If you use Procreate, you probably know how to fill shapes. But do you know all the methods? Procreate is amazing in its ability to do one thing in multiple ways. If you want to speed up your drawing process by learning how to fill in Procreate using several different methods, this tutorial is for you.
Today, I’m going to show you all the methods you can use to fill color in Procreate. You'll learn how to fill in a shape, an area, or an entire canvas with color.
What You'll Learn in This Procreate Color Fill Tutorial
- How to fill in Procreate using the Color tool
- How to fill in Procreate using the Fill Layer option
- How to fill a shape in Procreate using the Selection tool
- How to color fill a shape in Procreate using the Color tool
- How to color fill in Procreate using the Reference option
What You'll Need
I used this cute Flamingo Stamp Brush from Envato Elements, but feel free to use another one, such as Halloween Illustration Stamp Brush Procreate or Sun Flower Brush Stamp.
1. How to Fill in Procreate Using the Color Tool
The first method you can use to fill in Procreate is the so-called drag and drop. Once you've created a new canvas, choose a color using the Color tool. After that, drag it to your canvas. But don’t lift your stylus yet.
You will notice a blue bar on top of the screen—it’s the ColorDrop Threshold. While still holding your stylus on the canvas, move the stylus to the right. The ColorDrop Threshold will increase its intensity. Make sure it’s about 90%-100%, which allows you to color in the whole canvas. Then lift your stylus. This is probably the simplest Procreate color fill method.
2. How to Fill in Procreate Using the Fill Layer Option
The second method to fill in Procreate is the Fill Layer option in the Layers tool. You will probably want to create a new layer to try another option and switch off the previous one by ticking off the white box on the Layers panel.
Go to the Layers tool and open up the Layers panel. Click on the layer you are on one more time. A new pop-up menu will show you a few options. Choose Fill Layer. After that, your layer will be filled with the color you chose on the Color tool.
3. How to Fill a Shape in Procreate Using the Selection Tool
Step 1
The third method to fill a shape in Procreate is using the Selections tool and the Color Fill option.
Take the Selections tool and concentrate on the bottom of the screen. The upper part allows you to create different selections: Automatic, Freehand, Rectangle, and Ellipse. We will use just Freehand, Rectangle, and Ellipse. Further down, there are more options, but you need to make just two of them active: Add and Color Fill. The Add option allows you to create a few selections by adding the new one to the previous one. When the Color Fill option is active, that means your selection will be automatically filled with your chosen color.
Step 2
With the Freehand option enabled, draw any shape—just make sure it’s a closed shape. It might be a bit awkward because this shape won’t be filled with a color. To fill this shape with a color, you need to draw another shape, such as a rectangle or an ellipse.
So change the Freehand option to the Rectangle or Ellipse and draw a shape. All your shapes should be filled with your color now. Click on the Selections tool one more time to exit. That’s how to fill a shape in Procreate.
4. How to Color Fill a Shape in Procreate Using the Color Tool
Step 1
The fourth method to color fill in Procreate is when you drag and drop a color onto a shape you've drawn.
Let’s draw a circle—you can use any brush for this. Hold a finger of your other hand on the canvas while drawing to create a perfect circle.
Step 2
Drag a color from the Color tool to your shape. Make sure the ColorDrop Threshold is close to 90%-100%. That’s how you make Procreate fill a shape with color.
5. How to Color Fill in Procreate Using the Reference Option
Step 1
The fifth method of Procreate color filling is by using a drawing as a reference.
I used this cute Flamingo Stamp Brush from Envato Elements. If you are using the same brush, pick a flamingo you like, adjust the size of the brush, and tap on your canvas.
Step 2
Go to the Layers tool, and click on the layer you are on to open up the pop-up menu. Find the word Reference and tick it. You will notice that this layer has a little inscription now: Reference.
Step 3
Create a new layer and drag it underneath. Stay on this empty layer.
Step 4
Drag and drop your color where you want to on the flamingo. Control the ColorDrop Threshold.
Continue to fill shapes with colors of your choice. This is how to fill an area in Procreate using the Reference option!
Congratulations! You Know How to Fill in Procreate!
That’s it! Today you expanded your knowledge, and now you know how to fill in Procreate using five different methods.
Top Recommended Resources
Take a look at these resources from Envato Elements that can speed up your drawing process in Procreate:
10 Figure Stamps Procreate (BRUSHSET)
This is a set of stamp brushes that will help you draw. If you draw people and struggle with proportions or poses, use these stamp brushes as a guide—they'll speed up your work significantly!
10 Portrait Guide Stamps Procreate (BRUSHSET)
This stamp brush set is an amazing tool for creating portraits. It can be your guide to drawing heads.
Procreate Palette: Bright Candy (SWATCHES)
If you like bright colors and struggle sometimes with which ones to use, you need this harmonious Procreate color palette. It’s ready to use, with 90 color swatches for Procreate.
Stamp Brushes for Procreate. House Plants (BRUSHSET)
Check out this cute set of flowerpots and plant brushes. Mix and match them to create your own unique design!
Vintage Engraver Procreate Brushes (BRUSHSET)
Like vintage design? Why not try this Procreate brush set to an create authentic-looking, engraved illustration?
If You Want to Learn More...
Please take a look at these Procreate tutorials. Envato Tuts+ has lots of them!
