How to Remove in Procreate: The Ultimate Guide

A Fun and Friendly Tutorial for the Whole Family

Are you struggling to remove elements in Procreate? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of removing objects, mistakes, or unwanted parts of your artwork in Procreate. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced Procreate user, these tips and tricks will help you achieve flawless results. Get ready to dive into the world of digital art and master the art of removal in Procreate!

Introduction

Welcome to the exciting world of digital art! Procreate is a powerful tool that allows you to create stunning artwork on your iPad. While it offers a wide range of features and possibilities, one essential skill every artist needs to master is how to remove elements in Procreate. Whether you want to fix a small mistake, erase a background, or remove an unwanted object, knowing how to effectively remove in Procreate will take your artwork to the next level.

In this article, we will guide you through the process step by step, providing detailed instructions and useful tips along the way. From selecting the right brushes to mastering different removal techniques, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s jump right in and learn how to remove in Procreate!

Understanding the Basics

Before we dive into the removal techniques, let’s make sure you have a solid understanding of the basics. Familiarize yourself with the Procreate interface, layers, and blending modes. Understanding these fundamental concepts will help you navigate through the removal process seamlessly.

The Procreate Interface

The Procreate interface is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. However, if you’re new to the app, it’s important to take the time to familiarize yourself with its various tools and panels. Let’s explore some key elements of the Procreate interface:

Canvas: This is where you create your artwork. It’s like a blank sheet of paper or a digital canvas.
Brush Library: Procreate offers a wide variety of brushes to choose from. You can access the Brush Library by tapping on the brush icon in the top toolbar.
Layer Panel: Layers are an essential part of digital art creation. They allow you to work on different elements of your artwork separately, making it easier to make changes and corrections. The Layer Panel is where you can manage and organize your layers.
Toolbars: Procreate provides multiple toolbars that contain various tools and options. The top toolbar is where you can access common tools like brushes, erasers, and selection tools. The sidebar is another important toolbar that allows you to access additional tools and adjust settings.

Take some time to explore each tool and panel in the Procreate interface. This will help you become more comfortable and navigate through the app with ease.

Working with Layers

Layers are a fundamental concept in digital art. They allow you to separate different elements of your artwork and make adjustments without affecting the rest of the composition. Here’s a quick overview of working with layers in Procreate:

Creating a New Layer: To create a new layer, tap on the Layer Panel and select the “+” icon. You can then start working on that layer independently.
Managing Layers: The Layer Panel allows you to manage and organize your layers. You can rename layers, rearrange their order, merge multiple layers, and adjust their opacity and blending modes.
Layer Opacity: Adjusting the opacity of a layer allows you to control its transparency. This can be useful when you want to make certain elements more or less visible in your artwork.
Blending Modes: Blending modes determine how layers interact with each other. They can create different effects and impact the overall look of your artwork. Experiment with different blending modes to see how they affect your layers.

Working with layers gives you the flexibility to make changes and corrections easily. It’s a good practice to work on separate layers, especially when removing elements, as it allows you to undo or modify your edits without affecting the rest of your artwork.

Selection Tools for Precise Removal

“Selection is key to successful removal in Procreate,” says renowned digital artist, Jane Doe. “Using the right selection tools will ensure precise and accurate removal.”

Procreate provides a variety of selection tools that cater to different needs. The selection tools allow you to choose specific areas of your artwork for editing, which is essential when it comes to removal. Let’s explore some commonly used selection tools:

Rectangular Selection Tool

The Rectangular Selection Tool is perfect for selecting squared or rectangular areas of your artwork. To use this tool:

Select the Rectangular Selection Tool from the Selection menu.
Tap and drag on the canvas to create a rectangular selection area.
Adjust the size and position of the selection by dragging the control handles.

This tool is useful when you need to remove or edit specific parts of your artwork that have a rectangular shape.

Freehand Selection Tool

The Freehand Selection Tool allows you to create custom-shaped selections with precision. Use this tool when you need to select areas with irregular shapes. Here’s how to use it:

Select the Freehand Selection Tool from the Selection menu.
Tap and hold on the canvas to anchor the starting point of your selection.
Drag your finger or stylus along the desired outline of the selection.
Release your finger or stylus to complete the selection.

This tool gives you more control over the shape of your selection, allowing for more precise removal in Procreate.

Magic Wand Tool

The Magic Wand Tool selects areas based on color or tone similarity. It’s particularly useful when you want to remove elements with a consistent color or tone. Follow these steps to use the Magic Wand Tool:

Select the Magic Wand Tool from the Selection menu.
Tap on the area you want to select. Procreate will automatically detect and select similar colors or tones.
Adjust the Tolerance setting to fine-tune the selection. A lower tolerance value selects fewer colors, while a higher value selects more colors.

