How to Select Multiple Layers in Procreate

Remember the days of trying to organize a group photo? Everyone scrambling into position, and there’s always that one person who doesn’t fit in the frame?

Well, in Procreate, organizing multiple layers can feel a bit like that. That’s why I’m here to guide you through the surprisingly simple process of selecting multiple layers in Procreate.

Quick Summary

  1. Open the Layers Panel by tapping the layers icon.
  2. Swipe right on each layer you want to select (highlighted in blue).
  3. Move, group, or apply effects to the selected layers as needed.

Pro Tips

  1. Group selected layers for better organization.
  2. Transform multiple layers at once to adjust positioning or size.
  3. Be mindful of layer order for visual impact.

🙋‍♀️One sec, before we dive in. We believe each Procreate artist deserves only the best, so that’s why we want to let you know that we prepared some amazing Procreate brushes, just for you! Feel free to check them out.

Why Select Multiple Layers?

Selecting multiple layers in Procreate is like having a multi-tool in your digital art kit.

It allows you to move, group, transform, or apply effects to several layers simultaneously.

It’s a huge time-saver and a game-changer for your workflow efficiency.

How to Select Multiple Layers in Procreate: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open the Layers Panel

Tap on the layers icon to reveal your stack of layers. Here lies the canvas of your organized chaos.

Layers panel

2. Start Selecting

Simply swipe right on the layers you want to select. You’ll see a blue highlight indicating your selection.

Selecting layers

3. Adjust as Needed

With your layers selected, you can move them together, group them, or apply any adjustment or effect to them as a unit.

How to Select Multiple Layers in Procreate

Tips for Managing Multiple Layers

1. Group for Clarity

Once you’ve selected multiple layers, consider grouping them for better organization.

It’s like putting your art supplies back in the right box.

Organizing layers

2. Transform Together

Need to resize or rotate multiple elements? Transform them together to maintain their relative positioning.

Transforming layers

3. Be Mindful of Order

The order of your layers matters. Selecting and moving layers can change how they interact visually.

Order of layeouts

In Conclusion

Selecting multiple layers in Procreate is a fundamental skill that can elevate your digital artistry.

It’s all about managing and manipulating your digital elements in a way that’s both efficient and creatively freeing.

So go ahead, swipe right on those layers, and watch as your digital canvas becomes a symphony of well-orchestrated artistry!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Selecting Multiple Layers in Procreate

Can I select non-adjacent layers?

Absolutely! You can freely select any layers you want, whether they’re next to each other or not.

How many layers can I select at once?

There’s no set limit to how many layers you can select at once. However, the more layers you select, the more taxing it can be on your iPad’s performance.

Is it possible to accidentally deselect layers?

If you tap outside the layers panel or on a non-selected layer, you might deselect your layers. Just be cautious with your taps.

Can I apply layer effects to multiple layers at once?

Yes, once you have multiple layers selected, any adjustment or effect you apply will affect all selected layers.

Does selecting multiple layers merge them?

No, selecting layers doesn’t merge them. It just groups them for whatever action you want to take next. You can choose to merge them afterward if needed.

Can I move the position of multiple layers in the layers stack?

Yes, you can drag your selected layers up or down in the stack to reposition them.

How do I deselect multiple layers?

Simply tap on a single layer or tap outside the layers panel to deselect all layers.

Will selecting multiple layers affect the individual layer settings?

No, selecting layers doesn’t change their individual settings like opacity or blend mode.

Can I undo a transformation made to multiple layers?

Yes, Procreate’s undo feature works even when you transform multiple layers. A two-finger tap will undo the last action.

Is there a way to select all layers at once?

Procreate doesn’t currently have a ‘Select All’ feature for layers, so you’ll need to select them individually.

Author Image
Jana is an illustrator. She studied at ISIA U, the Institute for Graphic Design in Urbino, Italy. She works in both traditional and digital techniques, and she loves illustration as a way of expression. She also has frame-by-frame animation skills, and I am familiar with programs such as Procreate, Photoshop, Adobe Indesign, After Effects, and DaVinci Resolve.

Share this article

Facebook Twitter Linkedin Whatsapp Email