How to Add Texture in Procreate

Texture is essential for adding character to hand drawn designs. It can also enhance text and create impact. In Procreate, textures can be added with brushes, stamps, overlays and many other ways. Follow our tutorial as we guide you through the process of adding texture in Procreate.

In this tutorial we will be using watercolor Procreate brushes along with a digital abstract background. We have already installed our brushes. If you need more help with this we have a great tutorial on installing brushes in Procreate.

Step 1 - Build up a Basic Texture

We will begin with a simple Ellipse shape and add some texture to it. The layer blending mode will also be changed to give a smoother transition of blending.

Create Ellipse and add Clipping Mask

Tap on the Selection tool at the top, select Ellipse then draw out the shape. Hold your finger on the screen to create a perfect circle. Fill with a color of your choice.

Next, we will create a clipping mask. The clipping mask will allow us to add texture so it only affects the shape. It is also a non-destructive way of adding to a layer. Under the Layers panel, tap on the plus sign to add a new layer. Double tap on this layer to open the options and select Clipping Mask.

Since we want a nice blend, we need to change the Blending Mode. On the clipping mask layer, tap on the letter N. Next, select Multiply. The same color will be used for the shading, but will darken with the help of Multiply.

Select a watercolor brush

Go to your brushes panel and select a watercolor brush. We chose the Toned Wash 2.0 from the Watercolor Lettering Brush set. Adjust the size and opacity on the side panel. We set our Brush to 30% and Opacity to 100%.

Now, start painting gradually on the clipping mask. Slowly build up the texture as you paint.

Add a new layer and also change this to a Clipping Mask. Change the Blending mode to Screen and, using the same color, paint over an area of the shape. As seen in the image below, the texture brush gives the appearance of a mottled texture.

Keep adding new layers and changing the blend modes. Remember to change each to a Clipping Mask so the texture stays within the Ellipse.

Experiment with different blend modes and textures to get the desired result. You can also change the Opacity under the Blending Mode.

Using the same methods above, we applied a texture to this cute little cupcake.

You have now added texture in Procreate! Next up, be sure to check out how to add shading and create a blur in Procreate.