As an artist, you’re probably used to using various software to create your work. However, you may use one program more than any other: procreate. Procreate is a powerful app that lets you create beautiful digital art, and many artists swear by it. But even the most seasoned procreate users sometimes need a little help getting around the app’s features. This blog post will show you how to copy and paste in procreate.
If you’re an artist and used to procreate, you know how important it is to copy and paste. This can be a lifesaver when it comes to creating multiple versions of the same thing or copying and pasting elements from one drawing into another. But did you know that there are several ways to do this in procreate?
This article will show you 5 different methods to copy and paste in procreate. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced procreate user, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about copying and pasting in procreate. Let’s get started!
How to Copy and Paste in Procreate: 5 Methods
Procreate is a powerful app for digital art on the iPad. It’s simple to use and has all the tools you need to create beautiful artwork. One of the best things about Procreate is how easy it is to copy and paste elements from one drawing into another. In this section, we will show you how to do that.
Method- 1: Copy and Paste in Procreate With a Shortcut
It is necessary to make sure that you have selected the Three finger Swipe option in the Copy & Paste section of Procreate’s Gesture controls for accessing the three finger swipe gesture.

Follow These Steps:
- You can reach this page from Actions ⇨ Prefs ⇨ Gesture Controls ⇨ Copy & Paste.
- You can enable Three Finger Swipe by selecting that option.
- When you are finished with the menu, click Done to close it.
You can now copy and paste your selected object with three fingers by swiping it down. Just click the Copy icon. And that’s how you do it in Procreate.
Similarly, if you would like to learn about cut and paste in this Procreate app, you have to use the same procedure, and then choose Cut, and then choose Paste option.
Method- 2: Copy and Paste a Single Element

Follow These Steps:
Use the Selection tool to select an element in a layer. You will be able to choose between four options: Automatic, Freehand, Rectangle, or Ellipse. This example uses Freehand.
Following selecting an object, you have two options: you can either use the three-finger swipe method above or go to Actions ⇨ Add ⇨ Copy or Paste.
Method- 3: How to Copy and Paste an Entire Layer in Procreate
Copying and pasting an entire layer is possible in two ways in Procreate.

Follow These Steps:
- Choosing Copy from the layer menu is the first option.
Copy and paste shortcuts now work like before, although you can also paste by going to Actions ⇨ Add ⇨ Paste. You can paste in Procreate in this way. - Duplicating a layer in Procreate is the second method. By doing this, you will make an exact copy of the layer.
Method- 4: Copy and Paste a Layer to an Existing or New Canvas

Follow These Steps:
- Click on Copy in the Layers panel when you have selected the layer.
- Next, select the layer to paste onto the new canvas and select Actions ⇨ Add ⇨ Paste from the existing or new canvas.
Method- 5: How to Copy a Color in Procreate

Follow These Steps:
- Select the last option under the Eyedropper section under Gesture controls.
- You can select a color by touching and holding it anywhere on the canvas.
- Using this method, it is possible to copy the color from any artwork in Procreate.
Pro Tips To Copy and Paste in Procreate
Following these steps is all you need to do.
- Please select the item you wish to copy on Procreate.
- You can now swipe down on that object with three fingers.
- There will be a popup menu in the middle of the screen to enable users to make selections. Once the menu appears, click on the Copy option.
- It will now be copied to the object that has been selected. If you wish to paste the copied object, do the same process as copying it.
- This will only copy objects on the current layer you have selected.
- You must select the copy all option from the popup menu to select all and copy all.
- You can easily copy and paste from the right sidebar if you have it.
Therefore, doing such small things without hassle is how you can use procreate like a pro. Hopefully, now you all know how to copy and paste in Procreate.
Copying and Pasting in Procreate: Things to Keep in Mind
Duplicates in Procreate
Duplicating is the method of copying in Procreate. The software doesn’t call it copying. It’s called duplicating. Some people have difficulty coping in Procreate because there is no function for copying, only a duplicate function. But the latest version has the copy option.
Layers in Procreate
Procreate works with layers like most design programs. You can have multiple layers in one drawing. It is possible to copy and duplicate only one layer when using layers.
Duplicate or Copy Per Layer
In Procreate, layers are important because duplicates are done according to the layer. In design terms, this means you need to think about layers if you will be using the duplicating tool. A layer can’t be duplicated or copied partially but must be copied completely.
Copies Will Be Overlayed
Copying or duplicating a layer will copy it on top. This copied layer will generally have to be moved to the desired position on the canvas. This can be done by pressing the move button in Procreate or clicking the blue circle at the top left-hand side.
Copy All Layers in A Group
Additionally, you can group layers together in Procreate, then duplicate or copy the entire group or just some of the layers.
Procreate groups layers into groups when you select several layers at once. Once you select several layers, those groups are treated like one layer. As long as you do not ungroup them, they remain together.
The undo function in Procreate enables you to ungroup by double-tapping on the screen. During the design process, it can be hard to remove something that has been accidentally grouped.
Conclusion
Procreate is a powerful app for creatives. It may seem like a difficult app to use, but it’s actually quite intuitive and easy once you know how. You can do everything from sketching to designing with it, but if you need help copying and pasting text into the app, these instructions should be helpful. All of these methods are quick and painless, so go ahead and give them a try today.