Get Creative: How to Use 3D in Procreate

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Procreate is a popular digital art application that has gained a lot of attention in recent years. One of the many features that sets it apart from other drawing apps is its ability to incorporate 3D elements into your artwork. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, adding 3D elements can give your work an extra layer of depth and realism.

Using 3D in Procreate can seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually quite simple once you get the hang of it. With just a few taps, you can add 3D models, textures, and lighting to your artwork. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of using 3D in Procreate and provide some tips and tricks to help you get started. So, whether you’re looking to add a touch of realism to your illustrations or create stunning 3D artwork, read on to learn more about using 3D in Procreate.

Setting Up Your Procreate Canvas

When it comes to creating 3D art in Procreate, the first step is setting up your canvas. Here are a few tips on how to do it:

Creating a New Canvas

To create a new canvas, tap the + icon in the top right corner of the Procreate interface. This will bring up the New Canvas dialog box, where you can choose your canvas size, resolution, and color profile.

You’ll want to choose a canvas size that’s appropriate for your project. If you’re creating a small object, you might want to choose a canvas size of 1024 x 1024 pixels. If you’re creating a larger scene, you might want to choose a canvas size of 2048 x 2048 pixels or even larger.

Adjusting Your Canvas Settings

Once you’ve created your canvas, you can adjust your canvas settings to better suit your needs. To do this, tap the wrench icon in the top left corner of the Procreate interface, then tap Canvas.

Here, you can adjust your canvas size, canvas color, and canvas resolution. You can also choose to enable or disable the grid, snap to grid, and symmetry options.

If you’re working with 3D objects, you might want to enable the grid and snap to grid options to help you align your objects more precisely. You can also enable symmetry to help you create mirrored objects.

Overall, setting up your Procreate canvas is an important step in creating 3D art. By choosing the right canvas size and adjusting your canvas settings, you can create a canvas that’s perfect for your project.

Importing and Using 3D Models

If you’re looking to add a new dimension to your artwork, using 3D models in Procreate is a great way to do it. Here’s how to import and use 3D models in Procreate.

Choosing and Downloading 3D Models

Before you can import a 3D model into Procreate, you’ll need to choose and download one. There are many websites that offer free and paid 3D models, such as TurboSquid, Sketchfab, and CGTrader. When choosing a 3D model, make sure it’s compatible with Procreate and the file format is supported, such as OBJ or FBX.

Importing 3D Models into Procreate

Once you’ve downloaded a 3D model, you can import it into Procreate. Here’s how:

  1. Open Procreate and create a new canvas.
  2. Tap the wrench icon to open the Actions menu.
  3. Tap Add > Files.
  4. Navigate to the folder where you saved the 3D model and select it.
  5. Tap Import.

Procreate will import the 3D model as a new layer. You can resize and reposition the 3D model as needed.

Manipulating 3D Models in Procreate

Procreate offers several tools for manipulating 3D models, such as Rotate, Scale, and Move. Here’s how to use them:

  1. Select the 3D model layer.
  2. Tap the Transform icon to open the Transform menu.
  3. Use the Rotate, Scale, and Move tools to adjust the 3D model as needed.

You can also use the 3D Layer tool to adjust the lighting and shadow of the 3D model.

In conclusion, by following the steps above, you can easily import and use 3D models in Procreate to enhance your artwork.

Using 3D Brushes and Textures

Selecting and Using 3D Brushes

Procreate offers a variety of 3D brushes that can help add depth and dimension to your artwork. To access these brushes, select the Brush tool and then tap on the Brush Library icon. From there, navigate to the 3D Brushes section to see the available options.

Once you have selected a 3D brush, you can adjust its settings by tapping on the brush icon and then selecting the brush settings icon. Here, you can adjust the brush size, opacity, and other settings to customize the brush to your liking.

When using 3D brushes, keep in mind that they work best when used in conjunction with other brushes and techniques. Experiment with layering different brushes and textures to create unique effects.

Applying 3D Textures to Your Artwork

In addition to 3D brushes, Procreate also offers a variety of 3D textures that can be used to add depth and texture to your artwork. To access these textures, select the Texture tool and then tap on the Texture Library icon. From there, navigate to the 3D Textures section to see the available options.

To apply a 3D texture to your artwork, simply select the texture and then use the brush tool to paint it onto your canvas. You can adjust the size and opacity of the texture brush to achieve the desired effect.

When using 3D textures, it’s important to keep in mind the overall composition of your artwork. Too many textures can be overwhelming and distract from the main focus of your piece. Experiment with different textures and find the right balance for your artwork.

In conclusion, using 3D brushes and textures can add depth and dimension to your artwork in Procreate. Experiment with different brushes and textures to find the right combination for your piece.

Adding Depth and Dimension to Your Artwork

Using 3D Layers

One of the most exciting features of Procreate is its ability to incorporate 3D elements into your artwork. You can add depth and dimension to your art by using the 3D Layers feature. To access this feature, tap on the Layers icon and then select the 3D Layers option.

Once you have created a 3D Layer, you can manipulate it in a variety of ways. You can move it around, rotate it, and adjust its size and perspective. This allows you to create complex and realistic compositions that would be difficult to achieve with 2D layers alone.

Creating Shadows and Highlights with 3D Effects

Another way to add depth and dimension to your artwork is by using 3D effects to create shadows and highlights. To do this, select the layer you want to apply the effect to, and then tap on the Adjustments icon. From here, you can choose from a variety of 3D effects, including Shadow, Highlight, and Depth.

By adjusting the intensity and direction of these effects, you can create realistic shadows and highlights that add depth and dimension to your artwork. This is particularly useful when working with objects that have complex shapes or textures.

Tips for Using 3D in Procreate

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using 3D in Procreate:

  • Experiment with different lighting and shading techniques to create realistic 3D effects.
  • Don’t be afraid to use multiple 3D layers to create complex compositions.
  • Use the Transform tool to adjust the perspective and scale of your 3D layers.
  • Take advantage of Procreate’s powerful undo and redo features to experiment with different effects and techniques.

By incorporating 3D elements into your artwork, you can take your creations to the next level and create stunning compositions that are sure to impress.

Exporting Your 3D Artwork

When you’re done creating your 3D masterpiece in Procreate, it’s time to export it so you can share it with the world. Here are some tips to help you export your 3D artwork.

Saving Your Artwork in Different Formats

Procreate allows you to save your artwork in a variety of formats, including PNG, JPEG, TIFF, and PSD. To save your 3D artwork, simply go to the “Share” tab and select “Export.” From there, you can choose the format you want to save your artwork in.

If you want to preserve the layers in your artwork, it’s best to save it as a PSD file. This will allow you to edit the layers later on if you need to make any changes. If you just want to share your artwork with others, a PNG or JPEG file will suffice.

Sharing Your 3D Artwork with Others

Once you’ve saved your 3D artwork, it’s time to share it with others. Procreate makes it easy to share your artwork with others directly from the app. Simply go to the “Share” tab and select the method you want to use to share your artwork.

You can share your artwork via email, social media, or even AirDrop. If you want to share your artwork with someone who doesn’t have Procreate, you can export it as a PNG or JPEG file and send it to them via email or text message.

In conclusion, exporting your 3D artwork from Procreate is a quick and easy process. With a few clicks, you can save your artwork in a variety of formats and share it with others. So go ahead and show off your 3D creations to the world!