How do you swap colors in Procreate with the fill tool?

December 22, 2025 · caitlin

Sure, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to swap colors in Procreate using the fill tool, optimized for SEO and user engagement:


To swap colors in Procreate using the fill tool, you can use the ColorDrop feature. Simply drag the color from the top-right circle into the area you want to change. This method ensures efficient color swapping, especially for large areas.

How to Use the Fill Tool in Procreate to Swap Colors

Procreate is a powerful digital painting app that offers a wide array of tools for artists. Among these tools, the ColorDrop feature is particularly useful for swapping colors. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it effectively:

What is ColorDrop in Procreate?

ColorDrop is a feature in Procreate that allows you to fill areas with color quickly. It’s similar to the paint bucket tool in other graphic design software. This tool is especially handy when you want to change the color of large areas without manually painting over them.

Steps to Swap Colors Using ColorDrop

  1. Select Your Color: Choose the new color you want to use from the color picker at the top-right corner of the screen.

  2. Activate ColorDrop: Tap and hold the color circle in the top-right corner, then drag it to the area you want to fill.

  3. Adjust the Threshold: Once you drop the color, a threshold bar appears at the top. Slide it left or right to adjust how much of the area is filled. This allows you to control the sensitivity and avoid unwanted areas being colored.

  4. Confirm the Fill: Release your finger to apply the color. If you’re not satisfied, you can undo and adjust the threshold again.

Tips for Effective Color Swapping

  • Use Layers: Work with multiple layers to isolate areas that need color changes. This prevents accidental color fills on unintended parts of your artwork.

  • Alpha Lock: Use the Alpha Lock feature to restrict color changes to already painted areas on a layer, which is useful for maintaining textures and details.

  • Reference Layers: Set a layer as a reference to fill colors in other layers without altering the reference itself.

Common Issues and Solutions

  • Color Bleeding: If colors spill into unwanted areas, adjust the threshold slider to reduce sensitivity.

  • Inconsistent Fills: Ensure your lines are fully closed to prevent color from spilling outside the intended area.

People Also Ask

How Do I Use Alpha Lock in Procreate?

Alpha Lock allows you to paint only on existing pixels in a layer. To activate it, tap on the layer thumbnail and select "Alpha Lock" from the menu. This is particularly useful for adding highlights or shadows without affecting other parts of the artwork.

Can You Change the Fill Color in Procreate After Applying It?

Yes, you can change the fill color by using the ColorDrop feature again. Simply select a new color and drag it to the area you wish to change.

What Are Reference Layers in Procreate?

Reference layers let you use one layer as a guide for coloring other layers. To set a reference layer, tap on the layer thumbnail and select "Reference." This is helpful when you want to keep your line art separate from your coloring.

How Do You Undo a Fill in Procreate?

To undo a fill, simply tap the "Undo" button, which is the curved arrow icon at the bottom of the screen. Alternatively, you can use a two-finger tap gesture to quickly undo the last action.

How Do You Use the Selection Tool in Procreate?

The selection tool allows you to isolate specific areas for editing. Tap the "S" icon to access it, then choose from options like freehand, rectangle, or automatic selection to define the area you want to modify.

Practical Examples of Color Swapping

Consider a scenario where you’ve painted a character wearing a blue shirt, but you decide a red shirt would look better. By using the ColorDrop feature, you can quickly swap the blue for red without repainting the entire shirt. Adjusting the threshold ensures the new color fits perfectly within the shirt’s boundaries.

Conclusion

Swapping colors in Procreate is straightforward with the ColorDrop tool. By mastering this feature, you can efficiently manage color changes and enhance your digital artwork. For more tips on digital painting, explore our guides on using layers and brushes in Procreate.

For further exploration, consider reading about Procreate’s advanced brush settings or how to create custom palettes to enhance your creative workflow.


This guide provides a comprehensive overview of color swapping in Procreate, ensuring readers can easily understand and implement the techniques discussed.

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