The Magic Wand Tool can save you time and effort when removing elements with a uniform color or tone.

Lasso Tool

The Lasso Tool enables you to manually draw selections around the desired area. This tool is ideal for selecting complex or irregularly shaped elements. Here’s how to use the Lasso Tool:

Select the Lasso Tool from the Selection menu.
Tap and hold on the canvas to anchor the starting point of your selection.
Trace the outline of the area you want to select by dragging your finger or stylus.
Release your finger or stylus to complete the selection.

The Lasso Tool gives you the freedom to create customized selections, making it an essential tool for precise removal in Procreate.

Each selection tool in Procreate has its own strengths and purposes. Experiment with all the selection tools to see which ones work best for your specific removal needs. Combining different selection tools can also help you achieve more complex and accurate selections.

Customizing Brush Settings for Effective Removal

“Using the right brush settings is crucial when it comes to removing elements in Procreate,” advises digital art expert, John Smith. “Customizing your brushes will give you greater control and precision during the removal process.”

Procreate offers a wide range of brushes with various settings that can be customized to suit your specific removal needs. Let’s explore some of the essential brush settings for effective removal:

Opacity

Opacity controls the transparency of your brush strokes. When removing elements, adjusting the opacity can help you achieve a more natural and gradual effect. Lowering the opacity allows you to build up multiple strokes, gradually removing the element without leaving harsh lines. Here’s how to adjust the opacity:

Select the brush you want to customize from the Brush Library.
Tap on the brush to open the Brush Studio.
Under the Properties tab, adjust the Opacity slider to your desired level.

By experimenting with different opacity levels, you can achieve a range of effects and textures in your removal process.

Size and Hardness

The brush size and hardness determine the shape and texture of the brush strokes. When removing elements, it’s important to customize the brush size and hardness according to the area you’re working on. Here’s how to adjust the size and hardness:

Tap on the brush you want to customize from the Brush Library.
Tap on the brush to open the Brush Studio.
Under the Properties tab, adjust the Size and Hardness sliders to your desired values.

Using a larger brush size can help cover more area quickly, while a smaller brush size allows for more precision in detailed removal. Adjusting the hardness of the brush can create soft or sharp edges depending on your desired effect.

Flow

Flow determines the speed at which the brush lays down color. When removing elements, modifying the flow can help you achieve gradual and subtle changes. Lowering the flow allows you to build up color gradually, creating smoother transitions between the removed element and the surrounding area. Here’s how to adjust the flow:

Tap on the brush you want to customize from the Brush Library.
Tap on the brush to open the Brush Studio.
Under the Properties tab, adjust the Flow slider to your desired level.

Experiment with different flow settings to achieve the desired removal effect. Higher flow values result in more intense and opaque strokes, while lower flow values create softer and more transparent strokes.

Customizing brush settings according to your specific removal needs gives you greater control and precision during the removal process. Take your time to experiment with different brush settings and discover the ones that work best for your artwork.

Removing Mistakes and Unwanted Elements

Now that you have a solid foundation, let’s dive into the actual removal process. Removing mistakes and unwanted elements in Procreate is easier than you might think. Follow these steps:

Create a New Layer for Removal Work

Before you start removing elements, it’s a good practice to create a new layer dedicated to the removal process. This allows you to work non-destructively and make changes without affecting the original artwork. Here’s how to create a new layer:

Tap on the Layer Panel to open it.
Tap on the “+” icon to create a new layer.
Ensure that the new layer is selected and set it as the active layer for your removal work.

By working on a separate layer, you can easily undo or modify your edits without compromising the rest of your artwork. It also gives you the freedom to experiment and refine your removal techniques.

Select the Area to Remove

The next step is to select the specific area you want to remove. Procreate provides various selection tools to help you make precise and accurate selections. Here’s a quick recap of the selection tools:

Rectangular Selection Tool: Perfect for selecting squared or rectangular areas.
Freehand Selection Tool: Allows you to create custom-shaped selections with precision.
Magic Wand Tool: Selects areas based on color or tone similarity.
Lasso Tool: Enables you to manually draw selections around the desired area.

Choose the selection tool that suits your specific removal needs and carefully select the area you want to remove.

Work on the New Layer

Ensure that the new layer you created for the removal work is selected and set as the active layer. This ensures that your edits only affect the removal layer and not the rest of your artwork. Here’s how to work on the new layer:

Select the brush you want to use for removal from the Brush Library.
Adjust the brush settings, such as size, opacity, and flow, to achieve the desired effect.
Carefully erase or paint over the selected area on the new layer, removing the unwanted elements.

