To get new brushes on Procreate, you import brush files you've downloaded or create custom brushes from scratch in the Brush Studio. The primary method is to tap the "+" icon in the Brushes panel and select "Import from Files" to locate your downloaded .brush, .brushset, .brushlibrary, or .abr files.
How to get new brushes on Procreate by importing files
The most direct way to get new brushes on Procreate is by importing brush files you've acquired from other artists or online sources. Procreate supports importing its native brush file formats, which are .brush, .brushset, and .brushlibrary, as well as Adobe Photoshop's .abr brush files. To import brushes directly within the Procreate app, first tap "Paint," "Smudge," or "Erase" to open the Brushes panel, then tap the "+" icon in the top right corner, and select "Import from Files." Navigate to the folder containing your downloaded brush files and tap the file to import it. Alternatively, if you encounter a .brush, .brushset, .brushlibrary, or .abr file online or in an email, tapping on it will typically prompt Procreate to import the brush automatically.
Import brushes with drag and drop
You can also import brushes by dragging and dropping .brush, .brushset, .brushlibrary, or .abr files from other applications, such as the iPad's Files app, directly into Procreate. Open the Files app on your iPad, locate the brush file, then drag it into your Procreate canvas or the Brushes panel. This method works seamlessly when you have multiple files to import or prefer a hands-on approach to file management.
How imported brush files are organized
When you import brushes, Procreate organizes them based on file type. When importing, individual .brush files are placed into a new brush set named "Imported", while .brushset files appear as their own named brush set, and .brushlibrary files are added to the brush libraries overview. This organization helps you keep your growing collection manageable, especially when working on complex projects that require specialized tools for coloring, shading and rendering in Procreate.
Create a custom brush by duplicating an existing one
The easiest way to start a custom brush is by duplicating an existing one. Users can duplicate any existing brush by swiping left on it in the Brush Library and tapping "Duplicate," which allows for modification without altering the original brush. Duplicating is ideal when you like a brush's basic behavior but want to adjust its size, opacity, or texture for a specific effect. It's a quick way to build a personalized collection without starting from nothing.
Design a new brush from scratch in the Brush Studio
For complete creative control, design a new brush from scratch. To create a new brush from scratch, open the Brushes panel, tap the "+" icon in the top right, and then tap "Create new brush" to access the Brush Studio. The Brush Studio provides 14 customizable attributes, including Shape, Grain, Stroke Path, Apple Pencil settings, and Rendering, allowing for extensive brush design. Each attribute offers deep customization, allowing you to craft brushes that respond exactly how you want. Procreate 5.2 introduced advanced Stroke Stabilization and Motion Filtering settings within the Brush Studio, designed to help artists create smoother and more controlled lines. Mastering the Brush Studio is essential for artists who want to master Procreate tools, layers and file management while developing a unique artistic style.
Organize your brushes into custom sets
As your brush collection grows, organizing brushes into custom sets keeps your workflow efficient. Procreate enables the creation of custom brush sets by dragging the brush set list downward and tapping the blue "+" button that appears. This organization is especially helpful when switching between different projects or artistic styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Photoshop brushes on Procreate?
Yes, Procreate supports Adobe Photoshop's .abr brush files in addition to its native .brush, .brushset, and .brushlibrary formats. You can import .abr files using the same methods described above, via the "+" icon, automatic prompt, or drag and drop.
Where can I find free brushes for Procreate?
Many artists share free brushes on platforms like Gumroad, Behance, and social media. Procreate's default brush library also offers a wide selection of brushes at no additional cost. Always check the file format before downloading to ensure compatibility.
How do I share my custom brushes with others?
To share a brush you've created, open the Brush Library, swipe left on the brush, tap the "Share" icon, and choose "Brush" to export it as a .brush file. You can then send it via email, messaging apps, or upload it to cloud storage for others to download and import.
Can I import multiple brushes at once?
Yes, importing a .brushset file brings in an entire collection of brushes as a single named set. You can also select multiple .brush files in the Files app and import them together, though each individual .brush file will still be placed into the "Imported" set.
What if Procreate doesn't recognize my brush file?
Ensure your file uses one of the supported formats: .brush, .brushset, .brushlibrary, or .abr. If the file is compressed (e.g., .zip), extract it first using the Files app. Corrupted or incorrectly named files may also fail to import.
