How to Color Coloring Pages in Procreate?
Import your coloring page image, set it as Reference layer, create a new layer below for coloring, use the bucket fill tool with Color Drop, and blend with brushes.
Procreate on iPad is perfect for digital coloring! Here's how to color any coloring page like a pro.
Quick Start
- Import coloring page image
- Set lines as Reference layer
- Create new layer below for color
- Use ColorDrop to fill areas
- Blend with soft brushes
Detailed Procreate Coloring Tutorial
Step 1: Import Your Coloring Page
Method A - From Photos:
- Tap + to create new canvas
- Choose Import → Insert a Photo
- Select your coloring page
Method B - From Files:
- Open Files app
- Long-press the PDF/image
- Select Open in Procreate
Step 2: Set Up Your Layers
This is the key to clean coloring:
- Tap the Layers panel (two squares icon)
- Tap your line art layer
- Select Reference
- Create a new layer and drag it BELOW the lines
- Name it "Base Color"
| Layer Order | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Line Art (Reference) | Keep lines visible |
| Details | Fine details, highlights |
| Shading | Shadows and depth |
| Base Color | Main colors |
| Background | Background color |
Step 3: Color Without Going Over Lines
ColorDrop Technique:
- Select your color
- Tap and HOLD on the color circle
- Drag to the area to fill
- Adjust Threshold by sliding left/right
- Higher threshold = more fill
Pro Tip: With Reference layer set, ColorDrop respects the line boundaries automatically!
Step 4: Recommended Brushes for Coloring
| Brush | Use For |
|---|---|
| Soft Airbrush | Smooth gradients |
| Flat Brush | Solid base colors |
| Round Brush | Details and edges |
| Texture Brushes | Adding dimension |
Find them in: Airbrushing, Painting, and Artistic folders
Step 5: Add Shading and Highlights
- Create a new layer above Base Color
- Set blend mode to Multiply (for shadows)
- Choose a slightly darker version of your base color
- Paint shadows with Soft Airbrush
For highlights:
- New layer, set to Add or Overlay
- Use white or light color
- Paint highlight areas
Step 6: Blending Colors
Smudge Tool Technique:
- Select Smudge tool (finger icon)
- Choose same brush you colored with
- Gently drag between colors
- Lower opacity for subtle blends
Gaussian Blur:
- Tap the Magic Wand → Gaussian Blur
- Slide to blur color transitions
- Use on specific layers only
Best Procreate Settings for Coloring
- Canvas Size: 3000 x 4000 pixels (high quality printing)
- Color Profile: sRGB for screen, CMYK for print
- Brush Opacity: Start at 50-70% for layering
Export Your Finished Art
- Tap wrench icon → Share
- Choose JPEG for sharing
- Choose PDF for printing
- PSD to continue in Photoshop
Coloring Pages for Procreate
Get free coloring pages optimized for digital coloring:
- Mandala Collection - Perfect for Procreate practice
- Animal Pages - Great for learning fur techniques
- Create Custom - Generate any design you want!
Last updated 2026-01-18.