Animation can be tricky when you are just starting out. To set up your canvas for Procreate animation, first open up a Procreate canvas of your chosen size. A few options down, you will see the ‘Animation Assist’ function. This bar will also display your frames once you start animating. Now that your canvas is set up, you will be ready to animate!
Use the animation bar to add frames to your animation. The animation Settings menu on the bar also allows you to control the speed of your animation measured in fps (frames per second), Onion Skin settings, and whether or not you want your animation to loop! Using this function will help you create a smoother animation. As you can see below, the Onion Skin is displaying the sketch from the previous frame in red.
Pro Tip: Use a low frame rate to play through your keyframes when you are starting your animation. To group layers in Procreate, simply create as many layers as you need and then swipe right on each of them in the Layers panel to select. However, this type of layer cannot be changed to match each layer, but will simply remain the same on every frame.
You currently cannot add sound to your videos directly in Procreate. Once you have your studio open, you can navigate to the ‘Audio Library’ on the menu and you will be given a range of songs to choose from. Tap on the iMovie icon. You will then be given the option to create a new movie with your sound.
If you want to explore the creative and magical power of animation beyond Procreate, then check out Disney animator Tom Bancroft’s course, ‘Introduction to Animation!’. So, now that we have tested out animating in Procreate, what’s the verdict? Procreate has a range of pros and cons, any of which may be the deciding factor in whether or not the function is for you! Check the ‘Introduction to Animation’ course to learn the basics of animation.
Procreate is great for creating short and simple animations on the go! There is something really unique and exciting about being able to animate with your iPad anywhere! Want to use Procreate like pro?
Illustration of the Animation Assist toolbar showing frame timeline, onion skin preview, and playback controls.
Video guide demonstrating setup, frame management, and playing back an animation in Procreate.
Setting Up Canvas and Animation Assist
Start by opening a Procreate canvas of your chosen size. A few options down, you will see the ‘Animation Assist’ function. This bar will also display your frames once you start animating. Now that your canvas is set up, you will be ready to animate!
Use the animation bar to add frames to your animation. The animation Settings menu on the bar also allows you to control the speed of your animation measured in fps (frames per second), Onion Skin settings, and whether or not you want your animation to loop! Using this function will help you create a smoother animation.
Onion Skin and Frame Management
As you can see below, the Onion Skin is displaying the sketch from the previous frame in red. Pro Tip: Use a low frame rate to play through your keyframes when you are starting your animation.
Layer Handling and Sound
To group layers in Procreate, simply create as many layers as you need and then swipe right on each of them in the Layers panel to select. However, this type of layer cannot be changed to match each layer, but will simply remain the same on every frame.
You currently cannot add sound to your videos directly in Procreate. Once you have your studio open, you can navigate to the ‘Audio Library’ on the menu and you will be given a range of songs to choose from. Tap on the iMovie icon. You will then be given the option to create a new movie with your sound.
Learning Resources and Practical Tips
If you want to explore the creative and magical power of animation beyond Procreate, then check out Disney animator Tom Bancroft’s course, ‘Introduction to Animation!’. So, now that we have tested out animating in Procreate, what’s the verdict? Procreate has a range of pros and cons, any of which may be the deciding factor in whether or not the function is for you! Check the ‘Introduction to Animation’ course to learn the basics of animation.
Procreate is great for creating short and simple animations on the go! There is something really unique and exciting about being able to animate with your iPad anywhere! Want to use Procreate like pro?