How to Undo on Procreate: The Ultimate Guide

A Fun and Friendly Tutorial for the Whole Family

Are you tired of making mistakes in Procreate and not knowing how to undo them? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this comprehensive guide, we will show you step by step how to undo on Procreate, so you can fix any errors or accidents with ease. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, learning how to undo is an essential skill that will save you time and frustration. Let’s dive in and discover the secrets of undoing on Procreate!

Introduction: The Power of Undo

Undoing actions is a key feature in any digital art software, and Procreate is no exception. It allows you to revert to a previous state and correct mistakes or changes that you’re not happy with. The undo function in Procreate is powerful and flexible, giving you the ability to step back multiple times and refine your work until it’s just right.

The Importance of Undoing

Undoing is a crucial part of the creative process. It allows you to experiment freely, take risks, and explore different possibilities without the fear of making irreversible mistakes. With the ability to undo, you can try out new techniques, test various color combinations, and refine your artwork until it matches your vision. Undoing is a safety net that empowers artists to push their boundaries and create truly remarkable digital art.

Save Time and Frustration

Imagine spending hours on a complex drawing, only to realize that you’ve made a small mistake that ruins the entire piece. Without the ability to undo, you would have to start all over again, leading to frustration and wasted time. However, with Procreate’s undo feature, you can easily revert to a previous state and fix any errors or accidents in a matter of seconds. This saves you valuable time and allows you to focus on the creative process rather than dwelling on mistakes.

Enhance Your Workflow

Undoing in Procreate is not just about fixing mistakes; it’s also about enhancing your workflow. By being able to step back and reassess your artwork, you can make informed decisions and make adjustments that result in a more refined piece. Whether it’s adjusting the composition, refining the shading, or experimenting with different brush techniques, the ability to undo empowers you to iterate and improve your artwork until it reaches its full potential.

Protect Your Artistic Vision

As an artist, you have a unique vision for your artwork. However, sometimes that vision doesn’t translate perfectly onto the canvas. Mistakes can happen, and changes may be necessary to bring your vision to life. Undoing on Procreate allows you to explore different directions, make adjustments, and ensure that your artwork aligns with your original intent. With the power of undo, you have the freedom to experiment fearlessly and create art that truly reflects your artistic vision.

Now, let’s explore the different ways you can undo on Procreate:

1. The Two-Finger Tap Gesture

To quickly undo your last action in Procreate, simply perform a two-finger tap gesture on the screen. This gesture acts as a shortcut for the undo command and can be a real time-saver. Keep tapping with two fingers to undo multiple actions in succession.

How to Perform the Two-Finger Tap Gesture

Performing the two-finger tap gesture is easy. Follow these steps:

Place two fingers on the screen of your device.
Gently tap the screen with both fingers at the same time.
Procreate will instantly undo the last action you performed.

It’s important to note that the two-finger tap gesture is a universal gesture in Procreate and can be used in various contexts, not just for undoing. For example, you can use the two-finger tap gesture to redo actions, zoom in or out, rotate the canvas, and more. It’s a versatile gesture that enhances your overall Procreate experience.

Why Use the Two-Finger Tap Gesture?

The two-finger tap gesture is a quick and efficient way to undo actions in Procreate. It allows you to maintain a natural drawing position while easily accessing the undo command. Whether you’re drawing with one hand or using a stylus, the two-finger tap gesture is a convenient method that doesn’t disrupt your workflow. It’s a gesture that becomes second nature with practice and saves you valuable time when working on your digital art.

2. The Undo Button

If you prefer a more traditional method, Procreate also provides an undo button. Located in the top-right corner of the interface, the undo button features a curved arrow icon. Simply tap on it to undo your last action. You can tap it multiple times to undo multiple actions.

Locating the Undo Button

The undo button in Procreate is easy to find. Follow these steps to locate it:

Open Procreate on your device.
Look for the top-right corner of the interface.
Identify the curved arrow icon.
Tap on the curved arrow icon to undo your last action.

If you’re unsure which icon represents the undo button, look for a symbol that resembles an arrow curving backward. This is the universal symbol for undo and is commonly used in digital art software.

Why Use the Undo Button?

