What is the best way to change colors in Procreate?
December 22, 2025 · caitlin
To change colors in Procreate, the best way is to use the Color Panel, accessible from the top-right corner of the screen. This panel allows you to select, customize, and save colors for your artwork. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, mastering the Color Panel will enhance your creative process in Procreate.
How to Use the Procreate Color Panel?
The Color Panel in Procreate is a versatile tool that offers various ways to select and adjust colors. Here’s how you can use it effectively:
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Color Wheel: The Color Wheel allows you to pick any hue by moving the selector around the wheel. Adjust the brightness and saturation using the inner circle.
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Classic Mode: This mode provides sliders for hue, saturation, and brightness, giving you fine control over your color choices.
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Harmony: This feature helps you find complementary colors effortlessly, using different harmony rules like analogous, triadic, and tetradic.
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Value: Enter specific RGB or hexadecimal values for precise color selection, ideal for digital artists working with brand colors.
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Palettes: Create and organize color palettes for quick access. You can save colors directly from the Color Panel or import palettes from external sources.
How to Change Colors in Procreate Using Layers?
Changing colors in Procreate is often done through layers, which offers flexibility and control over your artwork:
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Select the Layer: Tap on the Layers icon to view your layer stack. Select the layer you wish to modify.
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Adjust Layer Colors: Use the Adjustments menu (magic wand icon) and choose "Hue, Saturation, Brightness" to tweak the entire layer’s colors.
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Recolor Tool: Tap the wrench icon, select "Add," and choose "Recolor." This tool lets you change specific colors within a layer by tapping on the areas you want to adjust.
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Alpha Lock: Enable Alpha Lock on a layer to paint only within existing pixels. This is useful for changing colors without affecting transparency.
Tips for Effective Color Management in Procreate
Managing colors efficiently can significantly impact your workflow in Procreate. Here are some tips:
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Use Reference Layers: Set a layer as a reference to automatically fill shapes on other layers with the color you choose.
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Experiment with Blending Modes: Each layer can have a blending mode that affects how it interacts with colors below it. Modes like Multiply, Screen, and Overlay can create unique effects.
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Organize with Groups: Group layers by color or element to keep your workspace tidy and make color changes easier.
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Save Custom Palettes: As you work, save frequently used colors into custom palettes for quick access in future projects.
Practical Examples of Color Changes in Procreate
Consider these scenarios to understand how color changes can be applied in Procreate:
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Character Design: Use the Color Panel to experiment with different skin tones and clothing colors, making sure your character stands out.
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Landscape Art: Adjust the hues of a sunset to achieve the perfect mood, using the Hue, Saturation, Brightness adjustment for subtle changes.
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Logo Design: Enter specific RGB values to ensure brand consistency, and use palettes to keep track of approved colors.
People Also Ask
How Do You Save a Color in Procreate?
To save a color, open the Color Panel, select the color you want, then tap the "+" button in the Palettes section to add it to your current palette.
Can You Import Color Palettes into Procreate?
Yes, you can import color palettes by tapping the Palettes tab in the Color Panel and selecting "Import" to add palettes from files or photos.
What Is Alpha Lock in Procreate?
Alpha Lock is a feature that restricts your painting to existing pixels on a layer, allowing you to change colors without affecting transparency.
How Do You Use the Recolor Tool in Procreate?
Access the Recolor tool via the wrench icon under "Add." Tap on the color you want to change, then drag the crosshair to areas you wish to recolor.
What Are Blending Modes in Procreate?
Blending modes determine how layers interact with each other. They can enhance colors, create shadows, or produce special effects by altering how layers blend.
Conclusion
Understanding how to change colors in Procreate is essential for any digital artist. By mastering the Color Panel, utilizing layers effectively, and experimenting with blending modes, you can enhance your creative expression. For more on improving your digital art skills, explore our guides on layer management and brush customization. Start experimenting with colors today and see how they can transform your artwork!
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