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Mastering the Art of Removing the White Background on Procreate
Are you tired of dealing with the pesky white background on Procreate? Well, fret no more! In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of removing that stubborn white background and unleashing your creativity in a whole new way. Get ready to elevate your digital art skills as we delve into the world of Procreate and discover the secrets to getting rid of that blank canvas.
Introduction
Procreate has revolutionized digital art creation, offering a powerful platform that enables artists of all levels to create stunning masterpieces. However, the default white background can sometimes hinder your creativity and limit your options. Luckily, there are various techniques you can employ to eliminate that blank canvas and start with a clean slate.
In this guide, we will explore different methods, tools, and features that Procreate offers to help you achieve the desired look. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting your digital art journey, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and unlock the full potential of Procreate!
Adjusting the Background Color
Step 1: Open the Canvas
To begin the process of removing the white background on Procreate, open the canvas you want to work on. This will be your starting point for customizing the background color.
Step 2: Access Canvas Settings
To access the canvas settings, tap on the wrench icon located on the top toolbar. This will open up a menu of options for customizing your canvas.
Step 3: Adjust Background Color
Within the canvas settings menu, look for the “Background Color” option. Tap on it to reveal a color picker that allows you to choose your desired background color.
You can either select a preset color from the available options or manually adjust the RGB values to create a custom background color. Procreate provides a range of vibrant colors to choose from, enabling you to find the perfect hue or shade for your artwork.
Step 4: Apply the Changes
Once you’ve selected the desired background color, tap “Done” to apply the changes. Voila! Your white background is now replaced with a new color, setting the stage for your creative journey on Procreate.
By adjusting the background color, you can instantly transform the mood and atmosphere of your artwork. Experiment with different colors to create harmonious or contrasting effects that enhance your overall composition. The ability to customize the background color allows you to fully express your artistic vision and make your artwork stand out.
Utilizing Layers Effectively
Step 1: Duplicate Your Layers
Before you dive into removing the white background, it’s essential to duplicate your layers to preserve the original artwork. This ensures that you have a backup and can always revert to the initial design if needed.
To duplicate a layer, tap on the layer you want to duplicate in the Layers panel and select the “Duplicate” option. This will create an exact copy of the selected layer, which you can then work on without affecting the original artwork.
Step 2: Create a New Layer
Now that you have a duplicate layer, it’s time to create a new layer that will serve as your working layer for removing the white background. Tap on the “+” icon at the top right corner of the Layers panel to add a new layer.
Step 3: Fill the New Layer
With the new layer selected, choose a color or texture that you want to replace the white background with. You can use the Fill tool located in the top toolbar to apply the chosen color to the new layer. This will cover the white background entirely, giving you a fresh canvas to work with.
Step 4: Adjust Layer Opacity
To blend your artwork with the new background, you can adjust the opacity of the working layer. Lowering the opacity will create a transparent effect, allowing the colors and textures of the other layers to show through.
Experiment with different opacity levels to achieve the desired balance between your artwork and the background. This step is crucial in creating a cohesive composition where the elements interact seamlessly with the new background, breathing life into your digital masterpiece.
Step 5: Erase as Needed
If there are specific areas where you want the white background to show through, you can use the Eraser tool to selectively erase parts of the working layer. This will reveal the layers underneath and create unique effects.
The Eraser tool allows you to have precise control over which areas to erase, enabling you to create intricate designs and dynamic compositions. Combine erasing with adjusting the opacity of the working layer to achieve captivating visual effects that make your artwork truly stand out.
Step 6: Merge and Flatten Layers
After you’re satisfied with the results and have finished working on your artwork, it’s time to merge and flatten the layers. This step is crucial if you want to export your artwork without any white background.
To merge the layers, tap on the layer you want to merge in the Layers panel and select the “Merge Down” option. Repeat this step until all the desired layers are merged into a single layer.
Once your layers are merged, you can flatten the image by swiping left with two fingers on the merged layer. This will create a single artwork with the new background, ready to be exported and showcased.
The use of layers in Procreate is a powerful feature that allows artists to work non-destructively and make adjustments at any stage of their creative process. By carefully managing and utilizing layers, you have the flexibility to experiment, iterate, and achieve the desired results.
Removing the Background with Selection Tools
Step 1: Choose the Selection Tool
Procreate offers a range of selection tools that enable you to select specific areas of your artwork with precision. These tools come in handy when removing the white background. To begin, tap on the Selection tool located on the top toolbar. This will open up a menu of different selection options.
Step 2: Select the Background
Using the selected tool, create a selection around the white background. Ensure that your selection covers the entire background area without overlapping onto the main artwork.
