How to Stop a Procreate Canvas from Moving

How to Stop a Procreate Canvas from Moving

The Procreate app can be challenging if you have to constantly reset the layers to keep them from shifting when you are painting or drawing. In addition, users often complain that their pieces are ruined because a random smudge on the screen moved the canvas. So, how do you stop a Procreate canvas from moving?

Using Procreate is a great escape and a fantastic piece to practice your drawing chops while on the go. However, it does come with a few minor hiccups that require you to take a deep dive into the advanced settings and get things back on track. So, read on and learn how to stop a Procreate canvas from moving!

How to Stop a Procreate Canvas from Moving

A tiny shift in your canvas can be ruinous for your project and set you back hours on your workday. However, knowing how to stop the canvas from shifting can be a game-saving maneuver. It takes a bit of poking around, but there are ways to keep the canvas rooted in the same spot until you are ready to unlock it.

The steps to stopping the Procreate canvas from moving are:

  1. Advanced Settings – Click on the Help tab in the Actions Menu. You should find the Actions section by looking for the wrench icon. It should be somewhere near the Gallery icon.
  2. Palm Support – In the Advanced menu, you should be looking for the Palm Support option. The iPad is very sensitive to touch, and even the slightest bit of resting by a hand or finger could be seen as a gesture to move the canvas down.
  3. Back to Painting – Once you have adjusted the Palm Support option, head back out onto the canvas. Now you should be able to rest bits of your palm, or whole hand, on the surface of the iPad without having any issues with the rest of the project.

Once you have set the canvas, it should stay in the same spot until you unlock or choose to realign it yourself. Having a steady screen gives you a fantastic base to build your artistic skills or pass the time while on your flight.

How Else to Get the Canvas to Stop Moving

One of the great things about Procreate is its responsiveness to your touch. The system used for tapping with multiple fingers gives the user several different ways to alter their projects. There are also other ways to accomplish this by using various tools.

The most common ways to work with Procreate on your iPad Pro are:

By using these implements, you have a few more pieces of functionality that could protect you from having a screen that moves or jumps. The important thing to concentrate on is keeping your hand away from the screen while using the pen or the stylus. Remember that it is very sensitive to touch, and any mistake could cost time and money.

Using the Apple Pencil is Another Great Way to Prevent Canvas Moving

Apple makes products that add increased functionality to all their business apps with the Apple pencil. However, this is less like a pencil and more like a remote control, as a couple of buttons on the stem allow the user to plug in hotkey-like commands.

A few reasons to use the Apple Pencil when using Procreate are:

  • Extra Functions – The buttons on the side of the pencil are phenomenal. They allow you to change color or brushes at the push of a button and can even cut and paste depending on the type of project you are working on.
  • Hand Freedom – The ability to move your hand around without adjusting or changing the art is crucial. Using the pencil gives you the option of keeping your hand a few inches from the screen, which will prevent it from moving.

Using the Apple pencil gives yourself a friendly buffer zone between your hand and the touchscreen. This zone could keep you from having to change the Palm Support option. It will also give you an error zone while working.

Using the Stylus Will Give a Few Benefits the Apple Pencil Does Not

You might not think that a stylus can compete with the functionality of the Apple pencil, but you would be wrong. A stylus is a simple tool that, when used properly, allows the user to make the same adjustments and corrections to their art while still keeping space from the screen.

A couple of ways that a stylus works better for using Procreate on your iPad Pro are:

  • More Time – The most significant thing about the Apple pencil is how short the battery life can be. With a stylus, you have an unlimited amount of time to get to work on your projects. It also means that there is less charging time to wait around for.
  • Any Stylus – You can choose any stylus you want. The good thing about them is that they are usually just faux pens with a rubber coating on the tip. This coating allows it to glide over the surface of your tablet, just like a ballpoint pen on paper.
  • Grip – Let’s face it, the Apple pen’s smooth surface can make it hard to hold onto. There are usually sections of plastic or rough materials with the stylus that gives the user a more firm grip on the tool.

A stylus is a valuable piece of technology. Like chimpanzees and sticks, humans lean on simple implements to help them complete everyday tasks. The Apple Pencil is the futuristic version of the stylus and is a great way to keep your screen from moving while working in Procreate.

