Procreate, the graphics editing app, allows iPad and iPhone users to be creative on the go. However, if you want to achieve true mastery of this amazing app, it would be best to start with some of the basics.
The copy/paste function can be essential in visual design. Copying inpidual elements or entire layers saves time and may be necessary for certain projects. This article will show you how to do just that.
How to Copy and Paste into Procreate Pocket on an iPhone
Starting with the iPhone-only version, copy and paste in Procreate Pocket works just like it does in the iPad version of Procreate. However, the process will be a little different.
You can use several methods to copy and paste layers and elements.
Copy/Paste via menu
It is possible to copy each element of a layer with the “Copy and Paste” menu. Before trying this method, make sure you are located on the correct layer. The currently active layer will be copied.
- Open the “Copy and Paste” menu by using three fingers to swipe up.
- Selecting “Copy” will copy the current layer, while “Copy All” will copy the entire project.
- Paste the items to create a new layer containing the copied content.
Copy via layer duplication
If you need to copy the entire layer, there is a way to do it even faster than the previous method. Here’s how to duplicate a layer in Procreate:
- Navigate to the “Layers” panel.
- Select the layer you want to duplicate and slide it to the left.
- Choose “Duplicate” and a new layer will be created, identical to the one selected.
Copy/Paste via the “Actions” menu
You can access the copy/paste function in another way through the “Actions” menu, although the same result can be achieved using the “Copy and Paste” method. Still, if you want to use this alternative method for some reason, here’s how to do it:
- Go to “Layers” and select the layer you want to copy.
- Tap “Modify,” which will be at the top left.
- Enter the “Actions” menu by tapping the wrench.
- Tap “Add” to bring up the copy options.
- Similar to the first method, choose “Copy” or “Copy Canvas”.
- Paste the copied content by tapping “Paste.”
Copy inpidual items
So far, we have covered methods to copy the entire layer or all elements within a layer. However, you can also copy each element inpidually. That is how:
- Open “Layers” and make sure the correct layer is highlighted.
- Go to “Modify” and choose the third icon from the left. He is represented by a stylized letter “S”. This will allow you to use the Selection tool.
- Decide which selection method you want to use. The options are Automatic, Freehand, Rectangle and Ellipse.
- Draw the selection area to include the desired element. Make sure the item you want to copy is the only one in the area.
- With the item selected, use the “Copy and Paste” or “Actions” menu to copy and paste the selection.
- As with other methods, the pasted element will be created on a new layer.
How to copy and paste in Procreate on an iPad
As mentioned above, copy and paste in Procreate will work the same in the iPad app as it does in Procreate Pocket. However, the precise methods will be somewhat different. Here you have all the techniques to copy and paste on an iPad.
Copy/Paste via shortcut
If you need to copy the entire layer, Procreate has a quick and easy option for just that:
- Swipe down with three fingers to open the “Copy and Paste” context menu.
- Choose “Copy” or “Copy All.”
- Tap “Paste.”
Copy/paste entire layer
If you don’t want to use the handy shortcut, you can copy and paste the entire layer with an alternative method:
- Make sure the layer you want to copy is selected.
- Tap the layer once in the “Layers” list to open a flyout menu.
- Choose “Copy.”
- Tap the wrench icon at the top left.
- Select “Add,” then “Paste,” which should be the lowest option.
Once you complete step 5, the new layer will appear in the “Layers” menu.
Duplicate layers
Duplicating layers is extremely easy in Procreate and consists of just two steps:
- Go to “Layers” and select the desired layer.
- Swipe left on the layer and choose “Duplicate.”
That’s it – the duplicate layer will appear in the list.
Copy/paste inpidual elements
Copying entire layers can be useful, but doing the same with inpidual elements can be essential in several projects. Fortunately, the technique for this is as simple as others mentioned here:
- Under “Layers,” select the layer that contains the elements you want to copy.
- Tap the stylized “S” in the top left menu to open the Selections tool.
- Choose the selection method. The options will be Automatic, Freehand, Rectangle and Ellipse.
- Draw the selection area around the desired object.
- Use the available shortcuts or the tools menu to copy and paste the item.
As with layers, the copied element will form a new layer which you can find under “Layers.”
Paste layers or elements on a canvas
You have seen that copying and pasting within the same canvas is very simple. If you want to move a layer or element to a new canvas, Procreate makes this process easy too.
In those situations, you can follow one of the methods described here to copy the layer or element. Then just go to a new canvas and tap paste.
Copy and paste without losing quality
Copying and pasting in Procreate should not cause pasted elements to lose quality. However, you may see some blurry edges due to other factors.
In particular, if you copy from one canvas to another, the quality may decrease if the canvases are not the same resolution. This is why:
When you set the width and height of the canvas, you are basically determining its resolution. The smaller the dimensions, the lower the resolution.
Since resolution dictates how many pixels there are in an image, all elements on the canvas will have the same resolution. Therefore, if you copy an element from a canvas with a lower resolution to another canvas with a higher resolution, the element will remain in low resolution.
The apparent loss of quality will cause low resolution edges to show up more on a high resolution canvas. Making both canvases the same size will help you avoid this problem.
Copy and paste with ease
There are several ways to copy and paste in Procreate and Procreate Pocket. Even better, these actions can be performed on inpidual elements or entire layers.
Now that you know how to copy and paste in Procreate, you’ll have one less obstacle to your creativity. So, grab your iPad or iPhone and start practicing.
Did you copy and paste anything into Procreate? What method did you use? Let us know in the comments below.
