What are the instructions to invert a selection in Procreate?

December 22, 2025 · caitlin

Inverting a selection in Procreate is essential for digital artists who want to manipulate specific parts of their artwork. This feature allows you to quickly switch the selected and unselected areas of your canvas, providing greater control over your creative process.

How to Invert a Selection in Procreate

To invert a selection in Procreate, follow these simple steps:

  1. Make a Selection: Use the selection tool to choose the area you wish to work with.
  2. Tap on the ‘Actions’ Menu: Look for the wrench icon at the top left of your screen.
  3. Select ‘Invert Selection’: Navigate to the ‘Modify’ section and tap ‘Invert Selection’ to switch your selected and unselected areas.

By following these steps, you can effectively control which parts of your artwork are affected by your edits, allowing for more precise adjustments and creativity.

Why Invert a Selection in Procreate?

Inverting a selection is a powerful tool in Procreate for several reasons:

  • Enhanced Control: Easily switch focus between different parts of your canvas.
  • Efficient Editing: Make precise changes without affecting the entire artwork.
  • Creative Flexibility: Experiment with different effects and layers for unique results.

Step-by-Step Guide to Inverting Selections

1. How to Make an Initial Selection?

Before you can invert a selection, you need to create one. Here’s how:

  • Choose the Selection Tool: Tap the ‘S’ icon in the top menu.
  • Select a Mode: Options include freehand, rectangle, ellipse, or automatic.
  • Make Your Selection: Drag your finger to outline the desired area.

2. How to Access the Invert Selection Feature?

Once you have your initial selection:

  • Open the Actions Menu: Tap the wrench icon.
  • Navigate to ‘Modify’: This is where you’ll find the ‘Invert Selection’ option.

3. What Happens After Inverting a Selection?

Inverting a selection swaps the selected and unselected areas. This allows you to:

  • Apply Effects: Add filters or adjustments to the new selected area.
  • Protect Details: Keep certain parts of your artwork unchanged while editing others.

Practical Examples of Inverting Selections

Example 1: Adjusting Backgrounds

When working on a portrait, you might want to adjust the background without affecting the subject:

  • Select the Subject: Use the selection tool to outline the person.
  • Invert the Selection: This will select the background instead.
  • Edit the Background: Apply changes like blurring or color adjustments.

Example 2: Highlighting Specific Elements

If you want to highlight a specific element in your artwork:

  • Select the Element: Choose the part you want to emphasize.
  • Invert the Selection: The rest of the image is now selected.
  • Apply Effects: Dim the surrounding areas to make the element pop.

Procreate Selection Tips

  • Use Layers: Separate elements into different layers for easier selection and inversion.
  • Refine Selections: Use the ‘Feather’ option to soften edges for a more natural transition.
  • Experiment with Modes: Try different selection modes to find what works best for your project.

People Also Ask

What is the Purpose of Inverting a Selection?

Inverting a selection allows artists to focus on editing specific parts of their artwork without affecting the rest. This technique is useful for applying targeted effects and maintaining control over the creative process.

Can You Invert a Selection Multiple Times?

Yes, you can invert a selection as many times as needed. This flexibility helps in experimenting with different edits and effects without committing to a single change.

How Do You Deselect in Procreate?

To deselect, simply tap the selection tool again or choose ‘Deselect’ from the actions menu. This will remove any active selections on your canvas.

Does Inverting a Selection Affect Layers?

Inverting a selection only affects the active layer. To work on multiple layers, you need to repeat the selection and inversion process for each layer individually.

Are There Keyboard Shortcuts for Selections in Procreate?

Procreate does not currently support keyboard shortcuts for selections. All selection and inversion actions must be performed using the touch interface.

Conclusion

Inverting a selection in Procreate is a versatile technique that enhances your digital art workflow. By understanding how to make and invert selections, you gain greater control over your edits and can create more intricate and polished pieces. Experiment with different selections and inversions to discover new creative possibilities in your artwork.

For more tips on using Procreate effectively, consider exploring tutorials on layer management and brush customization. These resources can further enhance your digital art skills and expand your creative toolkit.

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