The Procreate selection tool is a super useful for editing and refining your artwork. But did you know there are hidden tricks that can speed up your workflow? In my latest video, I walk you through ten must-know selection tricks that will take your Procreate skills to the next level.
And here’s a bonus! You can download a free cheat sheet with all these shortcuts, plus my free brush set—just check the link in the description.
1. Move Multiple Layers
Selecting multiple layers lets you move them together, but remember—anything moved outside the canvas gets cropped once you exit the move tool!
2. Freehand vs. Polygonal Selection
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Use the freehand selection tool to draw around an area or tap multiple times for precise, straight-line selections.
3. Quick Layer Selection Shortcut
Tap and hold with two fingers on a layer to instantly select everything on it. This makes painting within an object’s boundaries effortless.
4. Select Multiple Areas at Once
You can select multiple objects in freehand mode by simply drawing around them one by one.
5. Add or Remove from Selection
Tap and hold on the selection tool to reload your last selection. Use Add to expand a selection and Remove to deselect parts.
6. Cut, Copy, and Paste with Ease
Use the swipe-down menu to quickly cut, copy, and paste selections. “Cut and Paste” moves a selection to a new layer instantly.
7. Copy All Layers in a Selection
The Copy All function grabs everything visible in the selected area—even across multiple layers. Hide unwanted layers before using it to avoid copying the background.
8. Automatic Selection Mode
Tap and drag right to select an area based on color similarity. Adjust the threshold to refine your selection, but beware—it’s less precise than freehand.
9. Quick Color Blocking with the Selection Tool
Turn on Color Fill to automatically fill selections as you create them. This is perfect for blocking in large areas of color in illustrations.
10. Adjust Selection Mask Visibility
If the selection mask is too distracting, tweak its opacity in Preferences to make it more (or less) visible while you work.
These tricks will help you speed up your workflow, refine your selections, and make Procreate even more fun to use.
Want a handy reference?
Download the free cheat sheet and grab my free brush set—links are in the video description!
Happy creating! 🎨
Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »
