How to Trace on Procreate

 In the world of digital art, Procreate has become a household name. This powerful illustration app for the iPad has revolutionized the way artists create, allowing them to bring their ideas to life with incredible precision and creativity. One of the many features that artists find indispensable is the ability to trace over images or sketches. Tracing can be a valuable technique for both beginners and experienced artists looking to refine their skills or bring their visions to fruition. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how to trace on Procreate, step by step.

Read More

Understanding the Basics of Tracing

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of tracing on Procreate, it's essential to understand what tracing is and why it can be a valuable tool for artists.

Tracing involves drawing or sketching over an existing image or reference to replicate it or use it as a foundation for your artwork. It's like placing a transparent sheet over a picture and then drawing on top of it. Tracing can help you:

• Learn Anatomy and Proportions: Tracing allows you to study and understand the proportions and anatomy of various subjects, which can be challenging to master from scratch.
• Refine Your Skills: It's a fantastic way to practice and refine your drawing and shading techniques, helping you improve your artistic abilities.
• Speed Up Workflow: Tracing can significantly expedite your workflow when working on complex illustrations or detailed artwork.
• Achieve Accuracy: When accuracy is crucial, tracing ensures that your artwork stays true to the source image.

Now that you have a grasp of why tracing can be beneficial, let's get into the details of how to do it effectively in Procreate.

Step 1: Import Your Reference Image

The first step in tracing on Procreate is to import the reference image you want to work with. Here's how:

• Open Procreate: If you don't already have it, download and install Procreate on your iPad.
• Create a New Canvas: Start by creating a new canvas. You can do this by tapping the "+" icon on the top right corner of the gallery or selecting "New Canvas" from the main menu.
• Import Your Image: Once your canvas is created, tap the wrench icon (the Actions menu) and select "Add" under the "Insert a Photo" section. Choose the image you want to trace from your photo library.

Step 2: Adjust the Opacity of the Reference Image

To make tracing easier, you'll want to adjust the opacity of your reference image so that it's fainter and doesn't overpower your traced lines. Here's how:

• Select the Layer: In the Layers panel on the right side of the screen, tap on the layer containing your reference image. It will be labeled "Image" or "Photo."
• Adjust Opacity: Slide the Opacity slider to the left to decrease the opacity of the reference image. You can experiment with different opacity levels to find the one that suits your needs best. Usually, setting it to around 30-50% works well.

Step 3: Create a New Layer for Tracing

To ensure that your traced lines are separate from the reference image, create a new layer for your artwork. Here's how:

• Add a New Layer: Tap the "+" icon at the top right of the Layers panel to create a new layer. This is where you will do your tracing.
• Position the New Layer: Make sure the new layer is above the reference image layer. You can easily drag and drop layers to change their order in the Layers panel.

Step 4: Select Your Drawing Tool

Procreate offers a wide range of drawing tools and brushes to choose from. Select the one that suits your tracing needs. Many artists prefer using the "Studio Pen" or "Technical Pen" for precise line work. Here's how to select a brush:

• Brush Library: Tap on the brush icon at the top right of the screen to access the Brush Library.
• Choose a Brush: Scroll through the library and select a brush that you're comfortable with for tracing.

Learn More: Photo Retouching Service

Step 5: Begin Tracing

Now that everything is set up, you can start tracing over your reference image. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you trace:

• Zoom In and Out: Use pinch gestures to zoom in for fine details and zoom out for a broader view. This helps you maintain accuracy and control.
• Use Stabilization: Procreate offers a "Streamline" feature that smooths your strokes and helps you achieve cleaner lines. You can adjust the level of stabilization to your preference.
• Take Your Time: Tracing can be a meticulous process, so don't rush. Pay attention to the details, and focus on getting the lines and shapes right.
• Use Layers: If your reference image contains multiple elements, consider creating separate layers for each part. This makes it easier to manipulate and refine individual components.

Step 6: Add Details and Refine

As you progress with your tracing, you may want to add your artistic flair, details, or make improvements to the original image. Procreate provides various tools and features to help you refine your artwork:

• Eraser: Use the eraser tool to correct any mistakes or refine lines.
• Brush Settings: Adjust the brush settings, such as size and opacity, to achieve different effects and levels of detail.
• Color Selection: If you plan to color your traced artwork, you can select colors from the color wheel and apply them using the brush tool.
• Layer Effects: Experiment with layer blending modes and effects to enhance your artwork.

Step 7: Save and Export Your Traced Artwork

Once you're satisfied with your traced artwork, it's time to save and export it:

• Save Your Work: To save your work in progress, tap the wrench icon (Actions menu) and select "Share." Choose the "Procreate" format to save your project with all its layers intact.
• Export as Image: If you want to share or print your traced artwork as an image, go to the Actions menu again and select "Share." Choose the format you prefer, such as PNG or JPEG, and adjust the settings to your liking.

Conclusion

Tracing on Procreate is a valuable technique that can help artists of all skill levels improve their drawing abilities, explore new styles, and bring their creative visions to life. With the right reference image, brushes, and a little patience, you can create stunning artwork that reflects your unique artistic expression. So, whether you're a beginner looking to build your skills or an experienced artist seeking to streamline your workflow, Procreate is your trusted companion in the world of digital artistry. Start tracing today and watch your creativity flourish like never before.