Conclusion

The best way to keep your Procreate canvas from moving while working is to use Advanced Options and change the Palm Support option. Palm Support takes away the touchscreen’s ability to interpret taps and gestures as functions. Once switched, you are open to resting your palm while you work without having any issues with the art.

There are a few ways to get around having the canvas move in Procreate, and using a tool like a stylus or Apple pencil will be a good idea. While they don’t have the same effect as changing Palm Support, they give you a nice area between your hand and your palm to prevent any touches that could force a canvas to move.

What Happens If You Print RGB Instead of CMYK?

When getting a file ready for print, you may have been told to make sure to convert it from RGB to CMYK. While it’s common practice to make this conversion, many don’t know why. Does it really matter? What happens if you send it to print without changing the file to CMYK?

Generally, if a file is not converted to CMYK before printing, the printer will do so automatically. This means that the printer will make the color adjustments from RGB to CMYK, which could result in colors that don’t match the intended result.

With everything that goes into graphic design, it’s not always easy to remember every little detail of the process. While many programs like Placeit will make the change for you, it’s essential to know what happens when you print RGB instead of CMYK. Read on to find out.

Is It Possible to Print in RGB Instead of CMYK?

If you forget to convert a file to CMYK before printing, it’s not always the end of the world. However, it may come with some consequences you might have to contend with, such as a design that doesn’t exactly match what you see on your computer screen.

If you do not convert your file from RGB to CMYK, the printer will convert it for you. This is because the printer can’t create all of the colors that are available in the RGB color model. When compared to CMYK, RGB offers a larger color gamut. Because ink does not emit light, it is impossible to duplicate all of the colors shown on a screen in printed ink. So, instead, the printer does the conversion on its own, trying to match the RGB color with a CMYK one.

This means you won’t be able to see how your print will turn out until the printer completes the job. As a result, you could end up with color adjustments that don’t match the brand or color model you were going for.

Will Commercial Printers Accept Files in RGB for Print?

While it might seem like you are skipping a step by not converting color mode before sending a file off to print, this could actually be an extremely costly mistake. So costly, in fact, that many commercial printers will refuse to print files sent in with the RGB color model.

Even though many consumer inkjet printers can now print hundreds or even thousands of times as many colors as CMYK color printing, it’s still vital to switch to CMYK. This is especially true when sending a print design to a professional printer. Otherwise, you risk the printer returning weird, muddy, or just inaccurate colors.

You can avoid this potentially costly issue by switching your color model or designing in CMYK from the start.

What is the Difference Between RGB and CMYK?

Everyone is familiar with the color processes RGB and CMYK. But you might not be clear about their differences and why it matters. The color ranges of the two methods differ, with RGB allowing a greater range of options.

RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue, the three distinct color channels that make up a digital light display. It is an additive technique, combining red, green, and blue in various proportions to create additional colors.

The CMYK process is a subtractive one. To generate various colors we can see, different quantities of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black are employed to “delete” reflected colors off the paper.

Why Should You Convert Colors from RGB to CMYK for Print?

Converting color modes from RGB to CMYK before printing can save you from a huge headache. Automatic color model adjustment can lead to unwelcome surprises.

For example, you may have chosen a neon green color in RGB for your poster because of the way the vibrant color pops on the screen. However, when it gets sent to print, the finished product comes out looking more like an olive green.

This is because the printer cannot always translate the vibrant and intense colors shown on your retina screen into physical objects. If you create a brilliant, geometrical pattern in RGB and then convert it to CMYK, the colors will lose their brightness in print.

The RGB color model contains many more shades than the CMYK color model. A backlit screen will also provide a brighter color than any pigment on canvas or any other medium. Solids produce the most vibrant colors when using CMYK. Therefore, the most vibrant hues accessible in print will be 100 percent cyan, magenta, and yellow.

How To Convert RGB to CMYK

If you already have your design completed in RGB, you may be wondering how to change it to CMYK. Don’t worry; you’re not going to have to start from scratch.

For the most part, most programs make it fairly easy to convert between the two-color models. This is because graphic designs are often jumping between the modes, depending on the type of project they are working on.

