Procreate is one of the most popular and powerful illustration and painting apps available for the iPad. With its intuitive interface, versatile brushes, and robust layer system, Procreate makes it easy to create stunning digital artworks.
One of the key features in Procreate is the ability to adjust the opacity and transparency of layers. This allows you to create depth, lighting effects, shadows, and much more. In this article, we’ll explore the various ways you can control opacity and transparency in Procreate.
Table of Contents
Understanding Opacity vs Transparency
Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand the difference between opacity and transparency:
Opacity refers to how opaque or solid a layer is. A layer with 100% opacity will completely block out the layers below it. Reducing opacity makes a layer more see-through, allowing you to see the layers underneath.
Transparency refers to transparent areas within a layer. This allows portions of a layer to be invisible, revealing the content on the layers below.
So opacity controls the overall transparency of a layer, while transparency creates see-through areas on the layer itself.
Adjusting Layer Opacity
The most straightforward way to control opacity in Procreate is by adjusting layer opacity. Here are the steps:
1. Select the Layer
In the Layers panel, tap the layer you want to adjust to select it. The layer will highlight to indicate it is selected.
Select layer
2. Adjust Opacity
There are two ways to adjust opacity of the selected layer:
Using slider:
- A blue opacity slider will appear at the top of the canvas.
- Drag the slider left to reduce opacity and right to increase it.
Using gestures:
- Double tap the layer with two fingers to bring up opacity controls
- Swipe left/right on the canvas to decrease/increase opacity
Adjust opacity
Reducing the opacity allows you to create translucent effects and also see layers below. This is great for adding textures or creating shadows.
Adjusting Brush Opacity
You can also control the opacity of your brush strokes separately from the layer. Here’s how:
1. Select Brush Tool
Choose the Brush tool from the top toolbar.
2. Adjust Opacity
In the top left, you’ll see the brush opacity slider. Drag left to reduce opacity of your brush and right to increase it.
You can also use Apple Pencil hover gestures to adjust brush opacity on the fly.
Lowering brush opacity is perfect for shading and blending.
Brush opacity
Using Blend Modes
Beyond just opacity, Procreate has various Blend Modes that change how layers interact.
Some useful Blend Modes are:
- Multiply – Creates darker colors, great for shading
- Overlay – Boosts contrast, useful for enhancing details
- Color Burn – Darkens base layer while retaining highlights
To use Blend Modes:
- Tap the N icon next to a layer
- Select a Blend Mode from the menu
- Adjust opacity if needed
Experiment with Blend Modes to create interesting effects!
Masking for Transparency
Another technique for transparency in Procreate is using masks. This allows you to selectively hide portions of a layer.
Here is a quick example of masking:
- Start with a base layer
- Add new layer on top
- Tap the layer, then tap Mask
- Use brushes to hide parts of the layer
- White brush reveals, black brush hides
Masking lets you precisely control transparency for advanced effects.
Masking
Tips for Effective Use of Opacity
Here are some tips for getting the most out of opacity and transparency controls when painting in Procreate:
Use subtle opacity changes – Small adjustments make a big difference. Try stepping opacity up or down by 25% or less.
Make opacity adjustments at the end – Get your base layers in place first, then tweak opacity to polish your piece.
Use reference images – Having a reference with your desired transparency effect helps guide your adjustments.
Save versions as you work – If you make extreme opacity changes you regret, you can revert to a previous version.
Conclusion
Learning how to control opacity and transparency in Procreate opens up a whole new world of painting effects. Adjusting layer opacity is the easiest way to start. For more advanced control, try lowering brush opacity, using Blend Modes, or masking layers.
Implementing opacity in thoughtful ways will add depth and dimension to your Procreate artworks. With some practice, it will become second nature.
So start experimenting and watch your paintings gain new life! Feel free to reference this guide anytime you need a refresher on managing opacity in Procreate.
