{"id":8298,"date":"2023-03-23T13:50:28","date_gmt":"2023-03-23T21:20:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/?p=8298"},"modified":"2023-11-02T19:23:49","modified_gmt":"2023-11-03T02:53:49","slug":"how-to-use-procreate-reference-layers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/how-to-use-procreate-reference-layers\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use Procreate Reference Layers"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-9::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-9{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-10::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-10{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-11::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-11{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>What if you could add color to your line work while keeping the color on a separate layer? Well, with Procreate&rsquo;s reference layers, you can do that! This gives you a lot more flexibility to experiment with colors without compromising your linework layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>To use Procreate&rsquo;s reference layers, open your layer&rsquo;s panel and choose the &ldquo;Reference&rdquo; setting for your linework layer. Create a new layer above your reference layer. On this new layer, drag and drop colors into your linework. This will activate ColorDrop but, because you&rsquo;re using a reference layer, the color will be confined to your linework.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before we can talk about reference layers, we need to understand ColorDrop. These two features go together like peanut butter and jelly, so if I start talking about reference layers without explaining ColorDrop first, we&rsquo;ll end up with a sad sandwich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\">What is Procreate&rsquo;s ColorDrop?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In Procreate, ColorDrop is the feature that lets you drag and drop colors into any closed shapes on your active layers. This automatically fills a shape with color instead of having to color it in manually with your Apple Pencil.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Active layer? Drag and drop? Closed shapes? Let&rsquo;s go over that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your active layer is the one you have selected in your layer&rsquo;s panel that you&rsquo;re currently drawing on. It will be highlighted in blue. Whichever layer is selected in your layer&rsquo;s panel is the one that the ColorDrop feature will respond to.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-showing-active-layer-flower-drawing.jpeg\" alt=\"procreate showing active layer flower drawing\" class=\"wp-image-8301\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-showing-active-layer-flower-drawing.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-showing-active-layer-flower-drawing-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-showing-active-layer-flower-drawing-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-showing-active-layer-flower-drawing-728x546.jpeg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20800%20600'%3E%3Crect%20width='800'%20height='600'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"procreate showing active layer flower drawing\" class=\"wp-image-8301 eager-load\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-showing-active-layer-flower-drawing.jpeg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-showing-active-layer-flower-drawing.jpeg.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-showing-active-layer-flower-drawing.jpeg.webp 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-showing-active-layer-flower-drawing-300x225.jpeg.webp 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-showing-active-layer-flower-drawing-768x576.jpeg.webp 768w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-showing-active-layer-flower-drawing-728x546.jpeg.webp 728w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>To activate ColorDrop, you&rsquo;re going to drag and drop the active color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Essentially, look at the top right corner of your iPad screen and identify the little circle of color that&rsquo;s sitting there. This is your active color. If you were to start drawing, this is the color that would show up. Tap on that circle of color to change your active color to the one you want to use.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-active-color-yellow-flower-drawing.jpeg\" alt=\"procreate active color yellow flower drawing\" class=\"wp-image-8302\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-active-color-yellow-flower-drawing.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-active-color-yellow-flower-drawing-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-active-color-yellow-flower-drawing-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-active-color-yellow-flower-drawing-728x546.jpeg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-active-color-yellow-flower-drawing.jpeg.webp\" alt=\"procreate active color yellow flower drawing\" class=\"wp-image-8302 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-active-color-yellow-flower-drawing.jpeg.webp 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-active-color-yellow-flower-drawing-300x225.jpeg.webp 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-active-color-yellow-flower-drawing-768x576.jpeg.webp 768w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-active-color-yellow-flower-drawing-728x546.jpeg.webp 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-active-color-yellow-flower-drawing.jpeg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Once you have the color you want, drag and drop it into one of your closed shapes on your Procreate canvas.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, let&rsquo;s talk about closed shapes. When you drag and drop your color into your Procreate canvas, you&rsquo;ll see that it either floods your entire canvas, or becomes confined to a shape. If it floods your entire canvas, this either means that you didn&rsquo;t drag the color into a specific shape, or that your shape isn&rsquo;t open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For ColorDrop to work, you need to make sure that your shape is closed. This means that the ends of your lines are touching.