What is the shortcut to invert selection in Procreate?

December 22, 2025 · caitlin

To invert selection in Procreate, use the quick gesture shortcut by tapping with three fingers on the canvas. This action will instantly invert your current selection, allowing you to modify the unselected areas of your artwork. This feature is particularly useful for artists looking to make precise adjustments without altering the entire canvas.

How to Invert Selection in Procreate?

Procreate is a popular digital art application available on the iPad, known for its intuitive interface and powerful features. One of the essential tools in Procreate is the selection tool, which allows artists to isolate and manipulate specific parts of their artwork. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to invert selection in Procreate:

  1. Make an Initial Selection: Use the selection tool to highlight the area you want to work with. You can choose from several selection types, including freehand, rectangle, ellipse, and automatic.

  2. Invert the Selection: With your area selected, perform the three-finger tap gesture on the canvas. This action will invert the selection, highlighting everything except the initially selected area.

  3. Modify the Inverted Selection: Once the selection is inverted, you can adjust, color, or transform the new selection area as needed.

Why Use Invert Selection in Procreate?

Understanding how to invert selection in Procreate can significantly enhance your workflow. Here are some reasons why this feature is beneficial:

  • Precision Editing: Invert selection allows for targeted adjustments, ensuring you can focus on specific parts of your artwork without affecting the rest.

  • Time Efficiency: Quickly switching between selected and unselected areas can save time, especially when working on complex projects.

  • Creative Flexibility: By inverting selections, you can easily experiment with different effects and edits, enhancing your creative process.

Common Use Cases for Inverting Selection

Artists use the invert selection tool for various purposes. Here are some common scenarios:

  • Background Adjustments: Quickly modify the background without affecting the main subject of your artwork.

  • Highlighting Details: Focus on enhancing specific details by isolating them from the rest of the image.

  • Layer Management: Streamline layer organization by inverting selections to apply changes to specific layers only.

Troubleshooting Invert Selection in Procreate

If you encounter issues with the invert selection shortcut, try the following solutions:

  • Update Procreate: Ensure you are using the latest version of Procreate, as updates often resolve bugs and improve functionality.

  • Check Gesture Settings: Verify that your gesture controls are correctly set up by going to the Procreate settings.

  • Restart the App: Sometimes, simply restarting Procreate can fix minor glitches.

People Also Ask

How do I use the selection tool in Procreate?

To use the selection tool in Procreate, tap the "S" icon at the top of the screen. Choose your preferred selection type—freehand, rectangle, ellipse, or automatic—and drag over the area you wish to select. Use the selection to edit, move, or transform parts of your artwork.

Can I invert selection on a specific layer in Procreate?

Yes, you can invert a selection on a specific layer. First, ensure the correct layer is active. Make your selection, then use the three-finger tap gesture to invert it. This will only affect the active layer, allowing for precise edits.

What are the benefits of using Procreate for digital art?

Procreate offers a range of benefits for digital artists, including a user-friendly interface, a wide variety of brushes, and robust layer management. It also supports high-resolution canvases and offers powerful tools like selection, transformation, and blending modes.

Is there a keyboard shortcut for inverting selection in Procreate?

Procreate primarily relies on touch gestures rather than keyboard shortcuts. The three-finger tap gesture is the quickest way to invert selections. However, if you use an external keyboard, you may find some shortcuts for other functions.

How do I reset my gesture controls in Procreate?

To reset gesture controls, go to the Procreate app settings. Under "Gesture Controls," you can customize or reset various gestures, including the three-finger tap. This can help if your gestures aren’t responding as expected.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of inverting selections in Procreate can dramatically improve your digital art projects. By understanding how to use this feature effectively, you gain more control over your artwork, allowing for more precise and creative edits. Whether you’re adjusting backgrounds or focusing on fine details, the invert selection tool is an indispensable part of your artistic toolkit. For more tips and tutorials on Procreate, explore related topics such as layer management and brush customization.

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