The undo button in Procreate offers a familiar and intuitive way to undo actions. If you’re accustomed to using undo buttons in other software or applications, you’ll feel right at home in Procreate. It’s a reliable and straightforward method that allows you to undo actions with a single tap. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, the undo button provides a sense of familiarity and control over your creative process.

3. The History Slider

Procreate offers a unique feature called the history slider, which allows you to visualize your entire drawing process and easily navigate back to any previous step. To access the history slider, tap on the wrench icon in the top-right corner, then select “Actions” and finally “History.” Swipe left or right on the history slider to move back or forward in your artwork’s timeline. Tap on a specific point to jump directly to that step.

Accessing the History Slider

Follow these steps to access the history slider in Procreate:

Launch Procreate on your device.
Look for the wrench icon in the top-right corner of the interface.
Tap on the wrench icon to open the actions menu.
Select “History” from the list of options.
Swipe left or right on the history slider to move through your artwork’s timeline.
Tap on a specific point on the history slider to jump directly to that step.

It’s important to note that the history slider in Procreate provides a visual representation of your artwork’s history. Each step is displayed as a snapshot of your canvas at that moment. This allows you to have a comprehensive overview of your drawing process and easily navigate to any point in time.

Why Use the History Slider?

The history slider in Procreate is a powerful tool that offers a unique way to undo and explore your artwork’s timeline. It allows you to see the progression of your drawing from start to finish and jump back to any previous step with ease. Whether you want to undo a series of actions or compare different versions of your artwork, the history slider provides a visual and intuitive way to navigate through your creative journey.

4. The Quick Menu

The quick menu in Procreate is a customizable shortcut bar that gives you quick access to frequently used commands, including undo. To enable the quick menu, go to the “Actions” menu, select “Prefs,” and then “Gesture Controls.” From there, you can assign the undo command to a gesture of your choice. Once the quick menu is set up, simply perform the assigned gesture to undo your last action.

Enabling the Quick Menu

Follow these steps to enable the quick menu in Procreate:

Open Procreate on your device.
Go to the “Actions” menu.
Select “Prefs” from the list of options.
Choose “Gesture Controls” from the preferences menu.
Customize the quick menu by assigning gestures to commands, including undo.

Once you’ve enabled the quick menu and assigned the undo command to a gesture, you can use that gesture to quickly undo your last action. Simply perform the assigned gesture, and Procreate will instantly revert to the previous state.

Why Use the Quick Menu?

The quick menu in Procreate offers a highly customizable and efficient way to access the undo command. By assigning a gesture to the undo action, you can perform it with a simple swipe or tap, saving you time and effort. The quick menu puts the power of undoing right at your fingertips, allowing for seamless integration into your creative workflow.

5. Keyboard Shortcuts

If you’re using Procreate on a compatible device with a physical or external keyboard, you can take advantage of keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow. The default keyboard shortcut for undoing in Procreate is Command + Z (or Control + Z on Windows). Press this combination to quickly undo your last action. You can press it multiple times to undo multiple actions.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

To use keyboard shortcuts for undoing in Procreate, follow these steps:

Ensure that your device has a physical or external keyboard connected.
In Procreate, perform the default keyboard shortcut for undo: Command + Z (or Control + Z on Windows).
Procreate will instantly undo your last action.

Remember, keyboard shortcuts are not exclusive to undoing in Procreate. They can also be used for other commands and actions, such as redo, copy, paste, and more. Familiarize yourself with the available keyboard shortcuts in Procreate to optimize your workflow and increase your productivity.

Why Use Keyboard Shortcuts?

Keyboard shortcuts are a powerful tool for streamlining your workflow in Procreate. They allow you to perform actions with a simple key combination, eliminating the need to navigate through menus or use gestures. By utilizing keyboard shortcuts, you can speed up your creative process, focus on your art, and spend less time on repetitive tasks. Keyboard shortcuts are especially useful for artists who prefer using physical or external keyboards with their devices.

6. Layer and Brush Undo

What if you want to undo changes to a specific layer or brush setting? Procreate allows you to do that too! In the layers panel, swipe left with two fingers on a layer to undo all changes made to that layer. Similarly, swipe left with two fingers on a brush in the brush library to undo any modifications made to that brush. This granular undo feature gives you precise control over your artwork.