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_41249E88E359-1-min.jpeg\" alt=\"procreate gaps in lines\" class=\"wp-image-2684\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_41249E88E359-1-min.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_41249E88E359-1-min-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_41249E88E359-1-min-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_41249E88E359-1-min.jpeg.webp\" alt=\"procreate gaps in lines\" class=\"wp-image-2684 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_41249E88E359-1-min.jpeg.webp 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_41249E88E359-1-min-300x225.jpeg.webp 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_41249E88E359-1-min-768x576.jpeg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/IMG_41249E88E359-1-min.jpeg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>You can also run into issues with ColorDrop if you are drawing lightly using a wispy brush, like the watercolor brush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you initiate ColorDrop, you&rsquo;ll see a threshold slider at the top of your screen. Without lifting your Apple Pencil from the canvas, drag it to the left or right to change the amount of space that your Color Drop takes up.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-colordrop-threshold-yellow-flower-drawing.jpeg\" alt=\"procreate colordrop threshold yellow flower drawing\" class=\"wp-image-8303\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-colordrop-threshold-yellow-flower-drawing.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-colordrop-threshold-yellow-flower-drawing-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-colordrop-threshold-yellow-flower-drawing-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-colordrop-threshold-yellow-flower-drawing-728x546.jpeg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-colordrop-threshold-yellow-flower-drawing.jpeg.webp\" alt=\"procreate colordrop threshold yellow flower drawing\" class=\"wp-image-8303 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-colordrop-threshold-yellow-flower-drawing.jpeg.webp 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-colordrop-threshold-yellow-flower-drawing-300x225.jpeg.webp 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-colordrop-threshold-yellow-flower-drawing-768x576.jpeg.webp 768w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-colordrop-threshold-yellow-flower-drawing-728x546.jpeg.webp 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-colordrop-threshold-yellow-flower-drawing.jpeg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>This can take some experimentation, so don&rsquo;t worry about giving it a try and <a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/undo-redo-gestures-procreate\/\">undoing it<\/a> if you need to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From there, if you want to keep coloring your piece with the same color, tap on the &ldquo;Continue filling&rdquo; button. Then, tap on your shapes to fill them with color.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-continue-filling-colordrop-yellow-flower-drawing.jpeg\" alt=\"procreate continue filling colordrop yellow flower drawing\" class=\"wp-image-8305\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-continue-filling-colordrop-yellow-flower-drawing.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-continue-filling-colordrop-yellow-flower-drawing-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-continue-filling-colordrop-yellow-flower-drawing-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-continue-filling-colordrop-yellow-flower-drawing-728x546.jpeg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-continue-filling-colordrop-yellow-flower-drawing.jpeg.webp\" alt=\"procreate continue filling colordrop yellow flower drawing\" class=\"wp-image-8305 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-continue-filling-colordrop-yellow-flower-drawing.jpeg.webp 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-continue-filling-colordrop-yellow-flower-drawing-300x225.jpeg.webp 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-continue-filling-colordrop-yellow-flower-drawing-768x576.jpeg.webp 768w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-continue-filling-colordrop-yellow-flower-drawing-728x546.jpeg.webp 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-continue-filling-colordrop-yellow-flower-drawing.jpeg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Alright, let&rsquo;s move onto reference layers and how ColorDrop works with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\">How to Use Procreate&rsquo;s Reference Layers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In Procreate, reference layers allow you to ColorDrop into your shapes using a different layer. This gives you the option to add color to your work without impacting your linework layer.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Personally, I had to start using reference layers for them to make sense. So, let&rsquo;s walk through the steps of adding and using a reference layer and talk about how they work as we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Open your layer&rsquo;s panel and activate the settings for your linework layer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To begin with, go ahead and open your layer&rsquo;s panel.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find your linework layer and tap on it to open its settings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When I talk about your &ldquo;linework layer,&rdquo; I&rsquo;m talking about the layer you want to add color to. Since we&rsquo;ll be using ColorDrop, this layer needs to have closed shapes on it that will be compatible with the ColorDrop feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, that&rsquo;s why I call it a linework layer.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-layer-settings-flower-drawing.jpeg\" alt=\"procreate layer settings flower drawing\" class=\"wp-image-8306\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-layer-settings-flower-drawing.