To ungroup in Procreate, open the Layers Panel, tap the group name, then tap Ungroup in the pop-up menu. This is the only documented method for separating grouped layers so you can edit individual elements.
How to ungroup layers in Procreate
The verified ungroup path works identically on both iPad and iPhone versions of the app. Follow these steps:
- Open the Layers Panel.
- Tap the group name.
- Tap Ungroup in the pop-up menu.
This action is non-destructive, meaning your original artwork and layers remain intact. After ungrouping, each layer becomes individually editable in the same position where the group was located. Use the Selection Tool to select and isolate specific elements within a group before ungrouping, making it easier to ungroup them without affecting the rest of the artwork. Review the blending modes of layers within a group before ungrouping, as blending modes can significantly impact artwork when layers are separated. Lock and hide layers you want to keep intact before ungrouping others to prevent accidental modifications. Create backups of your artwork before performing major changes like ungrouping, so you can revert if something goes wrong.
What happens when you ungroup nested groups
If a group is inside another group, ungrouping moves the layers up to the next group in the hierarchy. For example, if Group A contains Group B, and Group B contains three layers, ungrouping Group B places those three layers directly into Group A. Understand the layer order before ungrouping, as layers higher in the stack may be affected. Check the next group after ungrouping because the layers move up one level. This behavior is documented in Procreate's official help pages for both Procreate Tools, Layers and File Management.
Ungrouping on Procreate Pocket for iPhone
Procreate Pocket uses the same documented ungroup steps as the iPad version. Open the Layers Panel, tap the group name, and choose Ungroup. No different method is documented for the iPhone app.
Is Procreate available on Android?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ungroup multiple groups at once?
No. The documented method requires tapping each group name individually and choosing Ungroup. There is no batch ungroup option in the official help pages.
Will ungrouping change the appearance of my artwork?
No. Ungrouping only separates the layer structure. The visual composition, blending modes, and effects applied to individual layers remain unchanged.
How do I re-group layers after ungrouping?
Select the layers you want to group together by tapping and holding one layer, then choose Group from the options. This creates a new group folder containing those layers.
Can I ungroup layers while recording a time-lapse?
Yes. Ungrouping is a standard layer operation and does not interrupt or affect time-lapse recordings in Procreate.
Does ungrouping affect locked or hidden layers?
No. Locked and hidden layers remain in their locked or hidden state after ungrouping. Only the group structure changes.