Undoing Layer Changes

To undo changes made to a specific layer in Procreate, follow these steps:

Open the layers panel in Procreate.
Locate the layer you want to undo changes on.
Swipe left with two fingers on the layer.
All changes made to that layer will be instantly undone.

Undoing layer changes is a useful feature when you want to revert adjustments, effects, or modifications made to a particular layer without affecting the rest of your artwork.

Undoing Brush Modifications

To undo modifications made to a specific brush in Procreate, follow these steps:

Open the brush library in Procreate.
Locate the brush you want to undo modifications on.
Swipe left with two fingers on the brush.
All modifications made to that brush will be instantly undone.

Undoing brush modifications allows you to revert changes such as size, opacity, shape, or any custom settings you’ve applied to a brush. This provides you with the flexibility to experiment and fine-tune your brush settings until they match your desired effect.

Why Use Layer and Brush Undo?

The ability to undo changes on specific layers and brushes in Procreate gives you a high level of precision and control over your artwork. It allows you to experiment freely, make adjustments, and iterate without worrying about affecting the entire canvas. Layer and brush undo give you the confidence to explore different styles, techniques, and effects, knowing that you can always revert to the previous state if needed.

7. Shake to Undo

If you find yourself without access to the gestures or buttons mentioned above, there’s one more nifty trick you can try: shaking your device. Yes, you read that right! By shaking your iPad or iPhone while using Procreate, you can trigger the undo function and revert to the previous state. This is a quick and fun method that can come in handy when you’re in a pinch.

Using Shake to Undo

Using the shake to undo feature in Procreate is simple. Just follow these steps:

Hold your device securely with one hand.
Gently shake your iPad or iPhone.
A confirmation dialog will appear asking if you want to undo.
Tap “Undo” to revert to the previous state or “Cancel” to retain your current work.

It’s important to note that the shake to undo feature is customizable in Procreate. If you prefer not to use this gesture or find it accidentally triggering, you can disable it in the Procreate settings.

Why Use Shake to Undo?

Shake to undo is an unconventional yet effective method for undoing actions in Procreate. It provides a fun and intuitive way to trigger the undo function, especially when you don’t have access to buttons, gestures, or a keyboard. Shake to undo can be especially useful if you’re working on a large canvas or focusing on your art without distractions. It’s an alternative method that adds a touch of playfulness to your digital art experience.

Tutorial: Step-by-Step Guide on How to Undo on Procreate

Now that you know the different methods to undo on Procreate, let’s dive into a step-by-step tutorial:

Step 1: Open Your Artwork

Launch Procreate and open the artwork that you want to work on. If you’re starting from scratch, create a new canvas by tapping on the “+” icon in the top-right corner.

Step 2: Perform an Action

Make a drawing or apply any changes to your artwork, such as adding layers, using different brushes, or applying various effects. It’s important to have some actions to undo to fully understand the process.Step 3: Two-Finger Tap

To undo your last action, gently tap the screen with two fingers. The action will be instantly reversed, and you’ll see your artwork revert to the previous state. Repeat the two-finger tap gesture to undo multiple actions.

Step 4: Undo Button

If you prefer using the undo button, located in the top-right corner of the interface, tap on it once to undo your last action. You can tap it multiple times to undo multiple actions.

Step 5: Explore the History Slider

If you want to navigate back to a specific step in your artwork’s history, access the history slider. Tap on the wrench icon in the top-right corner, then select “Actions,” and finally “History.” Swipe left or right on the slider to move back or forward in your artwork’s timeline. Tap on a specific point to jump directly to that step.

Step 6: Test Quick Menu and Keyboard Shortcuts

If you’ve set up the quick menu or enabled keyboard shortcuts, try using them to undo actions. Perform the assigned gesture or press the appropriate keyboard shortcut (Command + Z or Control + Z) to undo your last action or multiple actions.

Step 7: Layer and Brush Undo

Experiment with layer and brush undo by swiping left with two fingers on a specific layer or brush in their respective panels. This will undo all changes made to that layer or brush.

Remember, the key to mastering undoing in Procreate is practice. Take the time to familiarize yourself with each method and discover which ones work best for your workflow. With the flexibility and power of undoing at your fingertips, you can create with confidence knowing that you have the ability to correct and refine your artwork.