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-layer-settings-flower-drawing-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-layer-settings-flower-drawing-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-layer-settings-flower-drawing-728x546.jpeg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-layer-settings-flower-drawing.jpeg.webp\" alt=\"procreate layer settings flower drawing\" class=\"wp-image-8306 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-layer-settings-flower-drawing.jpeg.webp 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-layer-settings-flower-drawing-300x225.jpeg.webp 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-layer-settings-flower-drawing-768x576.jpeg.webp 768w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-layer-settings-flower-drawing-728x546.jpeg.webp 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-layer-settings-flower-drawing.jpeg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Tap on the Reference option<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you have your linework layer settings open, choose the Reference option. This will turn your linework layer into a &ldquo;reference&rdquo; layer for the ColorDrop features we&rsquo;re going to do later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You&rsquo;ll know that your reference layer is activated when you see the little &ldquo;Reference&rdquo; label within your layer.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-setting-flower-drawing.jpeg\" alt=\"procreate reference layer setting flower drawing\" class=\"wp-image-8307\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-setting-flower-drawing.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-setting-flower-drawing-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-setting-flower-drawing-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-setting-flower-drawing-728x546.jpeg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-setting-flower-drawing.jpeg.webp\" alt=\"procreate reference layer setting flower drawing\" class=\"wp-image-8307 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-setting-flower-drawing.jpeg.webp 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-setting-flower-drawing-300x225.jpeg.webp 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-setting-flower-drawing-768x576.jpeg.webp 768w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-setting-flower-drawing-728x546.jpeg.webp 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-setting-flower-drawing.jpeg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Add a new layer above your reference layer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In your layer&rsquo;s panel, tap on the plus button to add a new layer. Make sure this layer is above your reference layer.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-add-layer-above-reference-layer-flower-drawing.jpeg\" alt=\"procreate add layer above reference layer flower drawing\" class=\"wp-image-8308\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-add-layer-above-reference-layer-flower-drawing.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-add-layer-above-reference-layer-flower-drawing-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-add-layer-above-reference-layer-flower-drawing-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-add-layer-above-reference-layer-flower-drawing-728x546.jpeg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-add-layer-above-reference-layer-flower-drawing.jpeg.webp\" alt=\"procreate add layer above reference layer flower drawing\" class=\"wp-image-8308 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-add-layer-above-reference-layer-flower-drawing.jpeg.webp 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-add-layer-above-reference-layer-flower-drawing-300x225.jpeg.webp 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-add-layer-above-reference-layer-flower-drawing-768x576.jpeg.webp 768w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-add-layer-above-reference-layer-flower-drawing-728x546.jpeg.webp 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-add-layer-above-reference-layer-flower-drawing.jpeg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-8\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Use the ColorDrop feature in your new layer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now we&rsquo;re ready to get started using our reference layer! Here&rsquo;s the deal, we aren&rsquo;t actually going to be adding the color to our reference layer directly; we&rsquo;re going to use the new layer we created above it. So, make sure your new layer is highlighted and selected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With your desired color selected in your color palette, drag and drop your color into your linework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though you&rsquo;re dragging and dropping your color into the layer above your linework, it will stay confined to the bounds of your linework. This is the magic of reference layers!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-yellow-added-flower-drawing.jpeg\" alt=\"procreate reference layer yellow added flower drawing\" class=\"wp-image-8309\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-yellow-added-flower-drawing.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-yellow-added-flower-drawing-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-yellow-added-flower-drawing-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-yellow-added-flower-drawing-728x546.jpeg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-yellow-added-flower-drawing.jpeg.webp\" alt=\"procreate reference layer yellow added flower drawing\" class=\"wp-image-8309 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-yellow-added-flower-drawing.jpeg.webp 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-yellow-added-flower-drawing-300x225.jpeg.webp 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-yellow-added-flower-drawing-768x576.jpeg.webp 768w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-yellow-added-flower-drawing-728x546.jpeg.webp 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-yellow-added-flower-drawing.jpeg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-9\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Once you&rsquo;ve dragged and dropped your first color, you can use the &ldquo;Continue filling&rdquo; option to continue adding color to your shape.