Let’s talk about something every Procreate user has faced, and if you’re anything like me, something you face nearly every time you create: messy, disorganized layers. You know the feeling—frantically scrolling through a sea of unnamed layers, desperately trying to find that one thing you need to fix. It’s not fun, and it’s definitely not productive.
But don’t worry—I’ve got you you covered. We’re diving into the easiest ways to stay organized in Procreate so you can focus on creating instead of hunting for rogue layers.
Plus, I’ll share a game-changing trick to save your sanity if when things get a little chaotic.
Understanding layers in Procreate
Think of Procreate layers as transparent sheets stacked on top of each other. They allow you to separate your design’s elements—text, shadows, highlights, and backgrounds—so you can edit them individually without affecting the rest of your artwork.
When you open the Layers Panel, you’ll notice additional tools, but don’t worry about these for now, they’re for another day 😘)
If you’ve ever wondered why your layers seem to clash or why editing feels overwhelming, disorganization is likely the culprit. Let me show you a side-by-side comparison:
On the left, you’ll see what happens when layers are unnamed and scattered. On the right, we have labeled, grouped, and organized layers. It’s night and day when you’re working on a large project. Trust me, investing a little time into layer organization upfront saves you tons of time later.
Procreate layer organization in 2 simple steps
Ready to tidy up your Procreate projects? Here are my top two tips:
Step 1: Rename your layers
It sounds simple, but naming your layers is a game-changer. As much as I tried avoiding this because I work quickly and couldn’t be bothered 😅 turns out I do this every time if I know I’ll have a lot of layers. **
Here’s how to rename layers in Procreate:
- When the correct layer is selected, tap it again to bring out the flyout menu
- Tap the layer name to edit it and type something descriptive
For example, instead of leaving a layer named “Layer 22,” rename it “tree shadows” or “character outline.” This becomes essential when working on larger projects.
Step 2: Grouping layers
When working on complex designs, grouping layers is your best friend. Think of groups as folders that help you organize related elements.
Here’s how to group layers in Procreate:
- Swipe right on the layers you want to group
- When they’re all selected (you’ll know because they’ll be highlighted in blue), tap Group at the top of the layer panel.
For example, you can group all the layers for your character’s accessories, hair, or clothing. You can even create groups within groups for next-level organization.
Advanced layer techniques
Now that your layers are neat and tidy, let’s explore a few advanced tools that will elevate your Procreate designs:
1. Clipping Masks
Clipping masks are perfect for adding textures or gradients to a specific part of your design without changing its base shape. For example, you can apply a gritty texture to your shapes without worrying about it spilling over the edges, and that you’ll be able to change independently later.
How Procreate clipping masks work:
- Create a new layer above your design element
- Tap the new layer to reveal the flyout menu
- Tap Clipping Mask
- Draw to your heart’s content! You clipping mask will only affect the layer it’s “clipped” to
In the example below, I’ve got not one, not two, not three, but seven clipping masks attached to the same layer!
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2. Layer Masks
While clipping masks let you add to a design on their own layers, layer masks let you erase parts of a layer without permanently deleting them. This is especially useful for making non-destructive edits. Because it would be wildly annoying to have to redraw what you erased 20 minutes ago when you decide you changed your mind.
Here’s how to use layer masks in Procreate:
You’re not going to create a new layer for layer masks like you do with clipping masks. Instead, you
- Select the layer you want to edit in the Layers Panel
- Tap on the layer to invoke the flyout menu
- From the menu that appears, choose Mask - a new mask thumbnail will appear next to your layer thumbnail
The layer mask works with black and white:
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Black conceals: Anything you paint in black will hide that part of the layer
-
White reveals: Painting in white will bring back any hidden areas
(Anything else will create semi-transparent pixels)
Pro tip: Ensure you’re using pure white by double tapping near the white part of the color wheel, and it’ll snap to true white (hex code #FFFFFF)
The MUST USE trick for INSTANTLY finding what layer an object is on
We’ve all been there: you’re deep into a project, and suddenly there’s an errant line or smudge. You can’t remember which layer it’s on, and scrolling through dozens of layers feels like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Enter the Layer Select Tool—aka your new best friend.
Here’s how it works:
- Invoke the Layer Select tool using the gesture you set up: A
- The tool will automatically select the layer that part of your design lives on.
To set this up:
- Open Gesture controls in Procreate Preferences (Actions > Preferences > Gesture controls)
- Assign a gesture of your choosing
3. Use the gesture you chose on your canvas to select the object in question (in my case, that rogue line) Procreate will now have that layer selected!
Pro tip: If you have multiple items where you’re hovering, hold your Apple Pencil a moment and it will present layer options. Tap the one you need to edit.
This tool is a lifesaver for those “where the heck is that layer?” moments.
With these tips, you’ll be able to stay on top of your Procreate projects, making your creative process smoother and less stressful. From renaming and grouping layers to using clipping masks, layer masks, and the incredible layer select tool, you’re officially equipped to tackle organization in your Procreate projects.
I’d love to hear about your “aha!” moments. And don’t forget to share this with a fellow artist who could use some layer therapy! Let’s spread organized creativity, one layer at a time 😅
And if you’re new to Procreate or want to take your skills to the next level, don’t forget to check out my free mini-course to jumpstart your Procreate journey.
Hey, I’m Peggy, a multidisciplinary artist and Procreate enthusiast who loves sharing tips and tricks to help fellow creatives level up their art! When I’m not creating tutorials, you can find me exploring new techniques, experimenting with color palettes (ok I’m always doing that), or getting lost in petting all the dogs.
Want more tips and tutorials? Check out my other Procreate resources, including my FREE Procreate Jump Start class! It’s everything you never realized you needed to know 🥳