In Adobe Illustrator, for example, you would simply go to Files > Document Color Mode > CMYK Color to convert. In Photoshop, it’s just as easy. Simply select Image > Option and then choose the desired mode from the submenu.

When using online graphic design tools like Placeit, you have a lot more freedom with the color mode that you choose. In this case, it’s a good idea to use an online CMYK picker. This allows you to choose the colors you would like to use, and then edit the colors with the CMYK equivalents on those sites.

Final Thoughts

You should now have a good idea of what happens when you print RGB instead of CMYK.

To produce logos and graphics for the web and print, graphic artists require both RGB and CMYK. However, neither will perform flawlessly on both platforms. If you’re going to be designing for print, it’s essential to make sure to convert your file from RGB to CMYK before sending it off.

What to Do When Photoshop Keep Selecting Wrong Layer

Photoshop is one of the most popular photo editing apps for graphic designers, photographers, and photo editors. However, many people have been having the same problem with certain versions of the application. When they try to select a particular layer, the program selects a different one. What should you do when this happens?

If Photoshop keeps selecting a different layer than the one you’re clicking on in the layers panel, there’s a good chance you have Auto-Select enabled. This feature is enabled in newer versions of Photoshop by default, and you’ll have to turn it off to fix the problem.

Below, we’ll discuss what exactly this feature does, as well as how to turn it on and off. Keep reading to start using Photoshop the old way!

Why Does Photoshop Keep Selecting the Wrong Layer?

The most common reason why Photoshop will select a different layer than the one you click is that you have Auto-Select enabled. This feature allows users to automatically select the top layer, or top group of layers, on the canvas you’re working on.

Auto-Select is turned on by default in all versions of Photoshop released in the past several years. If you’ve recently upgraded to a newer version of the application, this may be the reason why you’ve suddenly started having problems.

What is Auto-Select?

The Auto-Select feature has been a part of Photoshop since 2018. When a user has Auto-Select enabled, they can automatically select and move a layer simply by clicking on it in their canvas.

As mentioned, Auto-Select has been enabled automatically in new versions of the application released over the past several years. If you turn it off and then reset your Photoshop tools, Photoshop will re-enable it until you disable it once again.

If you want to keep Auto-Select enabled, but are having trouble selecting a particular label as a result, there is a way to temporarily disable it. Simply press and hold either the control key (if you’re using a Windows computer) or the command key (if you’re using a Mac computer) on your keyboard. This will allow you to use the layers panel to select your desired layer. As soon as you release the button on your keyboard, Auto-Select will turn itself back on.

How to Turn Auto-Select On or Off

If you want to go back to using Photoshop the way you used to, you’ll need to turn Auto-Select off. This will allow you to select the correct layer from the layers panel every time, even if it’s buried under several others.

Here’s how to turn Auto-Select on or off:

  1. From the Photoshop toolbar, choose the Move tool.
  2. With the Move tool selected, you should see a checkbox with the word “Auto-Select” next to it in the upper left corner of the screen. Simply uncheck this box to turn Auto-Select off, or leave it checked to keep it on.
  3. If you don’t see this option at the top of the screen, you may have a narrow options bar enabled in your preferences. To access the option, you’ll have to open the Photoshop “Preferences” menu, then navigate to “Workspace.” From there, make sure the “Condensed” option is turned off.

Should You Use Auto-Select?

People tend to have mixed opinions on Auto-Select as a feature, especially about the fact that it’s enabled by default. Let’s discuss some of the pros and cons of using Auto-Select on Photoshop.

Pros of Auto-Select

One of the main reasons Photoshop chose to enable Auto-Select by default was to make the application more user-friendly. While those who have been using Photoshop for years would probably prefer that Adobe did not enable new default features, many new users prefer Auto-Select.

While sorting through a layers panel can be intimidating to some, Auto-Select enables you to select and move a layer simply by clicking it. This is generally preferred by anyone who doesn’t yet have a solid understanding of Photoshop, layers, or digital editing in general.

Cons of Auto-Select

While Auto-Select is a great option for some, many people have expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that Photoshop enables it by default. If you have been using Photoshop for years to either create graphics or edit photos, you may feel that it adds an unnecessary step to the process you’re used to.

