To resize an image in Procreate, you need to choose between two methods depending on whether you want to change the entire canvas or just a single layer. Resizing the whole canvas uses the Crop and Resize tool, while resizing a single layer uses the Transform tool, so picking the right method immediately ensures you get the result you intend.
How to resize an image in Procreate: the two ways
Procreate offers two distinct ways to resize, and confusing them is the most common mistake. If you want to change the dimensions of your entire canvas, making the working area larger or smaller, you use the Crop and Resize tool. If you want to scale, rotate, or reposition a single layer (or a group of layers) without affecting the canvas size, you use the Transform tool. Knowing which one you need saves time and prevents accidental cropping or distortion.
Resize the whole canvas with crop and resize
To resize the entire canvas and all its contents, follow these steps:
- Open the Actions menu (the wrench icon).
- Tap Canvas.
- Tap Crop and Resize.
- Drag the boundary handles or corner handles on the canvas to change its size or shape visually.
- Or, for precise control, tap the Settings tab near the top right and enter exact numerical width and height values.
- If you want the image content (the artwork on the layers) to scale along with the new canvas dimensions, turn Resample on in the Settings tab. When Resample is enabled, Procreate uses bicubic interpolation to recalculate the pixels, which helps maintain quality when scaling up or down. Procreate documents bicubic interpolation when resampling.
- Tap Done to apply the changes, Cancel to discard them, or Reset to revert the canvas to its original size while staying in the Crop and Resize tool. Tap Reset to revert changes and stay in Crop & Resize.
This method is ideal when you need to change the overall dimensions of your project, such as fitting a specific print size or social media aspect ratio. The Resample toggle is critical: turning it off will only change the canvas boundaries, leaving the artwork at its original pixel dimensions, which may cause parts of the image to be cropped or surrounded by empty space.
Resize a single layer with the transform tool
To resize just one layer, for example, a sticker, a character, or a texture, without altering the canvas, use the Transform tool:
- Select the layer you want to resize in the Layers panel.
- Tap the Transform icon (the arrow cursor with a square) in the top toolbar.
- To scale uniformly and maintain the layer’s original proportions, either pinch anywhere within the bounding box or drag a corner node. In the transform interface, pinch anywhere within the bounding box to scale uniformly. Drag a corner node to resize along both axes; drag a midpoint node to stretch on one axis. Dragging a midpoint node (the dot at the center of a side) will stretch the layer on only one axis, distorting it.
- For guaranteed proportional scaling, enable the Uniform option in the Transform settings before you begin. This locks the aspect ratio so that any resize keeps the layer’s shape intact.
- Tap Apply to confirm the new size.
This approach is perfect when you need to adjust individual elements within a composition, such as making a logo smaller or enlarging a background texture. Because it works on a single layer, the rest of your artwork remains untouched.
Procreate Pocket: resize on iPhone
If you are using Procreate Pocket on an iPhone, the menu path differs slightly. Instead of the Actions menu at the top, you tap Modify, then Actions, then Canvas, and finally Crop and Resize. The rest of the process, dragging handles, entering values in the Settings tab, and toggling Resample, works identically to the iPad version. This alternate path is the only documented way to resize the canvas on Procreate Pocket.
Tips for resizing without losing quality
Resizing always carries some risk of quality loss, but these practices minimize it:
- Enable Resample when scaling up. Turning Resample on in the Crop and Resize Settings tab forces Procreate to recalculate pixels using bicubic interpolation, which produces a smoother result than simply stretching the canvas.
- Use Uniform transform for layers. When resizing a single layer, always enable the Uniform option in the Transform tool to prevent accidental distortion. This preserves the layer’s aspect ratio automatically.
- Group layers before resizing. If you need to resize multiple layers together as a single unit, group them first. In the Layers panel, select the layers, tap Group, then apply the Transform tool to the group. This keeps their relative positions and proportions intact.
- Undo mistakes with a two-finger tap. If a resize goes wrong, tap the canvas with two fingers to undo the last action. You can repeat this gesture to step back through multiple changes.
These techniques help you maintain the sharpness and integrity of your artwork, whether you are enlarging a sketch for print or shrinking a complex illustration for a thumbnail. Procreate tools, layers and file management all work together to give you control over every resizing operation, so you can achieve professional results without unnecessary trial and error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I resize an image in Procreate without losing quality?
Yes, but quality loss depends on how much you scale. Enlarging an image beyond its original pixel dimensions will always introduce some softness, but enabling Resample with bicubic interpolation minimizes this. Reducing size generally preserves sharpness well.
How do I resize multiple layers at once in Procreate?
Group the layers you want to resize together in the Layers panel, then select the group and use the Transform tool. This scales all layers in the group uniformly while maintaining their relative positions.
Is there a maximum size limit when resizing in Procreate?
However, the practical limit depends on your iPad’s available memory and the original canvas resolution. Very large resizes may slow performance or cause the app to warn you.
Does Procreate support resizing images on Android?
No. There is no Android version of Procreate, so resizing is not available on Android devices.
What is the difference between Resample and just dragging the canvas handles?
Dragging the canvas handles changes only the canvas boundaries, your artwork stays at its original pixel size. Turning Resample on scales the actual image content to fit the new canvas dimensions, recalculating pixels to match the new size.