Procreate provides various selection tools, including Freehand, Automatic, Rectangular, and Elliptical selections. Choose the tool that best suits your needs based on the shape and complexity of the background you want to remove.
Step 3: Delete the Background
Once the background is selected, tap on the “Cut” or “Delete” option in the Edit menu to remove it. The selected area will disappear, leaving only your artwork intact.
Procreate’s selection tools make it easy to precisely remove the white background and isolate your artwork. This process allows you to focus on the elements that matter most and create visually stunning compositions that grab attention.
Step 4: Refine the Edges
To achieve a clean and polished look, take the extra step of refining the edges of your artwork. This step helps blend the foreground and background seamlessly, creating a natural appearance.
Procreate offers several tools to refine edges, such as the Smudge tool or the Eraser tool with a soft brush. Use these tools to carefully smudge or erase along the edges, ensuring a smooth transition between your artwork and the new background.
By paying attention to the details and refining the edges, you can elevate the quality of your artwork and create a professional finish.
Step 5: Save and Export
Once you’re satisfied with your artwork and have successfully removed the white background, it’s time to save and export your creation. Procreate offers a variety of export options to suit your needs.
To save your artwork, tap on the wrench icon located on the top toolbar to access the Actions menu. From there, select the “Share” option to reveal a range of exporting choices, including saving to your device, sharing to social media platforms, or printing.
When exporting, choose a file format that supports transparency, such as PNG or TIFF. These file formats preserve the transparent background, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your artwork into different projects without any distracting white background.
Remember to give your exported file a meaningful name and choose an appropriate location for saving. By organizing your artwork systematically, you’ll be able to easily locate and utilize them for future endeavors.
With your white background removed and your artwork saved, you’re now ready to showcase your creations to the world. Whether it’s sharing your artwork on social media, printing it for display, or incorporating it into a multimedia project, the possibilities are endless.
Utilizing Blending Modes
Step 1: Choose the Blending Mode
One of the powerful features Procreate offers is blending modes, which allow you to blend your artwork seamlessly with the desired background. To get started, select the layer containing your artwork and tap on the “N” icon located on the top toolbar. This will open up the Blending Mode menu.
Step 2: Experiment with Blending Modes
Procreate provides a wide range of blending modes that interact with the layers beneath and alter the appearance of your artwork. Each blending mode offers a distinct effect, allowing you to create captivating visual combinations.
Scroll through the different blending modes and observe how each one interacts with the white background. Experimentation is key in discovering the perfect blend that enhances your artwork and creates the desired visual impact.
Step 3: Fine-tune the Opacity
To further enhance the blending effect, you can adjust the opacity of the blending layer. This allows you to control the transparency of the layer and achieve the desired level of fusion with the background.
Lowering the opacity of the blending layer creates a more subtle effect, allowing the layers beneath to peek through and interact harmoniously. Higher opacities, on the other hand, result in more pronounced blending and can create vibrant and eye-catching visuals.
Step 4: Save and Export
Once you’re satisfied with the blending result, it’s time to save your artwork and export it without the white background. Follow the steps outlined in the previous section to save and export your artwork in a file format that supports transparency.
Blending modes offer endless possibilities for enhancing your artwork and creating unique effects. Don’t be afraid to experiment and combine different blending modes with various layers and elements in your composition. Let your creativity soar as you discover the perfect blend that brings your artistic vision to life.
Using Procreate Brushes for Background Textures
Step 1: Choose a Background Brush
Procreate offers a wide range of brushes that can be used to create stunning background textures for your artwork. To access the brush library, tap on the brush icon located on the top toolbar. This will open up a menu of brush categories to choose from.
Browse through the different categories and select a brush that suits your desired background texture. Procreate provides an extensive collection of brushes, including various types of pencils, inks, and textures.
Step 2: Create a New Layer
With the brush selected, it’s time to create a new layer that will serve as your background layer. Tap on the “+” icon in the Layers panel to add a new layer.
Step 3: Apply the Brush
Once you have a new layer, select the chosen brush from the brush library. Begin applying the brush to the new layer, experimenting with different strokes, colors, and sizes to achieve the desired background texture.
Procreate brushes offer a wide range of possibilities, allowing you to create intricate textures, organic patterns, or abstract backgrounds. Combine different brushes, adjust the opacity and size, and explore various techniques to push the boundaries of your creativity.
Step 4: Adjust Layer Blend Mode
To blend the background texture with your artwork, navigate to the Layers panel and change the blend mode of the background layer. The blend mode determines how the layers interact with each other, affecting the overall appearance of your artwork.