Whenever you update Photoshop and any time that you reset your tools, you’ll have to remember to turn Auto-Select back off. If you don’t realize what’s happening at first, this can cause a lot of frustration and wasted time.

Now, let’s discuss an issue that plagues both new and experienced Photoshop users: the problem of overlapping layers. If you’re creating an exceptionally detailed graphic or using a lot of filters on top of a photo, it can be challenging to select the right one. Even when you click on a shape or object you know is on one layer, Photoshop will often automatically select whatever may be on top of that object. This is especially true if you use a high-transparency layer. It can make it all but impossible to choose the right one.

What If Turning Off Auto-Select Doesn’t Solve the Problem?

If you’ve turned off Auto-Select and are still having the same issue, it’s likely a bug or glitch in your program. Try uninstalling and reinstalling Photoshop, making sure to save any files you’re still working on in a separate folder. If the problem persists, you may have to contact Adobe customer support.

Final Thoughts

If you use Photoshop regularly, it can be incredibly frustrating when the program continues to select the wrong layer. If you’re having this problem, turning off the Auto-Select feature will likely fix it. As the name suggests, Auto-Select automatically selects the layer your cursor is on top of when you go to move a layer. While this is an excellent, user-friendly feature for some, others consider it an inconvenience.

If turning off Auto-Select does not solve this problem, you may need to reinstall Photoshop entirely and try turning it off again. Still not having luck? Contact Adobe customer support.

Why Are Your Procreate Brushes So Pixelated?

In traditional art, you can get crisp lines with every stroke of your brush. However, with technology advancing and all things becoming digital, traditional art is a thing of the past. Digital art is now a go-to for artists. However, digital drawing platforms such as Procreate tend to have learning curves. One example would be your Procreate brushes creating pixelated lines.

There are a couple of reasons why your Procreate brushes may be pixelated:

  1. Canvas size
  2. Canvas DPI
  3. Use of the zoom feature
  4. Use of the move tool
  5. Brush version
  6. Brush type

To learn why these things may cause your Procreate brushes to be pixelated and how to prevent it from happening, keep reading.

» MORE: Do Professional Artists and Designers Use Procreate?

Why Your Procreate Brushes Are So Pixelated

Procreate brushes are a very useful tool for any digital artist. However, when you’re hard at work on a piece of art, it can be frustrating to find that your brushes are looking pixelated.

Your Procreate brushes may be looking pixelated due to the canvas size or DPI. Other reasons could include the size of your brush, the type of brush you’re using, or how far you’re zoomed in. However, other factors could be contributing as well.

1. Canvas Size

If your canvas size is too small, your Procreate brushes can appear pixelated. The reason for this is because, as the canvas size changes, the dimensions of the pixels that make up the canvas will also change.

For example, if your canvas is small and has large pixels, your lines will come out pixelated, as opposed to a large canvas with small pixels, in which your lines will look crisper.

Additionally, social media platforms like Instagram and graphic design template websites like Placeit have specific dimensions required for uploading or designing your art. If your art piece is not the right dimensions or size ratio, it can stretch it upon uploading, making it look pixelated.

To fix your Procreate brushes from looking pixelated due to the canvas size, you’ll need to change the size of the canvas. Let’s get into more detail on this below.

How to Create a New Canvas In a Larger Size

Here’s how to change your canvas size when creating a new canvas in Procreate:

  1. Go to the Procreate app’s home page
  2. Click the + in the top right corner
  3. On the top right corner of the dropdown menu, click the file icon with a + on it
  4. Enter the desired canvas width in the width box
  5. Enter the desired canvas width in the height box
  6. Click Create

But, what if you have a piece that you’re currently working on and want to change the canvas size to prevent it from being blurry once you’re finished? Keep reading to find out how to fix this.

How to Change the Size of an Already Created Canvas

Here’s how to change your canvas size when it has already been created in Procreate:

  1. Click the canvas you want to change the size of from your Gallery
  2. Click on the wrench tool in the top left corner
  3. Click Crop & Resize
  4. Click Settings
  5. Select the first box and enter the desired width
  6. Select the second box and enter the desired height
  7. Click Done

Do be cautious when using the crop and resize feature on Procreate, as existing art will appear much larger or much smaller after you make changes to the canvas’ size. If you’re afraid that doing this will mess up your piece in any way, duplicate the file before changing the canvas size so you can go back to the original file in case things don’t work out.

