Pixel art is a form of digital art that uses a grid of small squares, or pixels, to create images. It is a popular style for video games, retro graphics, and other digital media. Procreate is a powerful and user-friendly digital art app that is perfect for creating pixel art. In this tutorial, we will show you how to create pixel art in Procreate, from start to finish.
In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of creating pixel art in Procreate, step by step. We will cover everything from setting up your canvas to adding the finishing touches to your artwork. So whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience with digital art, this tutorial will help you create beautiful pixel art in Procreate.
To create pixel art in Procreate, you will need the following:
pixel art procreate tutorial
Follow these 10 important points to create stunning pixel art in Procreate:
- Choose the right canvas size.
- Use a hard brush for pixel art.
- Create a color palette.
- Start with simple shapes.
- Use layers for different elements.
- Add details and shading.
- Experiment with different brushes.
- Use the zoom tool to get close.
- Save your work frequently.
- Export your artwork in a suitable format.
With practice, you will be able to create beautiful and complex pixel art in Procreate. So don't be afraid to experiment and have fun!
Choose the right canvas size.
The canvas size is important for pixel art because it determines the resolution of your final image. A higher resolution image will have more pixels and be able to display more detail. However, a larger canvas size will also make it more difficult to work with and may slow down your computer.
For pixel art, a good rule of thumb is to use a canvas size that is a multiple of 16. This will make it easier to create pixel art that is scaled up or down without losing quality. For example, you could use a canvas size of 16x16, 32x32, or 64x64.
If you are creating pixel art for a specific purpose, such as a video game or a website, you will need to choose a canvas size that is appropriate for that purpose. For example, if you are creating pixel art for a video game, you will need to use a canvas size that is compatible with the game engine you are using.
Once you have chosen a canvas size, you can create a new canvas in Procreate by tapping on the "+" button in the top right corner of the screen. Then, select the "Pixel Art" preset from the list of options. This preset will automatically create a canvas with a resolution that is suitable for pixel art.
Here are some additional tips for choosing the right canvas size for pixel art:
- Consider the size of the final image you want to create. A larger image will require a larger canvas size.
- Think about how you will be using the pixel art. If you are creating pixel art for a video game, you will need to use a canvas size that is compatible with the game engine you are using.
- Experiment with different canvas sizes to see what works best for you. You can always change the canvas size later if you need to.
Use a hard brush for pixel art.
When creating pixel art, it is important to use a hard brush. A hard brush will create sharp, defined lines, which is essential for pixel art. A soft brush, on the other hand, will create blurry, undefined lines, which will make your pixel art look messy and unprofessional.
Procreate has a variety of hard brushes that you can use for pixel art. Some popular choices include the Hard Round Brush, the Hard Square Brush, and the Pixel Brush. You can also create your own custom hard brush by adjusting the settings of an existing brush.
To use a hard brush in Procreate, simply select the brush you want to use from the Brushes panel. Then, tap on the "Hardness" slider and drag it all the way to the right. This will make the brush as hard as possible.
Once you have selected a hard brush, you can start creating your pixel art. To create a pixel, simply tap on the canvas with your Apple Pencil or stylus. You can also drag your Apple Pencil or stylus to create a line of pixels.
Here are some additional tips for using a hard brush for pixel art:
- Use a small brush size. This will help you create sharp, precise lines.
- Zoom in on the canvas so that you can see the individual pixels. This will help you create pixel art that is clean and accurate.
- Be patient and take your time. Pixel art can be time-consuming, but it is important to be patient and take your time in order to create high-quality artwork.
Create a color palette.
One of the most important steps in creating pixel art is to create a color palette. A color palette is a limited set of colors that you will use throughout your artwork. This will help to create a cohesive and unified look.
When creating a color palette for pixel art, it is important to choose colors that are complementary and work well together. You should also avoid using too many colors, as this can make your pixel art look cluttered and busy.
A good rule of thumb is to use no more than 16 colors in your color palette. This will give you enough colors to create a variety of different shades and hues, but it will also keep your color palette manageable.
To create a color palette in Procreate, simply tap on the "Color" button in the top right corner of the screen. Then, tap on the "+" button to add a new color. You can also use the color wheel to select a color from a specific hue.
Here are some additional tips for creating a color palette for pixel art:
- Choose colors that are complementary and work well together. You can use a color wheel to help you choose colors that complement each other.
- Avoid using too many colors. A good rule of thumb is to use no more than 16 colors in your color palette.
- Experiment with different color combinations to see what works best for your artwork.
- Once you have created a color palette, save it so that you can use it again in future projects.
Start with simple shapes.
When you are first starting out with pixel art, it is a good idea to start with simple shapes. This will help you to get a feel for the medium and to learn the basic techniques of pixel art.
- Use geometric shapes. Geometric shapes, such as squares, circles, and triangles, are easy to create in pixel art and can be used to create a variety of objects and characters.
