To add sound to a Procreate animation, you must use Procreate Dreams, the dedicated animation app from Procreate, as the original Procreate app cannot import or play audio.
What you need to add sound to Procreate animation
Procreate Dreams is the only Procreate app that supports audio tracks. Procreate Dreams supports all iPads able to run iPadOS 16.3. The original Procreate app is designed for drawing and painting and does not include any functionality to add sound to animations. To work with audio, you must create or open your animation in Procreate Dreams.
Supported audio formats in Procreate Dreams
Procreate Dreams accepts audio files in .mp3, .wav, .aiff, .flac, .aac, .caff, .m4a, .ac3, and .mp2 formats. Regardless of the original codec, all imported audio is decompressed to PCM at 48 kHz. This ensures consistent playback quality across different source files. Note that Procreate Dreams cannot separate audio from imported videos; audio must be brought in as a separate content track.
Step 1: Import an audio file into your animation
- Open your animation project in Procreate Dreams.
- Tap the + icon in the toolbar.
- Select Files from the menu.
- Navigate to the folder where your audio file is saved and tap it to import.
To preview an audio file before importing, use Split View. Open the Files app in one pane and Procreate Dreams in the other, then play the audio file from the Files app. Once you are satisfied, import it using the steps above.
Step 2: Sync audio with your animation on the timeline
After import, the audio appears as a new content track on the timeline. You can drag the audio track left or right to align it with your drawn animations and video content tracks. Procreate Dreams lets you combine video, drawn animations, and audio on the same timeline, so you can visually match key moments in the audio waveform to specific frames. Play back the animation to check the timing and adjust the audio track position as needed.
Step 3: Export your animated video with sound
- Tap the movie title in the top-left corner of the Timeline.
- Tap Share.
- Choose Quick export (Video) to export with default settings, or choose Advanced export (Custom settings) for more control. The Japanese export page says Advanced Export lets you change format, scale, and audio format.
- If using Advanced export, adjust the format, scale, and audio encoding options. Audio encoding offers two choices: Linear PCM and AAC. For audio encoding, select Linear PCM for higher quality with larger file sizes, or AAC for compressed audio with decent sound quality.
- Tap Export and choose a save location. The video is saved with the audio included.
You can also share your .drm files, which contain both audio and video, from the Share menu. If you choose Frames as images during export, a folder containing the individual frames is created instead of a video file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the original Procreate app add sound to animations?
No. The original Procreate app does not support audio import, playback, or export with sound. You must use Procreate Dreams to add audio to your animations.
What is the difference between Procreate and Procreate Dreams?
Procreate is a digital painting and illustration app. Procreate Dreams is a separate animation app that includes timeline-based editing, support for multiple content tracks, and the ability to import and export audio. Procreate Tools, Layers and File Management are available in both apps, but only Procreate Dreams handles sound.
Can I use royalty-free music in my Procreate Dreams animation?
Yes. You can import any audio file in a supported format, including royalty-free music. Ensure you have the proper usage rights for any music or sound effects you add to your project.
What are the track limits for audio and video in Procreate Dreams?
Limits depend on your iPad model. For example, the iPad (A16, 11th generation) supports up to 200 content tracks and 1 video track up to 4K. iPad (10th generation): 100 content tracks and 1 video track up to 4K. iPad (9th generation): 100 content tracks and 1 video track up to 4K. iPad (8th generation): 100 content tracks and 1 video track up to 4K. Older models like the iPad (7th generation) support fewer tracks. All compatible iPads can include at least one audio track alongside video and animation tracks.
