give your brush a unique name that reflects its purpose.
- Save the brush by duplicating it as needed for variations.
By following these steps and trying out different settings, you can make unique and amazing custom brushes. Remember to save your brush and name it so you can find it later. With practice and patience, you’ll master how to create brushes in procreate and create incredible digital art.
Importing and Exporting Custom Brushes
Now that you’ve made your custom brushes, you might wonder how to share them. You can import and export them easily. This lets you share your brushes with friends, sell them, or use them on different devices. To import a custom brush in Procreate, just drag the brush file onto the Procreate stage. You can import one brush or a whole set.
To export your custom brushes, tap the “Share” icon. Then, pick the brush or set you want to share.
When you import custom brushes, make sure to drag them onto the stage, not into the brushsets panel. This mistake can stop the brushes from being imported right. You can also make copies of brushes to try out different settings without losing the original.
With these tips, you’ll be able to import and export your custom brushes like a pro! You can also find many customize brushes procreate tutorials online. There’s even a procreate brush tutorial to help you start making your own custom brushes.
Always follow the instructions carefully when importing and exporting custom brushes. Don’t be afraid to try different settings to make unique and amazing effects!
Brush Type | Description |
---|---|
Sketching | For creating sketches and outlines |
Inking | For creating bold lines and details |
Drawing | For creating smooth and blended lines |
Conclusion: Taking Your Procreate Brush Design Skills Further
Through this guide, you’ve learned how to make custom brushes in Procreate. This skill can really boost your creativity. By using the Procreate brush tutorial and mastering the tools, you can create brushes that match your style.
Want to make brushes for watercolor, textures, or calligraphy? The options are endless. With time and effort, you’ll get better at adjusting your brushes. You’ll also learn to make unique brushes that make your digital art stand out.
Success in design custom brushes procreate comes from exploring and trying new things. Don’t hesitate to experiment and improve your brushes. The more you do this, the better you’ll get at digital art. Have fun creating!