To reset Procreate when it misbehaves, you should quit and relaunch the app or restart your iPad, because Procreate does not have a dedicated reset button or factory reset menu.
First, back up your artwork to avoid permanent loss
Before attempting any reset, you must back up your artwork or risk losing it permanently. Procreate warns that deleting the app, overwriting internal storage, or resetting the device can permanently delete artwork data unless it is backed up first. To back up, open the Gallery, tap Select at the top, then tap the canvases and Stacks you want to save. Tap Share, choose Procreate to keep layer information, settings, and Time-Lapse Replay, then when the iPadOS share sheet appears, tap Save to Files and choose a storage location. If cloud locations do not appear, tap Ellipsis > Edit Locations. You can also export by dragging and dropping from the Gallery to Photos or Files. To restore a backup later, go to Actions > Preferences > Import.
Step 1: Quit and relaunch the Procreate app
Procreate’s help pages document quitting and relaunching the app as the first troubleshooting step when Procreate is unresponsive. On an iPad with Face ID, open the iPadOS App Switcher, then swipe up on Procreate to quit it. On an iPad with a Home button, open the App Switcher, then swipe up on Procreate to quit it. After quitting, relaunch Procreate to see if the issue is resolved. If issues persist, reset Procreate Preferences via Actions > Preferences > Reset All Settings.
Step 2: Restart your iPad if Procreate is still unresponsive
If quitting the app does not fix the problem, restarting your iPad is the next documented step. To restart an iPad without a Home button, quickly press and release Volume Up, then Volume Down, then press and hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears. To restart an iPad with a Home button, press and hold Home and Power together until the Apple logo appears. After the iPad restarts, open Procreate again.
What to do if you still have problems
If quitting the app and restarting the iPad do not resolve the issue, the problem is deeper than a simple reset. Procreate also recommends checking that there is sufficient iPad storage, as low storage can cause freezing or crashing. You can clear the app cache via device Settings, offload the app via Settings > General > iPhone/iPad Storage, or uninstall and reinstall Procreate. For further troubleshooting, see the article on why Procreate keeps crashing for additional steps beyond these two documented reset methods.
Frequently asked questions about resetting Procreate
How do I reset Procreate on my device?
The only documented troubleshooting steps are to quit and relaunch the app or restart the iPad. There are no separate reset app settings or factory reset options inside Procreate.
Will resetting Procreate delete my artwork?
Yes, if you delete the app or reset the device without first backing up, artwork data can be permanently lost. Procreate says to ensure all artwork you want to keep is backed up or exported before removing the app.
How can I back up my Procreate artwork?
Use Gallery > Select > Share > Procreate format, then Save to Files. You can also drag and drop canvases from the Gallery to Photos or Files. This backup preserves Procreate tools, layers and file management, along with Time-Lapse Replay.
Can artwork be recovered after resetting Procreate?
Lost or deleted artworks are recoverable only if they were backed up or exported beforehand.
Does Procreate have an Android version?
For iPhone, Procreate Pocket’s help pages say deleting the app or resetting the iPhone can permanently delete artwork unless it is backed up first.