- Break down complex shapes into simpler shapes. If you are having trouble creating a complex shape, try breaking it down into simpler shapes. For example, you could create a face by combining a circle for the head, a square for the body, and two smaller circles for the eyes.
- Use outlines to define shapes. Outlines can help to define the shapes in your pixel art and make them more readable. You can create outlines by using a darker color or by using a different color altogether.
- Experiment with different shapes. Don't be afraid to experiment with different shapes and forms. Pixel art is a great medium for creating unique and interesting shapes.
Once you have mastered the basics of pixel art, you can start to create more complex and detailed artwork. However, it is important to remember that even the most complex pixel art is made up of simple shapes. So, don't be afraid to start with simple shapes and build up from there.
Use layers for different elements.
Layers are one of the most powerful features in Procreate. They allow you to create complex artwork by building it up one layer at a time. This makes it easy to make changes to your artwork without having to worry about ruining the entire piece.
- Create a new layer for each element. This will help you to keep your artwork organized and make it easier to make changes. For example, you could create a layer for the background, a layer for the characters, and a layer for the foreground.
- Use layer masks to hide or reveal parts of a layer. Layer masks are a great way to create complex shapes and effects. For example, you could use a layer mask to create a character that is partially hidden behind a tree.
- Change the opacity of a layer to make it transparent. This can be useful for creating effects such as shadows and highlights.
- Merge layers to combine them into a single layer. This can be useful for reducing the number of layers in your artwork and making it easier to manage.
Layers are a versatile and powerful tool that can be used to create a wide variety of effects in pixel art. Experiment with different layer techniques to see what you can create.
Add details and shading.
Once you have created the basic shapes of your pixel art, you can start to add details and shading. This will help to bring your artwork to life and make it more interesting to look at.
- Use a smaller brush size to add details. This will allow you to create more precise and intricate details.
- Use different colors to create shading. Shading can help to define the shapes in your pixel art and make them appear more three-dimensional.
- Use highlights to create a sense of depth. Highlights can help to draw attention to certain areas of your pixel art and make them appear closer to the viewer.
- Experiment with different techniques to create different effects. There are many different ways to add details and shading to pixel art. Experiment with different techniques to see what works best for you.
Adding details and shading is a great way to bring your pixel art to life and make it more interesting to look at. Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques to see what you can create.
Experiment with different brushes.
Procreate has a wide variety of brushes that you can use for pixel art. Each brush has its own unique properties, so it is important to experiment with different brushes to see what works best for you.
- Hard Round Brush: The Hard Round Brush is a good all-purpose brush for pixel art. It creates sharp, defined lines.
- Hard Square Brush: The Hard Square Brush is similar to the Hard Round Brush, but it creates square pixels instead of round pixels.
- Pixel Brush: The Pixel Brush is a specialized brush that is designed for pixel art. It creates perfect squares and circles, making it ideal for creating detailed pixel art.
- Chalk Brush: The Chalk Brush is a soft, textured brush that can be used to create a variety of effects. It is a good choice for creating backgrounds and shading.
These are just a few of the many brushes that you can use for pixel art in Procreate. Experiment with different brushes to see what you can create.
Use the zoom tool to get close.
The zoom tool is an essential tool for pixel art. It allows you to zoom in on your artwork so that you can see the individual pixels. This is important for creating detailed and accurate pixel art.
To use the zoom tool, simply pinch and spread two fingers on the screen. You can also use the zoom slider in the bottom right corner of the screen. When you are zoomed in, you can use the pan tool to move around the canvas.
Here are some additional tips for using the zoom tool:
- Zoom in as close as you need to in order to see the individual pixels. This will help you to create more accurate and detailed pixel art.
- Use the pan tool to move around the canvas while you are zoomed in. This will help you to see different parts of your artwork.
- Zoom out to get a better overall view of your artwork. This will help you to see how the different elements of your artwork fit together.
The zoom tool is a powerful tool that can help you to create beautiful and detailed pixel art. Experiment with the zoom tool to see how it can help you to improve your pixel art.
Save your work frequently.
It is important to save your work frequently when you are creating pixel art in Procreate. This will help to protect your work from being lost in the event of a power outage or a computer crash.
To save your work in Procreate, simply tap on the "Actions" button in the top right corner of the screen. Then, tap on the "Save" button. You can also use the keyboard shortcut "Command + S" to save your work.
It is a good idea to save your work in two different places. This will help to ensure that your work is safe, even if one of the storage locations fails.
Here are some additional tips for saving your work frequently:
- Save your work every time you make a significant change to your artwork.
- Save your work in two different places, such as your computer and a cloud storage service.
- Create a backup of your work on a regular basis. This will help to protect your work from being lost in the event of a hardware failure.
By saving your work frequently, you can help to protect your hard work and ensure that your pixel art is safe.
Export your artwork in a suitable format.
Once you have finished creating your pixel art in Procreate, you will need to export it in a suitable format. The format you choose will depend on how you plan to use your artwork.