2. Canvas DPI

The canvas DPI (dots per inch) of your canvas is how many pixels there are in your canvas. Many beginning digital artists or new users of Procreate may not know the importance of DPI in their art pieces.

According to the Procreate Handbook, more pixels means more capacity for detail in your art piece, and higher-quality printing. So, when your Procreate brush strokes appear pixelated, it might be because the canvas has too low of a DPI.

To fix your Procreate brushes from looking pixelated due to the canvas DPI, you’ll need to change the DPI size of the canvas. Let’s get into more detail on this below.

How to Create a New Canvas with a Larger DPI Size

Here’s how to change your DPI size when creating a canvas in Procreate:

  1. Go to the Procreate app’s home page
  2. Click the + in the top right corner
  3. On the top right corner of the dropdown menu, click the file icon with a + on it
  4. Enter the desired DPI size in the DPI box
  5. Click Create

See below to find out how to change the DPI of your art piece if the canvas has already been created.

How to Change the DPI Size of an Already Created Canvas

Here’s how to change your canvas DPI size when it has already been created in Procreate:

  1. Click the canvas you want to change the DPI size of from your Gallery
  2. Click on the wrench tool in the top left corner
  3. Click Crop & Resize
  4. Click Settings
  5. Select the third box and enter the desired DPI size
  6. Click Done

Just like in changing the size of the canvas itself, you should proceed with caution when changing the DPI size of your canvas to prevent any existing art.

3. Use of the Zoom Feature

Your Procreate canvas is made up of hundreds of tiny pixels. Zooming into your canvas causes these pixels to blow up in size. If you’re drawing on a too-far zoomed in canvas, the lines you make with your Procreate brushes may be pixelated since these pixels are bigger and therefore more noticeable.

To fix the pixilation in your lines, just pinch the screen and drag your fingers inward to zoom out. When you see the canvas from farther away, the pixels are less noticeable, and your lines will appear crisper.

4. Use of the Move Tool

When you have a current project open in Procreate, you should see the toolbar at the top left of your screen. The icon that resembles a mouse cursor is the move tool. When selected, it highlights the entire selected layer and you are able to move it across the canvas, resize it, and rotate it.

Unfortunately, resizing and rotating your layers can cause them to look pixelated because, in doing this, you are changing the pixels that make up the lines.

One way to fix this would be to go over the area you moved in a separate layer using the exact process you used before editing it.

5. Brush Version

As of the Procreate 4.2 update, major changes to the brush functions were made. One of these changes was the way the taper feature behaves, according to ProcreateFolio.

A lot of Procreate users who utilized brushes before this update have noticed that the new taper behavior can sometimes make lines look more pixelated.

To fix this, you can download the Procreate 4.1 brushes. However, the other upgrades made to the brushes in the 4.2 update will not be included.

6. Brush Type

Procreate provides you with many default brushes upon downloading the app to your iPad. Each brush is unique in its own way. For example, some brushes are smooth, while others are grainy.

If you used a grainy or textured Procreate brush on your canvas, the lines may appear pixelated because it is integrated in the brush’s design to look this way.

To fix this, just avoid using brushes that have texture to them in the future and stick to smooth, fine-line brushes.

» MORE: Procreate Fill Tool Leaves Line? [How to Fix It]

What Canvas Size & DPI Should I Use In Procreate?

Here are the recommended canvas sizes, in pixels, and DPI you should use depending on where you’ll be uploading your art to:

  • Facebook (Cover image): 851 x 315 or 640 x 360 with 72 DPI
  • Facebook (Profile picture): 170 x 170 or 36 x 36 with 72 DPI
  • Facebook (Post image): 720, 960, or 2048 wide with 72 DPI
  • Instagram (Landscape): 1080 x 566 with 72 DPI
  • Instagram (Portrait): 1080 x 1350 with 72 DPI
  • Instagram (Profile picture): 360 x 360 with 72 DPI
  • Placeit (Poster): 3300 x 5100, 2400 x 7200, or 7200 × 10800 with 300 DPI
  • Placeit (Business cards): 1050 x 600 with 300 DPI

Now you know the best size and DPI sizes to use for wherever you’ll be uploading your Procreate art to prevent any pixilation.

