To flip a layer in Procreate, select the layer you want to mirror, then tap the Transform tool (the arrow icon) and choose Flip Horizontal or Flip Vertical. This two-step process immediately mirrors the layer's content, making it easy to check proportions or create symmetrical designs.
How to flip a layer in Procreate
Select the layer or object you want to flip. Tap the Transform tool, shown as the arrow icon. On the Transform toolbar, tap Flip Horizontal or Flip Vertical. In Procreate Pocket, the handbook says to tap Horizontal or Vertical on the Transform toolbar.
Flipping a layer horizontally
A horizontal flip mirrors the layer left-to-right, which is useful for checking symmetry in portraits or creating mirrored patterns. For coloring, shading and rendering in Procreate, flipping horizontally helps you spot asymmetries you might miss while working.
- Select the layer you want to flip.
- Tap the Transform tool (arrow icon).
- On Procreate for iPad, tap Flip Horizontal on the Transform toolbar.
- On Procreate Pocket, tap Horizontal on the Transform toolbar.
Flipping a layer vertically
A vertical flip mirrors the layer top-to-bottom, useful for checking proportions in standing figures or creating reflections. This works the same way as the horizontal flip but along the vertical axis.
- Select the layer you want to flip.
- Tap the Transform tool (arrow icon).
- On Procreate for iPad, tap Flip Vertical on the Transform toolbar.
- On Procreate Pocket, tap Vertical on the Transform toolbar.
How to undo or redo a layer flip
To reverse the last flip, use the standard Undo button (the curved arrow pointing left) in the interface. Undo and Redo arrow icons are located on the left side of the canvas on iPad and at the top of the canvas on iPhone. To reapply the flip, use the Redo button (the curved arrow pointing right). Alternatively, undo a flip by tapping the Layer menu and selecting 'Flip Layer' again. Redo a flip by selecting 'Flip Layer' from the Layer menu as an alternative to the Redo button.
Can you flip a layer diagonally in Procreate?
The documented transform options are Flip Horizontal and Flip Vertical only. A diagonal mirror effect is not a built-in feature, so you cannot flip a layer at a 45-degree angle using the Transform tool. Diagonal flip is a permanent action that cannot be undone directly; recommends duplicating the layer before flipping to work non-destructively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does flipping a layer affect the other layers in my artwork?
No, flipping a layer only affects the selected layer. Other layers remain unchanged unless you have selected multiple layers simultaneously.
Can I animate a flipped layer in Procreate?
Yes, you can use the Animation Assist feature to create frames with different flipped positions, allowing you to animate a flipped layer over time.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to flip a layer in Procreate?
The flip action is performed through the Transform toolbar.
Will flipping a layer change its position on the canvas?
You can move the flipped layer using the Transform tool handles.
Can I flip multiple layers at once in Procreate?
Yes, you can select multiple layers by tapping them in the Layers panel, then use the Transform tool to flip them all at once.
Can I undo a flip operation in Procreate?
Yes, you can undo a flip operation by tapping the Undo arrow icon or by opening the Layer menu and selecting 'Flip Layer' again to toggle it back.