Complete Guide: How to Undo on Procreate

Method	Description
Two-Finger Tap Gesture	Perform a two-finger tap on the screen to quickly undo your last action.
Undo Button	Tap the undo button in the top-right corner of the interface to undo your last action.
History Slider	Access the history slider to visualize your artwork’s timeline and navigate to any previous step.
Quick Menu	Set up the quick menu and assign the undo command to a gesture for quick access.
Keyboard Shortcuts	Use keyboard shortcuts, such as Command + Z (or Control + Z), to undo actions.
Layer and Brush Undo	Swipe left with two fingers on a layer or brush to undo changes made to them specifically.
Shake to Undo	Shake your device to trigger the undo function and revert to the previous state of your artwork.

How to Undo on Procreate – FAQ

Q: Can I undo more than one action at a time on Procreate?

A: Absolutely! Procreate allows you to undo multiple actions by performing the two-finger tap gesture repeatedly or tapping the undo button multiple times.

Q: Is there a limit to how far back I can undo on Procreate?

A: Procreate’s history slider lets you navigate through your artwork’s entire timeline, so there’s no specific limit to how far back you can undo. However, keep in mind that Procreate does have a limit on the number of steps saved in the history, which depends on your device’s memory.

Q: Can I redo actions that I’ve undone?

A: Yes, you can! After undoing an action, Procreate provides a redo button right next to the undo button. Simply tap on the redo button to bring back the action you’ve undone.

Q: How can I change the default keyboard shortcuts in Procreate?

A: Procreate allows you to customize keyboard shortcuts. Simply go to the “Actions” menu, select “Prefs,” and then “Shortcuts.” From there, you can modify or create new shortcuts to suit your preferences.

Q: What happens if I shake my device accidentally while using Procreate?

A: Don’t worry! Procreate prompts you with a confirmation dialog before actually undoing any actions. This way, you have the chance to confirm or cancel the undo operation.

Q: Can I undo changes made to specific layers or brushes?

A: Yes, Procreate allows you to undo changes made to individual layers and brushes. Simply swipe left with two fingers on a layer or brush in their respective panels to revert any modifications made to that layer or brush.

Q: Are there any alternative methods to undo on Procreate?

A: Besides the methods mentioned in this guide, some artists use external peripherals, such as Bluetooth keyboards or styluses with dedicated undo buttons, to streamline the undo process even further.

Q: Is there an automatic undo feature in Procreate?

A: No, Procreate doesn’t have an automatic undo feature. Actions must be manually undone using one of the methods explained in this article.

Q: Can I undo changes made to text layers in Procreate?

A: Unfortunately, Procreate doesn’t include a dedicated undo feature for text layers. It’s best to double-check your text before finalizing it.

Q: Can I undo actions in Procreate Pocket (the iPhone version of Procreate)?

A: Yes, the undo function works similarly on Procreate Pocket. You can use the two-finger tap gesture, the undo button, or any other method mentioned in this guide to undo actions on Procreate Pocket.

Q: How do I access the history slider on Procreate Pocket?

A: To access the history slider on Procreate Pocket, tap on the wrench icon in the top-right corner, then select “Canvas” and finally “Playback.” From there, you can swipe left or right on the history slider to move through your artwork’s timeline.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve mastered the art of undoing on Procreate. Now that you know the various methods and techniques, you can confidently explore your creativity without fear of making mistakes. Remember, mistakes are part of the artistic process, and with the power of undo on your side, you can always refine and improve your artwork.

So go ahead, embrace the undo feature in Procreate and let your imagination run wild. Don’t be afraid to experiment, try new things, and express yourself digitally. Happy creating!

Closing Words

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve covered everything you need to know about how to undo on Procreate. From the different methods to detailed step-by-step instructions, you now have the tools to correct any mistakes and create stunning digital art. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get the hang of undoing on Procreate.

If you found this article helpful, we encourage you to share it with your friends and family who are also using Procreate. The more people who know how to undo on Procreate, the better the digital art community becomes.

Now it’s time to put your newfound knowledge into action and create amazing artwork with the confidence that you can always undo and refine. So grab your iPad, open Procreate, and let your creativity soar!