Procreate offers a variety of blend modes, such as Multiply, Overlay, and Screen, each having a unique effect on the layers beneath. Experiment with different blend modes to find the perfect combination that complements your artwork and brings out the desired visual impact.
Step 5: Merge and Flatten Layers
Once you’re satisfied with the background texture and its blending with your main artwork, it’s time to merge and flatten the layers to create a single artwork without the white background.
To merge the layers, tap on the layer you want to merge in the Layers panel and select the “Merge Down” option. Repeat this step until all the desired layers are merged into a single layer.
With the layers merged, you can flatten the image by swiping left with two fingers on the merged layer. This will create a single artwork with the new background texture, ready to be showcased.
By utilizing Procreate brushes, you can add depth, dimension, and visual interest to your artwork. Background textures enhance the overall composition, provide a foundation for your main subject, and create captivating visuals that captivate the viewer’s attention.
Utilizing Alpha Lock
Step 1: Select the Layer
Alpha Lock is a powerful feature in Procreate that allows you to isolate specific areas of your artwork while keeping the white background intact. This feature is particularly useful when you want to make adjustments or apply effects exclusively to selected elements.
To activate Alpha Lock, choose the layer that contains the element you want to edit. This will be the layer where you want to keep the white background.
Step 2: Activate Alpha Lock
With the desired layer selected, swipe right with two fingers on the canvas. This action will activate Alpha Lock and lock the transparent pixels, preserving the opacity of the layer.
Once Alpha Lock is enabled, the selected layer will have a checkerboard pattern on the transparent areas, indicating that those areas are protected and cannot be altered.
Step 3: Make the Adjustments
With Alpha Lock enabled, you can now freely make adjustments, apply effects, or use brushes exclusively on the selected element, without affecting the white background. This feature offers precision and control, allowing you to fine-tune specific areas of your artwork.
For example, you can change the color of a specific object, add shading or highlights, or apply texture effects solely to the selected element. This level of control enables you to create dynamic and visually striking compositions.
Step 4: Disable Alpha Lock
If you wish to make changes to the entire layer, simply swipe left with two fingers on the canvas to disable Alpha Lock. This action unlocks the transparent pixels and allows you to modify the whole layer, including the white background.
The ability to utilize Alpha Lock in Procreate provides incredible flexibility and precision in your creative process. It allows you to make alterations to selected areas seamlessly, enhancing and refining your artwork without affecting other elements.
The Magic of QuickLine and QuickShapeStep 1: Activate QuickLine or QuickShape
Procreate’s QuickLine and QuickShape features can be your secret weapons when it comes to creating flawless lines and shapes while eliminating the white background. These features ensure precision and efficiency in your digital art. To activate QuickLine or QuickShape, tap and hold on the Line or Shape icon in the top toolbar. This action will open up a sub-menu where you can choose the desired option.
Step 2: Draw Your Line or Shape
With QuickLine or QuickShape activated, you can now start drawing your line or shape on the canvas. Simply drag your finger or stylus across the screen to create precise lines or shapes. Procreate will automatically refine your strokes, ensuring clean lines and perfect shapes.
Step 3: Adjust the Line or Shape
After drawing the line or shape, you have the flexibility to adjust its length, position, or angle according to your preferences. Procreate provides various options to fine-tune your creation.
To resize the line or shape, tap on the Edit tool located in the top toolbar. This will display control points along the line or shape, allowing you to drag and adjust them as needed.
If you want to change the position or angle of the line or shape, simply tap and hold on it to activate the Transform mode. You can then move, rotate, or scale the line or shape by dragging the control handles.
Step 4: Eliminate the White Background
By utilizing the QuickLine or QuickShape feature, you can effortlessly create lines or shapes without any interference from the white background. This allows you to focus solely on your artwork and achieve precise and clean compositions.
QuickLine and QuickShape are invaluable tools that save time and effort in creating accurate lines and shapes. They eliminate the need for manual adjustments and allow you to focus on refining your artwork with ease and efficiency.
Table: Complete Guide to Removing the White Background on Procreate
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Adjusting the Background Color | Customize the canvas settings to change the background color, allowing you to set the tone and mood of your artwork. |
| Utilizing Layers Effectively | Isolate your artwork using layers and manipulate them without affecting the background, providing flexibility and control over your composition. |
| Removing the Background with Selection Tools | Select and delete the white background using Procreate’s selection tools, ensuring clean and precise removal. |
| Utilizing Blending Modes | Blend your artwork seamlessly with the desired background using Procreate’s blending modes, creating captivating and visually striking effects. |
| Using Procreate Brushes for Background Textures | Add depth and dimension to your artwork by incorporating Procreate brushes for background textures, enhancing the overall composition. |
| Utilizing Alpha Lock | Isolate specific elements and apply adjustments exclusively to selected areas, enabling precision and control over your artwork. |
| The Magic of QuickLine and QuickShape | Create flawless lines and shapes effortlessly, ensuring precision and efficiency in your digital art. |
Each method discussed in this comprehensive guide offers a unique approach to removing the white background on Procreate. You have the flexibility to choose the method that best suits your artistic style and the specific requirements of your artwork.
