How to Use Coloring Pages in Procreate
Whether you savor the tactile pleasure of coloring with markers and colored pencils or embrace the versatility of digital art, our collection of Coloring Pages can satisfy both creative cravings. From highly detailed artwork to simple, whimsical designs, our collection offers something for every colorist, whether you’re an amateur or a seasoned artist.
Our coloring books are available as beautiful paperback editions and versatile digital downloads. You can print the digital pages at home for a traditional coloring experience or color in the digital realm on your tablet. Our top choice for digital coloring is using the Procreate app on the iPad. If you're ready to learn how, follow this step-by-step guide to import and color our digital pages in Procreate.
A Guide to Coloring Pages in Procreate:
With these simple steps, you can easily transform any of our coloring page PDFs into a digital masterpiece on your iPad. Happy coloring!
Step 1: Save the PDF to Your iPad
After purchasing coloring pages from our website or Etsy shop, you’ll receive a link to download your PDF file. Simply click the download link and save the PDF to your iPad. You’ll most likely find the file in your Files app after downloading.
Step 1: Transfer the JPG Coloring Page Files
All our Digital Coloring Books include multiple file types for your convenience. You’ll receive a folder containing high-resolution JPGs of each coloring page illustration, along with a high-resolution PDF of the entire book. The JPGs are perfect for digital coloring, while the PDF is ideal for printing all the pages at home.
So the first step for coloring in Procreate is to transfer these JPG files to your iPad. You can do this one of two ways:
Transfer the JPG files to your iPad’s camera roll. From a Mac computer, the best way to do this is with the Air Drop function.
Upload the JPG files to a cloud service like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
Step 2: Open Procreate and Set Up Your Canvas
Launch the Procreate app on your iPad. The first screen you’ll see is the Gallery screen, which is right where you want to be!
Tap the “+” icon in the top right corner to create a new canvas.
Set your canvas size to match the proportions of the PDF: 8.5 x 8.5 inches. This ensures the design fits perfectly on your canvas.
Use 300 DPI as the resolution to ensure crisp outlines.
Please note: Your file will save automatically as you work. When you return to your Gallery you’ll be able to see your new file there as a thumbnail. You can change the file’s name from the Gallery screen by tapping the title once.
Step 3: Import the PDF File
Tap the “Actions” menu (the wrench icon at the top left of the screen).
Select “Insert a file” from the options.
Navigate to the Files app, find the PDF you downloaded from our shop, and tap on it.
Procreate will convert the PDF and place it as a layer on your canvas. Since the PDF contains multiple pages, you can import each one following the same steps.
Step 4: Position and Adjust the Line Art
Once the image from the selected PDF page is imported, it will be on a new layer.
Tap on the layer thumbnail to open the Layer Options fly-out menu. Select “Multiply” from the Blending Modes. This ensures that the black outlines remain visible while you color but that its white background is hidden.
To adjust the imported image’s placement on the canvas, tap the arrow icon in the menu bar (the Move and Transform tool), then resize, rotate, or center the art as you want it.
Step 5: Create a Blank Layer
Tap the “+” icon in the top right corner of the Layers palette to add a new, transparent layer. Drag this new layer below the outline layer in the layer stack. You will do your coloring on this layer to ensure that you don’t alter the original illustration. Now, anything you color will stay beneath the crisp line art.
Step 6: Start Coloring
Choose your favorite brush and color from the Procreate palettes. On the new transparent layer (not the imported illustration layer!), start coloring your design.
Pro tip: You can create many more blank layers if you want! Some digital colorists like to use a new blank layer for each color, or one for different elements of the artwork.
Step 7: Save and Share
Once you’re happy with your artwork, tap the wrench icon to open the Actions menu. Choose “Share” to export your colored image as a PNG, JPG, or other format. Save the file to your device, air drop it to your computer, or share it directly from Procreate with your friends.
Check out the print editions here.
THE SMALL PRINT
All our coloring page designs are for personal use only. You may print, color, and display them, but you cannot sell or distribute the printed designs, the PDF, or the digital files in any form. Commercial use requires permission. Thank you for respecting the creative energy that went into making this artwork. Enjoy coloring!