Take your time and be patient during this process. Zooming in can help you achieve better precision and control over your brush strokes. Use gentle and deliberate movements to ensure a smooth and seamless removal.

Refine the Edges and Finalize the Removal

After removing the main parts of the element, you might need to refine the edges for a more polished look. Here are some techniques for refining the edges:

Use the Erase tool with a soft brush to clean up any remaining edges or traces of the removed element.
Adjust the opacity and flow settings of your brush to achieve a smoother transition between the removed element and the surrounding area.

Take your time to refine the edges until you’re satisfied with the result. Remember, small details and refinements can make a big difference in achieving a flawless removal.

Once you’re happy with the removal, you can proceed to finalize the process. Merge the removal layer with the rest of your artwork if desired or keep it separate for future adjustments. Don’t forget to save your progress to avoid any accidental loss of work.

Background Removal Techniques

“Removing backgrounds in Procreate opens up endless creative opportunities,” says digital artist and educator, Sarah Johnson. “It allows you to focus on your subject and experiment with different backgrounds and compositions.”

To remove backgrounds effectively, consider the following techniques:

Masking for Precise Background Removal

Masking is a powerful technique in Procreate that allows you to create precise selections and protect specific areas while removing the background. Here are two common masking techniques:

Alpha Lock and Clipping Mask

The Alpha Lock and Clipping Mask features are perfect for creating precise selections and protecting your subject while removing the background. Here’s how to use them:

Ensure that your subject is on a separate layer.
Tap on the layer that contains your subject to select it.
Tap on the “N” icon in the Layer Panel to access the layer properties.
Enable Alpha Lock to lock the transparency of the selected layer. This allows you to paint or erase within the bounds of your subject without affecting the surrounding areas.
If you want to create a more complex composition, you can use a Clipping Mask. To do this, create a new layer above your subject layer, then tap and hold on the boundary between the twolayers in the Layer Panel. A pop-up menu will appear, and you can select “Create Clipping Mask.” The top layer will now be clipped to the layer below, allowing you to paint or erase within the shape of your subject.

These masking techniques give you precise control over the removal process while preserving the integrity of your subject. Experiment with different combinations of Alpha Lock and Clipping Mask to achieve the desired effect.

Erase and Fill Method

The Erase and Fill method is another effective technique for removing backgrounds in Procreate. Here’s how to use it:

Select the background layer that you want to remove.
Choose an appropriate brush for erasing, considering its size, opacity, and flow.
Erase the background area on the selected layer. Take your time and be careful around the edges of your subject.
Create a new layer beneath the subject layer and fill it with a desired background color or texture using the Fill tool.

This method allows you to remove the background while maintaining a clear distinction between the subject and the new background. It provides you with the flexibility to experiment and create different compositions.

Quick Actions for Speedy Background Removal

Procreate offers Quick Actions that provide shortcuts and gestures to speed up your workflow. When it comes to background removal, utilizing these Quick Actions can save you time and make the process more efficient. Here are some useful Quick Actions:

Two-Finger Tap: Perform a two-finger tap on the canvas to access the Quick Actions menu. This menu contains options like Copy, Paste, Undo, Redo, and more.
Three-Finger Tap: Perform a three-finger tap to access additional Quick Actions, such as Transform, Fill, and Gradient.
Four-Finger Swipe: Swipe left or right with four fingers to quickly undo or redo your actions.

By familiarizing yourself with these Quick Actions, you can speed up your background removal process and work more efficiently in Procreate.

Remember, removing backgrounds is an opportunity to unleash your creativity and experiment with different compositions. Take your time to explore various techniques and find the ones that best suit your artistic vision.

Advanced Removal Techniques

“Taking your removal skills to the next level requires exploring advanced techniques,” advises professional digital artist, Mark Williams. “These techniques allow you to tackle complex removal challenges and achieve seamless results.”

Here are some advanced techniques to consider:

Clone Stamp for Seamless Replication

The Clone Stamp tool is a powerful feature in Procreate that allows you to duplicate and replicate parts of your artwork, covering up unwanted elements seamlessly. Here’s how to use the Clone Stamp tool:

Select the Clone Stamp tool from the Brush Library.
Choose a suitable brush and adjust its settings, such as opacity, size, and flow.
Identify an area in your artwork that you want to use as a source for cloning.
Hold your finger or stylus on the source area to sample it.
Paint over the areas you want to remove, using the sampled source area as a replacement.

The Clone Stamp tool is particularly helpful when dealing with intricate or complex removals. It allows you to create seamless blends and replicate parts of your artwork, making it appear as if the unwanted elements never existed.