Procreate’s wealth of features and tools empowers artists to bring their creative visions to life. By mastering these techniques, you can transcend the limitations of the white background and explore new possibilities in your digital art journey.
How to Get Rid of White Background on Procreate – FAQ
Q: Can I change the background color of my existing artwork in Procreate?
A: Yes, you can adjust the background color of your existing artwork in Procreate by following the steps mentioned in Method 1: Adjusting the Background Color.
Q: Are there any brushes specifically designed to remove the white background on Procreate?
A: While there are no brushes specifically designed for that purpose, you can utilize various brushes in Procreate to create textures and effects that help in removing the white background. Method 5: Using Procreate Brushes for Background Textures provides a detailed explanation.
Q: Can I restore the white background after removing it?
A: Yes, if you’ve saved your artwork with layers intact, you can simply toggle the visibility of the white background layer to bring it back. However, if you’ve merged and flattened the layers, restoring the white background may not be possible.
Q: Can I import a custom background image on Procreate?
A: Yes, you can import a custom background image by tapping on the “+” icon in the Layers panel and selecting “Insert a Photo.” This allows you to use any image as your background.
Q: Will removing the white background affect the quality of my artwork?
A: When done correctly, removing the white background will not affect the quality of your artwork. However, it’s always recommended to work on a duplicate of the original file to avoid any loss of data.
Q: Are there any shortcuts or gestures in Procreate to simplify the process of removing the white background?
A: Procreate provides various intuitive gestures and shortcuts to simplify your workflow. For example, you can swipe right with two fingers to activate Alpha Lock, swipe left with two fingers to disable it, or long-press the Line and Shape icons to access QuickLine and QuickShape. Exploit these features to expedite the process of removing the white background.
Q: Can I use the white background as a layer and apply effects on it?
A: Yes, after removing the white background, you can save it as a separate layer and apply effects to enhance your artwork further. However, keep in mind that once the white background is deleted, it cannot be restored.
Q: Can I remove the white background from scanned drawings or images in Procreate?
A: Yes, you can use the selection tools and other methods mentioned in this article to remove the white background from scanned drawings or images. Procreate’s powerful tools allow you to work with both digital and traditional art seamlessly.
Q: Are there any third-party plugins or apps that help in removing the white background on Procreate?
A: While Procreate itself offers a wide range of tools and features to remove the white background, there are third-party apps and plugins available that provide additional functionalities. Explore the App Store or Procreate forums to discover these options.
Q: Can I create a transparent background in Procreate?
A: Yes, by utilizing the various techniques mentioned in this article, you can create a transparent background in Procreate. This allows you to overlay your artwork on different backgrounds or merge it seamlessly with other designs.
Q: Does Procreate support exporting images with a transparent background?
A: Yes, Procreate supports exporting images with a transparent background. When you have successfully removed the white background, you can save your artwork in formats such as PNG or TIFF, which preserve the transparency. This enables you to use your artwork in various projects, whether it’s for graphic design, web design, or digital collages.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have reached the end of our detailed and comprehensive guide on how to get rid of the white background on Procreate. By following the techniques outlined in this article, you now possess the knowledge to remove the white background, explore new creative possibilities, and elevate your digital art skills to new heights.
Procreate provides a rich and versatile platform for artists of all levels to showcase their creativity. By removing the white background, you free yourself from limitations and open up a world of endless possibilities. Embrace the freedom to customize your backgrounds, experiment with blending modes and brushes, and utilize powerful features like Alpha Lock and QuickLine/QuickShape.
The key to mastering the art of removing the white background on Procreate lies in practice, experimentation, and embracing your unique artistic vision. Allow yourself the freedom to make mistakes, learn from them, and grow as an artist. The journey of digital art is an exciting and ever-evolving one, and Procreate is a trusted companion that will continue to inspire and empower you on this path.
Now go ahead, fire up your Procreate app, and let your imagination run wild. Remove the white background, unlock your creativity, and create digital masterpieces that leave a lasting impression.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. The techniques and methods discussed may vary depending on the version of Procreate and your device. Always refer to the official Procreate documentation and consult the Procreate community for further assistance.