To change the opacity of a layer on Procreate, open the Layers panel, tap the layer’s N badge, and drag the opacity slider left to make the layer more transparent or right to make it more solid. For a faster method on iPad, two-finger tap the layer in the Layers panel, then drag left or right on the canvas to adjust that layer’s transparency.
How to change the opacity of a layer on Procreate for iPad
Procreate for iPad offers two primary methods to adjust a layer’s opacity. The standard method is to open the Layers panel, tap the small letter to the right of the layer name (this is N by default for Normal blend mode), and then move the slider beneath it to set the opacity. The slider starts at 100% (fully opaque) and moves to 0% (fully transparent).
The shortcut method is faster: two-finger tap the layer in the Layers panel to bring up opacity controls, then slide left or right on the canvas. This gesture method is the only documented way to apply opacity changes within a selected area, the normal slider affects the entire layer and ignores any current selection.
How to change layer opacity in Procreate Pocket
For iPhone users, Procreate Pocket uses a different menu path. Open your project, then go to Modify > Adjustments > Effects > Opacity. From there, move the slider to adjust the layer’s transparency. You can exit this menu using the app’s adjustment actions, such as Apply in Pocket, or cancel with Cancel.
Understanding layer opacity and its limits
Opacity controls how transparent a layer is, measured on a scale from 0% (completely transparent) to 100% (fully opaque). The default opacity for any new layer is 100%. In Normal blend mode, full opacity means objects on the layer completely block layers below; lowering opacity makes the layer more transparent and lets underlying layers show through.
The opacity adjustment affects the entire layer when using the standard slider method, ignoring any active selection. Only the two-finger gesture method on iPad is documented to apply opacity changes within a selected area.
Mastering opacity adjustments is essential for coloring, shading and rendering in Procreate, as it allows you to blend colors, create subtle overlays, and control the visibility of specific elements without affecting other parts of your artwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can opacity be changed on Android?
Procreate is currently documented for iPad and iPhone only.
Does opacity affect just part of a layer?
The normal layer slider affects the entire layer; only the gesture method (two-finger tap and swipe on the canvas) on iPad is documented as applying within a selected area.
What is the default opacity?
The opacity bar starts at 100% for every new layer, meaning the layer is fully opaque by default.
Can I animate opacity changes in Procreate?
Procreate does not directly animate layer opacity within the app, but you can export your artwork as a video file and use external software to add animation effects, including opacity changes over time.
Will changing opacity affect layers below?
By default, changing a layer’s opacity only impacts the visibility of that layer itself. However, if blending modes are active, the opacity changes may interact with layers below, creating different blending effects.
Related reading: How To Turn Down Opacity On Procreate and How To Make Layer Transparent In Procreate.
