How do I invert a selection in Procreate app?
December 22, 2025 · caitlin
Inverting a selection in the Procreate app is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your digital art workflow by allowing you to focus on specific areas of your artwork. This feature is particularly useful for artists who want to apply effects or adjustments to everything except the current selection.
How to Invert a Selection in Procreate
To invert a selection in Procreate, follow these simple steps:
- Make a Selection: Use any of the selection tools (freehand, automatic, rectangle, or ellipse) to create your initial selection.
- Tap on the Selection Tool: Once your selection is active, tap the selection tool icon in the top menu.
- Choose "Invert Selection": In the selection menu, choose "Invert Selection" to reverse the selected and unselected areas.
Now, you can apply changes to the inverted area without affecting the original selection.
Why Invert a Selection in Procreate?
Inverting a selection in Procreate can be beneficial for various reasons:
- Focus on Specific Areas: By inverting the selection, you can apply effects, colors, or transformations to areas outside your initial selection.
- Efficient Workflow: It allows you to work more efficiently by quickly switching the focus of your edits.
- Creative Control: Gain more control over your artwork by isolating areas for detailed adjustments.
Steps to Invert a Selection in Procreate
What Are the Selection Tools in Procreate?
Procreate offers a variety of selection tools to help you create precise selections:
- Freehand: Draw custom shapes for more control.
- Automatic: Select areas based on color and tone.
- Rectangle: Create rectangular selections.
- Ellipse: Make elliptical selections.
How to Use the Invert Selection Feature?
- Open the Selection Menu: After making your initial selection, open the selection menu by tapping the selection tool.
- Tap "Invert Selection": This option is located within the selection menu and will flip the selected and unselected areas.
- Apply Edits: With the selection inverted, apply any desired edits or effects to the newly selected area.
Practical Examples of Using Invert Selection
- Background Editing: Select a subject and invert the selection to edit the background without affecting the subject.
- Detail Enhancements: Focus on enhancing details in the unselected areas by inverting your selection.
- Color Adjustments: Make color adjustments to the entire canvas except for the selected area.
People Also Ask
How Do I Select Multiple Areas in Procreate?
To select multiple areas in Procreate, use the Add option in the selection menu. This allows you to create additional selections without losing the original ones. You can combine different selection tools to achieve the desired result.
Can You Save Selections in Procreate?
Currently, Procreate does not have a built-in feature to save selections for future use. However, you can save your progress by duplicating layers or using masks to preserve selections indirectly.
How Do I Use the QuickShape Tool with Selections?
The QuickShape tool can be used to refine selections. After drawing a shape, hold your pen down to activate QuickShape, which will automatically straighten lines or perfect shapes, making it easier to create precise selections.
What is the Difference Between Masking and Inverting Selections?
Masking involves hiding parts of a layer without deleting them, allowing non-destructive editing. Inverting a selection, on the other hand, changes the focus of your edits to the unselected areas of your canvas.
How Can I Improve My Procreate Workflow?
To enhance your Procreate workflow, consider using features like layer groups, adjustment layers, and custom brushes. Regularly updating your skills with tutorials and experimenting with new techniques can also be beneficial.
Conclusion
Inverting a selection in Procreate is a powerful feature that offers artists greater flexibility and control over their digital artwork. By understanding how to effectively use this tool, you can enhance your creative process and produce more polished and professional results. Whether you’re editing backgrounds, adjusting colors, or focusing on specific details, the invert selection feature can streamline your workflow and expand your artistic possibilities.
For more tips on using Procreate, explore tutorials on layer management and brush customization to further refine your digital art skills.
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