Procreate Hub - Textures and Blends
Green highlight

Use Procreate to create textured digital paintings and learn blending techniques. Practice layering, color mixing, and simple texture experiments on an iPad.

Orange shooting star
Start Creating
Background blob
Challenge Image
Skill Badge
Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to use Procreate Hub - Textures and Blends

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How to Blend Colors in Procreate (Procreate watercolor shading made easy)create depth in digital art

What you need
Apple pencil or stylus (optional), ipad with procreate app, reference image or photo texture (optional)

Step 1

Open the Procreate app.

Step 2

Create a new canvas by tapping the + button and choosing a size.

Step 3

Pick a background color and fill the canvas by dragging the color circle onto the canvas.

Step 4

Tap the Layers icon and add a new layer above the background.

Step 5

Open the Brush Library and choose a sketch or pencil brush.

Step 6

Lightly sketch a simple shape or scene on the new layer.

Step 7

Add another new layer for textures above your sketch layer.

Step 8

Open the Brush Library and choose a textured brush you like.

Step 9

Paint textured strokes on the texture layer using different pressure and brush sizes.

Step 10

Tap the texture layer and change its Blend Mode to Overlay or Multiply.

Step 11

Lower the texture layer Opacity slider until the texture looks natural.

Step 12

Use the Smudge tool with a soft brush to gently blend any rough edges.

Step 13

Export your artwork by tapping Actions > Share and saving a PNG to Photos.

Step 14

Share your finished creation on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
Challenge badge placeholder
Challenge badge

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have an Apple Pencil or an iPad with Procreate?

If you don't have an Apple Pencil or iPad, use your finger or a capacitive stylus and run Procreate Pocket on an iPhone or a free drawing app (e.g., Autodesk Sketchbook) to follow the same steps of creating a canvas, adding layers, and using textured brushes.

My texture layer looks wrong after I change the Blend Mode—what should I check?

If your texture disappears or looks too strong after changing its Blend Mode in step 7, make sure the texture layer is above the sketch layer, try switching between Overlay and Multiply, and adjust the Opacity slider until the texture looks natural as directed in step 8.

How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?

For younger kids simplify by using fewer layers (background + one texture layer), bigger brush sizes and the finger for painting, while older kids can add extra layers, experiment with the Smudge tool blending, and fine-tune Blend Modes and Opacity for more subtle textures.

What are some ways to extend or personalize the finished artwork?

To personalize and extend the activity, import a photo or scanned paper texture into a new layer, set it to Overlay or Multiply, use Alpha Lock or clipping masks to confine the texture to your sketch, then export a PNG (Actions > Share) to add to your DIY.org post.

Watch videos on how to use Procreate Hub - Textures and Blends

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How to Make a Watercolor Brush in Procreate (Easy Beginners Tutorial +FREE Brush & Texture!)

4 Videos

Facts about digital painting and blending techniques

✏️ Using an Apple Pencil with Procreate gives you pressure and tilt control for expressive, natural-looking brush strokes and blends.

🧪 Layer limits in Procreate depend on canvas resolution — smaller canvases can allow 250+ layers, so adjust size when planning lots of textures.

🧩 Procreate can export layered PSD files so you can continue editing your layered artwork in Photoshop without losing structure.

🎨 Procreate was created by Australian studio Savage Interactive and quickly became a favorite iPad art app for both professionals and beginners.

🖌️ Procreate’s brushes are fully customizable — you can tweak or import brushes and create textured brushes for unique surface effects.

How do you use Procreate to create textured digital paintings and learn blending techniques?

Open Procreate and make a new canvas. Start by blocking in shapes on separate layers, then choose textured brushes (grit, sponge, or custom). Use layer blending modes and opacity to mix colors, and the Smudge tool with a soft brush to practice blending edges. Experiment with multiple layers, clipping masks, and different brush pressures. Save iterations so kids can compare changes and learn which brush and blending combos produce the textures they like.

What materials and tools do I need to try Procreate textures and blends on an iPad?

You need an iPad with the Procreate app installed and a stylus like an Apple Pencil for pressure sensitivity. A case or stand, charger, and a screen protector help protect hardware. Optional items: extra brush packs or textures (downloadable), reference photos, and a simple sketch layer. For younger kids, a child-friendly stylus and supervised setup are helpful. No paints or glue are required, making this a low-mess activity.

What ages is Procreate Hub - Textures and Blends suitable for?

This activity works well for children about 8 years and up who can handle a stylus and basic app navigation. Younger kids (5–7) can join with close adult guidance and simplified goals like color blending and stamp brushes. Teens can explore advanced layering and custom brushes. Adjust complexity, screen time, and supervision to match each child’s motor skills and attention span for a safe, enjoyable learning experience.

What are the benefits of teaching children texture and blending skills in Procreate?

Learning texture and blending in Procreate builds creativity, color theory understanding, and fine motor control through stylus use. It teaches layering, visual problem-solving, and experimentation without messy supplies. Digital skills transfer to photo editing, design, and animation. Working in a digital space also encourages iteration and resilience, since mistakes can be undone, helping children gain confidence while exploring artistic techniques and developing a personal style.
DIY Yeti Character
Join Frame
Flying Text Box

One subscription, many ways to play and learn.

Try for free

Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required

Procreate Hub - Textures and Blends. Activities for Kids.