What's your favorite feature on Procreate - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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What's your favorite feature on Procreate?

Use Procreate to make a layered digital drawing, practicing brushes, blending, erasing, and organizing layers to learn basic digital art techniques.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to create a layered digital drawing in Procreate

What you need

Procreate app, apple pencil or stylus, a reference photo in photos or on another device, adult supervision required

Step 1

Open the Procreate app on your iPad.

Step 2

Tap the + button and choose a canvas size to make a new canvas.

Step 3

Insert your reference photo by tapping Actions > Add > Insert a photo and place it on the canvas.

Step 4

Tap the Layers icon and add a new layer then rename it "Sketch".

Step 5

Choose a pencil brush and draw a light sketch of your idea on the "Sketch" layer.

Step 6

Add another new layer and rename it "Base Color" then drag it below the "Sketch" layer.

Step 7

Pick a large brush and paint flat base colors on the "Base Color" layer.

Step 8

Add a new layer above the base colors and rename it "Shading".

Step 9

Tap the "N" on the "Shading" layer and set the blend mode to Multiply and lower the opacity a little.

Step 10

Use a soft brush to paint shadows on the "Shading" layer where things would be darker.

Step 11

Use the Smudge tool to gently blend the shadow edges so they look smooth.

Step 12

Switch to the Eraser tool and clean any color outside the lines or tidy parts you don’t like.

Step 13

Add a new layer called "Highlights" and use a small brush to add bright highlights and details.

Step 14

Export your artwork by tapping Actions > Share and save a PNG or JPEG to your Photos.

Step 15

Share your finished creation on DIY.org.

Help!?

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

Use Procreate Pocket on an iPhone or a free tablet app like Autodesk SketchBook or MediBang Paint and follow the same workflow: create a canvas, Add/Insert a photo as your reference, make layers named "Sketch", "Base Color", "Shading" (set to Multiply) and "Highlights", paint, smudge, erase, then Actions > Share to export.

My shading isn't showing—what might be wrong?

If shadows aren't visible, confirm you're painting on the "Shading" layer (not "Base Color"), tap the "N" on that layer to set the blend mode to Multiply, lower the opacity only a little, and ensure the "Shading" layer sits above the "Base Color" layer in Layers.

How can I adapt the steps for younger or older kids?

For younger kids, simplify by skipping the Multiply "Shading" step and using a large brush on the "Base Color" layer with a forgiving Eraser for cleanup, while older kids can add clipping masks, extra detail layers, custom brushes, and finer "Highlights" work before exporting via Actions > Share.

How can we personalize or extend the finished artwork?

Personalize by creating custom brushes or texture layers above the base colors, tweak opacities and use the Smudge tool for blended effects, add a top "Signature" layer, then export with Actions > Share and post to DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to create layered digital drawings in Procreate

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PROCREATE Drawing for Beginners - EASY Step by Step Tutorial

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Facts about digital art for kids

🎨 Procreate is a popular iPad app designed for painting and drawing with a focus on layered artwork.

✏️ It works seamlessly with the Apple Pencil to capture pressure and tilt for natural brush strokes.

🧩 Layers let you separate elements (like background, line art, and color) so you can edit one part without ruining others.

🖼️ Procreate’s brushes are raster-based and can mimic real media like watercolor, oil, and ink with blending effects.

💾 You can export Procreate files as PSDs to keep layers when moving your work into programs like Photoshop.

How do I use Procreate to make a layered digital drawing?

Open Procreate and create a new canvas sized for your project. Start on a sketch layer with a pencil brush to draw a simple outline. Add new layers for base colors, shading, and highlights—name each layer (Sketch, Base, Shade, Details). Use different brushes for texture, the Smudge tool or low-opacity brushes for blending, and the Eraser to refine edges. Group related layers, adjust opacity and blending modes, and export a PNG when finished. Save often.

What materials and tools do I need to create a Procreate layered drawing?

Materials needed: an iPad or compatible tablet with the Procreate app installed, and an Apple Pencil or similar pressure-sensitive stylus for precise strokes. Keep the device charged and in a protective case or stand. Optional items: reference photos, color palettes, a keyboard for file naming, and a stylus grip for comfort. You don't need paper or paints—Procreate includes brushes, erasers, and blending tools built in.

What ages is learning layered drawing in Procreate suitable for?

This activity suits kids about 7 and up with adult supervision; younger children (4–6) can try simple mark-making with a guided hand or large brushes. Ages 7–11 can practice basic layering, brushes, and erasing with help learning tools. Tweens and teens (12+) can work independently on complex layers, blending modes, and exporting work. Always supervise device use, teach undo/erase gently, and adjust complexity to each child's motor skills and attention span.

What are the benefits of practicing layered drawing and blending in Procreate?

Learning layered drawing in Procreate builds digital art basics: understanding layers, non-destructive editing, and brush control improves fine motor skills and visual planning. Blending and erasing teach shading and texture; undo reduces frustration and encourages experimentation. Kids gain confidence exporting and sharing work, learn file organization, and develop tech skills useful for school projects. Encourage short sessions and reflection on choices to strengthen creativity and problem-sol

Ready to create?