What are the steps to invert selection in Procreate?

December 22, 2025 · caitlin

Inverting a selection in Procreate allows you to quickly switch the selected and unselected areas of your artwork, offering flexibility in your editing process. To invert a selection, you can follow a straightforward series of steps that will enhance your digital art workflow.

How to Invert Selection in Procreate

To invert a selection in Procreate, start by creating a selection using one of the selection tools. Once your area is selected, tap the "Invert" button at the bottom of the screen. This action will swap the current selection with the unselected area, allowing you to edit the previously unselected parts of your canvas.

What Are the Steps to Invert a Selection?

  1. Select the Area: Use any of Procreate’s selection tools (Freehand, Automatic, Rectangle, or Ellipse) to highlight the area you want to work with.
  2. Access the Selection Menu: Look at the bottom of your screen, where the selection options are displayed.
  3. Tap "Invert": Click the "Invert" button to flip your selection. This action will switch the selected and unselected areas.
  4. Proceed with Edits: With the new selection active, you can make adjustments, apply effects, or add details to the previously unselected areas.

Why Invert a Selection in Procreate?

Inverting a selection is useful for several reasons:

  • Focus on Unselected Areas: Quickly switch focus to areas outside your initial selection.
  • Efficient Editing: Save time by avoiding manual re-selection of areas.
  • Creative Flexibility: Experiment with different effects on various parts of your artwork without starting over.

Tips for Effective Selection Inversion

  • Use Layers: Organize your artwork on different layers to make selection and inversion more manageable.
  • Refine Selections: Before inverting, ensure your selection is precise to avoid unwanted edits.
  • Experiment with Tools: Combine selection inversion with other tools like masks and adjustments for creative effects.

People Also Ask

How Do You Create a Selection in Procreate?

To create a selection in Procreate, choose a selection tool from the top left of the screen. You can use Freehand for custom shapes, Automatic for color-based selections, or Rectangle/Ellipse for geometric shapes. Draw or tap on the canvas to select your desired area.

Can You Invert Colors in Procreate?

Yes, you can invert colors in Procreate. To do this, select the layer you wish to invert, then go to the Adjustments menu and choose "Invert Colors." This will reverse the colors on the selected layer, creating a negative effect.

What Is the Use of the Freehand Selection Tool?

The Freehand Selection Tool in Procreate allows you to manually draw the outline of your selection. It’s perfect for irregular shapes and detailed areas where precision is key. Simply trace the desired area with your finger or stylus to create a custom selection.

How Do You Deselect in Procreate?

To deselect in Procreate, tap the "Selection" tool to open the selection menu and then tap "Clear Selection" or simply tap anywhere on the canvas outside the selected area. This will remove the active selection, allowing you to start fresh.

What Are the Benefits of Using Layers in Procreate?

Using layers in Procreate offers several benefits:

  • Organized Workflow: Keep different elements of your artwork separate for easy editing.
  • Non-Destructive Editing: Make changes without affecting other parts of your artwork.
  • Creative Flexibility: Experiment with different effects and styles on individual layers.

Enhance Your Procreate Skills

Inverting selections is just one of many techniques that can enhance your digital art skills in Procreate. Explore other features like blending modes, layer masks, and custom brushes to take your artwork to the next level. For more tips on digital art, check out our guide on using layers effectively in Procreate.

By mastering these tools, you’ll gain more control over your creative process, allowing you to produce professional-quality digital art with ease. Remember, practice and experimentation are key to unlocking the full potential of Procreate’s powerful features.

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