If you are planning to use your pixel art online, you can export it as a PNG or JPEG file. These formats are widely supported by web browsers and social media platforms.
If you are planning to use your pixel art in a video game or other digital application, you may need to export it in a different format. For example, you may need to export your artwork as a sprite sheet or a tileset.
To export your artwork in Procreate, simply tap on the "Actions" button in the top right corner of the screen. Then, tap on the "Export" button. You will then be able to choose the format you want to export your artwork in.
Here are some additional tips for exporting your artwork in a suitable format:
- Choose a format that is compatible with the software or platform you plan to use your artwork in.
- Export your artwork at a high resolution. This will ensure that your artwork looks sharp and pixelated.
- Save your artwork in a location that you can easily find.
By exporting your artwork in a suitable format, you can ensure that your pixel art can be used in a variety of applications.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to create pixel art in Procreate:
Question 1: What is the best canvas size for pixel art?
Answer 1: The best canvas size for pixel art will depend on the size of the final image you want to create. However, a good rule of thumb is to use a canvas size that is a multiple of 16. This will make it easier to create pixel art that is scaled up or down without losing quality.
Question 2: What is the best brush to use for pixel art?
Answer 2: The best brush to use for pixel art is a hard brush. A hard brush will create sharp, defined lines, which is essential for pixel art. You can use a variety of hard brushes in Procreate, such as the Hard Round Brush, the Hard Square Brush, or the Pixel Brush.
Question 3: How do I create a color palette for pixel art?
Answer 3: To create a color palette for pixel art, start by choosing a limited number of colors. A good rule of thumb is to use no more than 16 colors in your color palette. Then, choose colors that are complementary and work well together. You can use the color wheel to help you choose colors that complement each other.
Question 4: How do I start creating pixel art?
Answer 4: To start creating pixel art, start with simple shapes. Use geometric shapes, such as squares, circles, and triangles, to create the basic shapes of your artwork. Then, you can add details and shading to your artwork to bring it to life.
Question 5: How do I add details and shading to my pixel art?
Answer 5: To add details and shading to your pixel art, use a smaller brush size. This will allow you to create more precise and intricate details. You can also use different colors to create shading. Shading can help to define the shapes in your pixel art and make them appear more three-dimensional.
Question 6: How do I export my pixel art in a suitable format?
Answer 6: To export your pixel art in a suitable format, tap on the "Actions" button in the top right corner of the screen. Then, tap on the "Export" button. You will then be able to choose the format you want to export your artwork in. Choose a format that is compatible with the software or platform you plan to use your artwork in.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about how to create pixel art in Procreate. With a little practice, you can create beautiful and unique pixel art that can be used in a variety of applications.
In addition to the information in the FAQ, here are a few tips for creating pixel art in Procreate:
Tips
Here are a few tips for creating pixel art in Procreate:
Tip 1: Use a grid.
A grid can help you to create pixel art that is neat and organized. You can create a grid in Procreate by tapping on the "Actions" button in the top right corner of the screen and then tapping on the "Grid" button. You can also use the keyboard shortcut "Command + G" to create a grid.
Tip 2: Zoom in close.
When you are creating pixel art, it is important to zoom in close so that you can see the individual pixels. This will help you to create more accurate and detailed pixel art. You can zoom in by pinching and spreading two fingers on the screen. You can also use the zoom slider in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Tip 3: Experiment with different brushes.
Procreate has a variety of brushes that you can use for pixel art. Experiment with different brushes to see what works best for you. Some popular brushes for pixel art include the Hard Round Brush, the Hard Square Brush, and the Pixel Brush.
Tip 4: Save your work frequently.
It is important to save your work frequently when you are creating pixel art in Procreate. This will help to protect your work from being lost in the event of a power outage or a computer crash. You can save your work by tapping on the "Actions" button in the top right corner of the screen and then tapping on the "Save" button. You can also use the keyboard shortcut "Command + S" to save your work.
These are just a few tips to help you create beautiful and unique pixel art in Procreate. With a little practice, you can master the art of pixel art and create amazing artwork.
Now that you know the basics of creating pixel art in Procreate, you can start experimenting and creating your own unique artwork. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
In this tutorial, we have covered the basics of creating pixel art in Procreate. We have learned how to choose the right canvas size, use a hard brush, create a color palette, start with simple shapes, add details and shading, experiment with different brushes, use the zoom tool to get close, save our work frequently, and export our artwork in a suitable format.
With a little practice, you can master the art of pixel art and create amazing artwork. So don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. The possibilities are endless!
Here are a few things to keep in mind when creating pixel art:
- Pixel art is a great way to create retro-style graphics and video games.
- Pixel art can also be used to create modern and contemporary artwork.
- Procreate is a powerful and user-friendly app that is perfect for creating pixel art.
- With a little practice, you can create beautiful and unique pixel art that can be used in a variety of applications.
So what are you waiting for? Start creating pixel art today!
Thank you for reading this tutorial. I hope you found it helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