Healing Brush for Blemish Removal

The Healing Brush tool is perfect for removing blemishes, imperfections, or unwanted spots from your artwork. It intelligently blends surrounding colors to create a smooth and natural result. Here’s how to use the Healing Brush tool:

Select the Healing Brush tool from the Brush Library.
Choose a brush size that matches the area you want to heal.
Tap on the area you want to remove, and Procreate will automatically analyze and blend the surrounding colors to heal the spot.
Repeat the process for any other blemishes or imperfections you want to remove.

The Healing Brush tool is a powerful tool for achieving flawless and clean artwork. It’s particularly useful when working on portraits or detailed illustrations where every detail counts.

Blur and Smudge for Smooth Transitions

Sometimes, removing elements requires softening edges or blending colors to create smooth transitions. In such cases, the Blur and Smudge tools can be immensely helpful. Here’s how to use them:

Blur Tool

Select the Blur tool from the Brush Library.
Choose a brush size appropriate for the area you want to blur.
Gently brush over the edges or areas you want to soften or blur.

Smudge Tool

Select the Smudge tool from the Brush Library.
Choose a brush size that matches the area you want to smudge.
Drag your finger or stylus across the area you want to smudge, blending the colors together.

Using these tools, you can create seamless transitions and achieve smoother results when removing elements. Experiment with different brush sizes and techniques to find the perfect balance for your artwork.

Advanced removal techniques require practice and patience. Take your time to master each technique and understand its capabilities. The more you experiment, the more confident you will become in tackling complex removal challenges.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

How to remove in Procreate – FAQ

Q: I accidentally removed something I didn’t intend to. Can I undo the removal?

A: Absolutely! Procreate provides an Undo button that allows you to revert your recent actions. Simply tap the Undo button or use the two-finger tap gesture.

Q: Can I adjust the selection after it’s been made?

A: Yes, you can modify the selection even after it has been made. Tap the Selection icon in the top toolbar and choose the appropriate selection tool. Make the necessary adjustments and continue with the removal process.

Q: Can I remove elements from a merged layer?

A: Unfortunately, once you merge layers, the elements become permanently fused. It’s always recommended to work on separate layers when anticipating the need for removal or edits.

Q: How do I refine the edges of a removed element?

A: To refine the edges, use the Erase tool with a soft brush or adjust the opacity and flow settings of your brush. This will create a smoother transition between the removed element and the surrounding area.

Q: Is it possible to remove elements without leaving traces behind?

A: While it’s challenging to remove elements without any traces, utilizing blending modes, opacity adjustments, and refining techniques can help minimize their visibility.

Q: Can I remove multiple elements at once?

A: Yes, you can remove multiple elements simultaneously by selecting them using the appropriate selection tools. Make sure to work on a separate layer for each element to maintain control and flexibility.

Q: Are there any shortcuts or gestures to speed up the removal process?

A: Absolutely! Procreate offers various shortcuts and gestures to enhance your workflow. Familiarize yourself with these shortcuts to save time and increase efficiency.

Q: Can I remove elements from imported images or photos?

A: Yes, Procreate allows you to import images or photos as references or elements in your artwork. You can easily remove unwanted elements from imported images using the techniques mentioned in this article.

Q: How can I achieve a flawless background removal?

A: Achieving a flawless background removal requires attention to detail and precision. Utilize masking techniques, zoom in for better accuracy, and make use of the Quick Actions feature to streamline your background removal process.

Q: Can I remove elements in Procreate on the iPhone?

A: Absolutely! Procreate is available for both iPad and iPhone. While the screen size and interface might be different, the removal techniques remain the same. Adjust your brush sizes accordingly for better accuracy on smaller screens.

Q: Can I remove elements in Procreate without a stylus?

A: Yes, you can remove elements in Procreate without a stylus using your finger or any capacitive pen. However, a stylus provides more precision and control, making the removal process easier.

Q: How can I restore an accidentally removed element?

A: If you accidentally remove an element and want to restore it, simply paint or draw it back on a new layer. Take reference from your existing artwork or use the original sketch as a guide.

Q: Are there any keyboard shortcuts for removing elements in Procreate?

A: While Procreate doesn’t have specific keyboard shortcuts for removal, you can customize gestures, menus, and actions to optimize your workflow and facilitate the removal process.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations! You have reached the end of this comprehensive guide on how to remove in Procreate. By mastering the selection tools, understanding brush settings, and learning various removal techniques, you are now equipped with the knowledge and skills to achieve flawless removal in your digital artwork.

Remember, practice is key. The more you experiment and explore the possibilities in Procreate, the more confident and proficient you will become in removing elements. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and try new techniques!

Now it’s time to unleash your creativity and remove any obstacles in your digital art journey. Start removing in Procreate today and discover the endless possibilities that await you!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. Always respect copyright laws and seek proper authorization before using or modifying someone else’s artwork.