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-continue-filling-yellow-flower-drawing.jpeg\" alt=\"procreate reference layer continue filling yellow flower drawing\" class=\"wp-image-8310\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-continue-filling-yellow-flower-drawing.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-continue-filling-yellow-flower-drawing-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-continue-filling-yellow-flower-drawing-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-continue-filling-yellow-flower-drawing-728x546.jpeg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-continue-filling-yellow-flower-drawing.jpeg.webp\" alt=\"procreate reference layer continue filling yellow flower drawing\" class=\"wp-image-8310 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-continue-filling-yellow-flower-drawing.jpeg.webp 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-continue-filling-yellow-flower-drawing-300x225.jpeg.webp 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-continue-filling-yellow-flower-drawing-768x576.jpeg.webp 768w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-continue-filling-yellow-flower-drawing-728x546.jpeg.webp 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-reference-layer-continue-filling-yellow-flower-drawing.jpeg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-10\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Make sure to take some time to play around with this because it can take some getting used to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\">Reference Layer Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When I&rsquo;m using reference layers for my own art, there are a few things I keep in mind.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. You can use reference layers whether your linework is blank, or it already has color in it.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means that using reference layers can be a great way to test out with new colors without changing your original colors. I talk about this in my post about <a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/change-color-layer-procreate\/\">changing the color of a layer<\/a>, so I suggest you check out that post to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-change-shape-color-reference-layer-mouse-drawing.jpeg\" alt=\"procreate change shape color reference layer mouse drawing\" class=\"wp-image-8311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-change-shape-color-reference-layer-mouse-drawing.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-change-shape-color-reference-layer-mouse-drawing-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-change-shape-color-reference-layer-mouse-drawing-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-change-shape-color-reference-layer-mouse-drawing-728x546.jpeg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-change-shape-color-reference-layer-mouse-drawing.jpeg.webp\" alt=\"procreate change shape color reference layer mouse drawing\" class=\"wp-image-8311 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-change-shape-color-reference-layer-mouse-drawing.jpeg.webp 800w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-change-shape-color-reference-layer-mouse-drawing-300x225.jpeg.webp 300w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-change-shape-color-reference-layer-mouse-drawing-768x576.jpeg.webp 768w, https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-change-shape-color-reference-layer-mouse-drawing-728x546.jpeg.webp 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/procreate-change-shape-color-reference-layer-mouse-drawing.jpeg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-11\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Reference layers can only be used for ColorDrop.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means that you <a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/cant-draw-on-a-layer-in-procreate-things-to-check\/\">can&rsquo;t start drawing on your layer<\/a> and expect it to stay confined to the shapes in your linework. You can ONLY use ColorDrop with reference layers to fill your shapes with solid colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have a post about <a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/color-inside-lines-procreate\/\">drawing within the lines of your shapes<\/a> that I suggest checking out if you want to learn more about that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Don&rsquo;t forget about reference layers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I adore reference layers but, to be honest, I forget to use them! I&rsquo;ll be in the flow of my art and start dropping colors right into my linework.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means that I have to <a href=\"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/undo-redo-gestures-procreate\/\">undo things<\/a> so that I can go back and create a reference layer. It&rsquo;s not a big deal, but I thought I would mention it! At the least, it&rsquo;s the sign of a focused art session!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reference layers are a SUPER neat feature that Procreate offers. Spend some time practicing with them so that you can take advantage of them in your own art!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What if you could add color to your line work while keeping the color on a separate layer? Well, with Procreate&rsquo;s reference layers, you can do that! This gives you a lot more flexibility to experiment with colors without compromising your linework layer. To use Procreate&rsquo;s reference layers, open your layer&rsquo;s panel and choose the &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8300,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16,19],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8298"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8298"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8298\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8300"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8298"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8298"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventureswithart.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8298"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}