To add a reference photo in Procreate, open any canvas, tap the Actions (wrench icon), then Canvas, and turn on the Reference toggle. In the Reference Companion that appears, tap Image, then Import Image, and select a photo from your Photos app.
How to add a reference photo in Procreate
Procreate’s official, verified method for adding a reference photo uses the built-in Reference Companion. This feature keeps your image visible alongside your canvas, so you can draw without switching apps or losing your place.
- Open any canvas in Procreate.
- Tap the Actions menu (wrench icon) in the top-left corner.
- Tap Canvas in the menu that appears.
- Turn on the Reference toggle. The Reference Companion window will open.
- Inside the Reference Companion, tap the Image tab. A Face tab is also available alongside it.
- Tap Import Image.
- Select your photo from the Photos app. The image will appear in the reference window.
The Reference Companion stays on top of your canvas, giving you constant visual access to your source material while you work with Procreate tools, layers and file management.
How to move and resize the reference window
You can position the reference window anywhere on your screen and adjust its size to suit your workflow. To move the window, drag the gray handle at the top of the Reference Companion. To resize it, drag any corner of the window. This flexibility lets you keep the reference close to your drawing area without blocking important parts of your canvas.
How to clear or change your reference photo
When you need a different image, you can remove the current photo or replace it entirely. Tap Clear in the Reference Companion to remove the current reference photo from the window. To load a different image, tap Import and select a new photo from your Photos app. These controls let you swap references quickly without turning the Reference Companion off and on again.
A note on device support
These instructions apply to Procreate on iPad. The Reference Companion’s FacePaint feature, which uses the front-facing camera to capture your face as a reference, is available only on compatible iPads. When using Face for photo or video capture of FacePaint, an Options button appears. FacePaint is only on compatible iPads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have multiple reference photos open at once?
No. The Reference Companion shows one image at a time. To switch between references, use Clear to remove the current photo and Import to load a new one.
Can I have multiple reference photos in Procreate?
Yes, you can have multiple reference photos as separate layers on your canvas. Add each photo to its own layer, then use the Layers panel to toggle visibility or lower opacity as needed while you work.
Can I adjust the opacity of the reference photo?
The Reference Companion does not include an opacity slider for the imported image. If you need a transparent reference, you can add the photo as a separate layer on your canvas and lower its opacity using the Layers panel.
Does the reference photo appear in my final export?
No. The Reference Companion window is a tool that appears only while you are working. It is not part of your canvas and will not be included when you export your artwork.
Can I use a reference photo from the Files app instead of Photos?
The official Procreate help specifies that you select an image from Photos after tapping Import Image. The Reference Companion does not offer a direct import from the Files app.
Why is the Reference toggle grayed out?
The Reference toggle is available only when you have a canvas open. If it appears grayed out, make sure you are inside an active canvas, then tap Actions > Canvas to access the toggle.
