How to select multiple layers in Procreate

Have you ever wondered how to select multiple layers at once in Procreate? Or maybe you're looking for a method to select all of your layers?

In this quick tip tutorial, I'll show you an easy and quick method of completing both of these actions.

What you'll learn in this Procreate tutorial

How to select multiple layers in Procreate
How to select all layers in Procreate

1. How to select multiple layers in Procreate

Step 1

Launch your file in the Procreate canvas, and tap on the Layers icon to open the Layers panel.

screenshot of a drawing open on the Procreate canvas with the layers panel icon circled in red

Step 2

To select a single layer, tap anywhere within the horizontal box that contains it. The currently selected layer will be highlighted in blue.

a single layer within the layers panel is highlighted in blue

Step 3

To select an additional layer, use your Apple Pencil or finger to swipe the layer across to the right side of the screen.

a layer is highlighted in a darker blue and the layer beneath it has been swiped across and is highlighted in a lighter blue

This additional layer will now also be highlighted in blue.

You can continue to select as many layers as you wish with this method.

Make sure to swipe each layer to the right instead of just tapping on it, or all of the selected layers will deselect besides the layer you've just tapped on.

Once you've selected your desired layers, you can click on the arrow icon to move all of the layers together.

the arrow tool is circled in red and there is a dotted bounding box within the drawing canvas

2. How to select all layers in Procreate

Step 1

Begin by opening up the Layers panel by tapping on the Layers icon.

Step 2

There is currently no option to instantly select all layers within Procreate, but you can manually select each of your layers by using the right swipe method, as shown in section 1 of this tutorial.

Once you have selected all of your layers, you can group them to make them easier to move around in future by tapping the Group button.

This will put all of your layers in one group, saving you the time of selecting each layer individually next time you want to move all of your layers together.

all of the layers are contained within a group named 'new group'

To select your group, tap the downward-pointing arrow to the right of the group container box to close the group. The entire group can now be selected, and it will be highlighted in blue.

a single group of layers is highlighted in blue

With the group selected, you can now move all of the layers within it at once by tapping on the arrow icon.

the arrow tool is circled in red and there is a dotted bounding box around the entire drawing canvas

You're done, on to the next tutorial!

Now you know how to select multiple layers in Procreate. Thank you for following this tutorial with me!

If you want to learn other tips and tricks like how to create custom brushes or how to duplicate in Procreate, browse around our site. We've got so much more to show you!

Make sure to check out the amazing Procreate resources and tutorials from Envato and Envato Tuts+: