To edit text on Procreate, double-tap the text directly on the canvas to invoke the Text Entry Companion, or open the Layers menu, select the text layer, then close the Layers menu. These are the two primary methods to start editing existing text without accidentally rasterizing the layer.
How to edit text on Procreate: The two primary methods to start editing
Double-tapping the text on the canvas immediately opens the Text Entry Companion, allowing you to type new content. Alternatively, tap the Layers menu, select the text layer (identified by an "A" icon), then close the Layers menu to invoke the same editing interface. Both methods keep the text in vector format, preserving its editability.
Changing the words and font style
Once the Text Entry Companion is active, use the iOS keyboard or Apple Pencil Scribble to type new content into the text box. The text box automatically expands to fit the new content as you type. To access styling options, tap the font name, "Edit Style," or the "Aa" icon in the top right of the keyboard to open the Edit Style Panel. This panel contains four sections: Font, Style, Design, and Attributes. The Font section lets you choose the typeface. The Style section offers different widths and styles (such as regular, italic, or bold) if available for the selected font. The Design section provides sliders to adjust text size, kerning (spacing between individual characters), tracking (uniform spacing between all characters), and baseline. The Attributes section allows you to change text alignment, add underlines or outlines, and toggle all caps.
Moving and resizing your text box
To reposition text, drag the active bounding box around the canvas. To resize the text container, drag the blue nodes on either side of the bounding box. This changes only the container's shape; if you make the box narrower than the text, the text will break onto multiple lines.
Avoiding the rasterize trap
Text must remain in vector format to stay editable. A text layer is identifiable by an "A" icon as its thumbnail in the Layers panel. Rasterizing a text layer converts it into a pixel-based image, making it permanently uneditable. Always check that the layer icon shows an "A" before attempting to edit, and avoid merging or rasterizing text layers unless you are certain you no longer need to change the text.
Importing custom fonts
You can import your own custom fonts into Procreate to expand your styling options beyond the default library. Once imported, these fonts appear in the Font section of the Edit Style Panel, giving you greater creative control over your typography.
For managing your text layers alongside other elements, Procreate tools, layers and file management keep your workflow organized and your text editable. If you want to go further with motion, you can also learn how to make animation on Procreate to bring your text designs to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify a text layer in the Layers panel?
A text layer displays an "A" icon as its thumbnail. This distinguishes it from pixel-based layers, which show a thumbnail of the actual image content.
Does Procreate have spell check or autocorrect for text editing?
No, Procreate does not include built-in spell check or autocorrect features. It is recommended to double-check your text for spelling errors or use external tools for proofreading.
What happens when I rasterize a text layer?
Rasterizing converts the vector text into a pixel-based image. Once rasterized, the text is no longer editable, you cannot change the words, font, size, or any other text properties.
Can I add new text to a canvas?
Yes. To add new text, tap Actions (wrench icon) > Add > Add Text. When new text is added, a bounding box containing the word "Text" appears on the canvas, ready for typing.
How do I change the font after I've already typed my text?
Open the Edit Style Panel by double-tapping the text and tapping the font name, "Edit Style," or the "Aa" icon. In the Font section, select a new typeface from the list.
What devices support Procreate?
Procreate is available exclusively for iOS devices (iPads).
Is Procreate a subscription app?
Procreate is a one-time purchase.
