Procreate: Actions & Animation

About this Actions & Animation Tutorial

This concise Procreate overview highlights practical techniques for creating polished digital art and simple animations. The tutorial emphasizes hands-on learning: you’ll follow step-by-step demonstrations that pair core concepts (layers, blend modes, and drawing guides) with short projects to apply them immediately. The pace and examples make it suitable for artists who want a practical, tool-focused guide to Procreate’s Actions and Animation features.

What you’ll learn

The course concentrates on skills you can use right away. You’ll learn how to import and use reference images to inform composition and color decisions; set up Drawing Guides and symmetry to speed up precise linework; and manage layers and blend modes for more flexible editing. Animation-focused lessons explain Animation Assist basics, frame-by-frame techniques, onion skinning, and how frame rate influences motion so your short loops feel smooth and intentional. Each concept is demonstrated with visual examples and short exercises to reinforce learning.

Who should use this guide

This tutorial is designed for beginners who want a clear pathway into Procreate’s animation tools, as well as intermediate users seeking practical tips to streamline workflows. Illustrators, social creators, and designers who need to produce short animated assets or improve accuracy in digital drawing will find the exercises immediately applicable. Advanced users can use the guide as a quick reference for Animation Assist workflows and symmetry tricks.

Practical projects and exercises

Learning is project-focused. Expect short, achievable exercises such as creating a looping frame-by-frame motion, using a photographic reference to build a stylized digital painting, and designing a symmetrical emblem using Drawing Assist. These projects teach how to combine layers, blend modes, and export settings to produce final assets suitable for social media or portfolio pieces.

Common pitfalls to avoid

New learners often skip foundational workflow habits that save time later: not organizing layers, ignoring blend mode previews, or overcomplicating animations too early. The guide stresses starting with simple loops, labeling and grouping layers, and using onion skins to judge motion between frames. These habits reduce rework and improve clarity when iterating.

Short FAQ — quick answers

How do I insert an image as a reference?

Use the Actions menu to insert photos or files; scale and lower opacity or set blend modes to integrate the reference without obscuring your sketch.

What does Animation Assist simplify?

Animation Assist provides a timeline, onion skin controls, and easy frame management so animating in Procreate feels approachable and visual rather than technical.

When should I use symmetry and drawing guides?

Enable symmetry or guides when you need precise, repeatable patterns or mirrored elements—logos, mandalas, and character facial symmetry all benefit from these tools.

Advanced tips

Experiment with easing by varying frame spacing for more natural motion, and combine blend modes with clipped layers to achieve texture and lighting effects without painting destructively. Use layer groups to keep animation frames organized and export sequences as PNGs or GIFs depending on your delivery needs.

Why this guide is useful

By blending short projects with focused tool explanations, the tutorial helps you quickly move from learning features to producing shareable work. Whether you want to create simple animated icons, refine digital paintings from photo references, or speed up symmetrical designs, the lessons provide practical steps and repeatable workflows to build confidence in Procreate.

Get started

If you prefer learning by doing, this Actions & Animation guide gives clear, example-driven instruction and practice tasks to develop both drawing precision and basic animation skills. Work through the exercises, apply the advanced tips as you progress, and reuse the workflows in your own projects to see fast improvement.