What Size Canvas To Use In Procreate

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Choosing the correct canvas size is crucial in digital art, and can greatly impact the level of detail, file size, and time it takes to finish your project. This becomes even more significant when using advanced tools such as Procreate. Before embarking on your digital art project, carefully consider the canvas size that will best suit your needs.

Understanding Pixels and DPI

Before diving in, it’s crucial to understand the concepts of pixels and DPI (dots per inch). Pixels are the tiny square units that make up an image. DPI, on the other hand, indicates how densely these pixels will be packed together. The higher the DPI, the more detail your image can hold, but also, the larger your file size will be.

Procreate’s Maximum Limit

Procreate sets a maximum limit to the number of pixels you can have in a canvas, which is dependent on your device’s capabilities. This means that you cannot have an unlimited canvas size. If you select a very large canvas with high DPI, Procreate may limit the number of layers you can use. So, it’s a balancing act between canvas size, DPI and layers.

What Size Should You Choose?

When deciding what canvas size to use in Procreate, you should consider the following factors:

  • The purpose of your artwork: If you’re creating a design for a specific medium, such as a poster or a T-shirt, you should use the dimensions recommended for that medium. If you’re creating artwork just for fun or for digital display, a square canvas of 2000 x 2000 pixels or higher can be a good starting point.
  • The level of detail: If your artwork is very detailed, you might need a larger canvas size. Remember that if you enlarge an artwork created on a small canvas, it may appear pixelated.
  • Device capacity: Larger canvases need more processing power. If your device is older or has less RAM, you might need to opt for a smaller canvas size.

Changing Canvas Size in Procreate

To change the canvas size in Procreate, you can follow these steps:

  1. Open the “Actions” menu (the wrench icon).
  2. Select “Canvas”.
  3. Tap on “Crop and Resize”.
  4. Adjust the width and height as needed. You can also change the DPI here.
  5. Tap on “Done” to apply the changes.

In conclusion, the right canvas size in Procreate depends on the purpose of your artwork, the level of detail you require, and your device’s capabilities. Always remember to balance these factors to get the best results. Happy creating!