Conclusion

There are a few reasons why your Procreate brushes might be appearing pixelated, but each reason has an easy solution. However, remember to proceed cautiously with certain solutions so as not to ruin your art.

Why Are Your PNG Files Blurry In InDesign?

Adobe InDesign is a useful software for creating page layouts for various projects, but just like much other software, it may not always work perfectly. One common problem InDesign users run into involves PNG files displaying unclearly through the software. So, why are your PNG files blurry in InDesign?

Most of the time, a blurry PNG file is not due to the file itself. The likelihood is that the view setting in InDesign is not set to display as high quality of an image as you are looking for. Still, it could be the size of the PNG file, which is something to look out for.

Continue reading to learn why your PNG files are blurry in InDesign. Whether it is a user error or something that needs to be changed in the settings, read below to find causes as well as ways to fix your problem.

Why Are Your PNG Files Blurry In InDesign?

A Portable Network Graphic – or PNG – is a raster-graphics file that uses lossless compression. Since it is widely used and proves its reliability, you might be surprised to learn that it appears blurry in InDesign. Chances are that your view settings on InDesign are not set to support a PNG file as well as you want them to.

The Default View in the Display Performance section of InDesign’s settings may not be set to support a clear display of a PNG file. As you will learn shortly, this is typically a quick fix. However, this is not always the case. There could be other problems.

It is also worth noting that InDesign’s Display Performance settings may blur pictures on your screen, but the images should still print clearly. Still, a blurry PNG file on-screen may not do you any good. Even if it prints clearly, you likely still want to be able to view the finished product before printing. You need to know if there are edits to be made, if the image does not fit with the rest of the layout, etc.

Plus, if your layout will be exported for a website page or something of the like, the problem may not disappear. If the file remains blurry during editing, transferring it someplace else is probably going to keep it blurry. As mentioned, it is only with printing that the image can clear up. Keep in mind, however, that underlying problems might even prevent print from making the image clear.

Other Causes Of A Blurry PNG File

The display settings are the most common cause of a blurry PNG file in InDesign. Other causes of a blurry PNG file include:

  • Low-resolution image
  • Too large of an image
  • Underlying problem with InDesign

Even when using a PNG file with lossless compression, it can still be possible to have an image with low resolution or an image that is too large. If you have a low-res image, changing the display view setting may not even make any difference. Similarly, an image that is too large may not display clearly in InDesign.

In more serious cases, there might be a bug issue with InDesign. Problems with useful software are the worst-case scenario, as your investment in the said software is valuable. If you spend money on software that bugs out and prevents you from completing projects, you have a right to be agitated. As you will learn later, there is a way to avoid this problem altogether.

How To Fix Blurry PNG Files In InDesign

Now that you the common causes of blurry PNG files in InDesign, you are probably wondering how to fix the problem. In most cases, it is a simple fix. Below are steps to take in an attempt to get a clear display of your PNG file in InDesign.

If the problem arises from the Display Performance settings, you should have no problem getting a clear PNG file image display. You can do the following by selecting an image itself and changing the settings, but changing the settings through the toolbar of InDesign will ensure that all other PNG files display clearly.

In InDesign, go to the View Menu and find the Display Performance settings. If your Display Performance setting is set to Proxy Display or Typical Display, this could very well be the problem. Click the drop-down arrow and select High Quality Display. This should solve the blurry image problem In the Display Performance settings, you can also customize the display options for various file types.

If you do this and find that the PNG file is still blurry, it may be one of the other problems mentioned above. When initially selecting your image to convert into a PNG file, make sure its resolution is high enough while its size is not overly large. Although, PNG files do a nice job of retaining quality through lossless compression. If you do this, and you still cannot fix the blurry display, it may be a problem with InDesign.

Placeit as a Reliable Option

If you try every fix available and cannot seem to find the problem, there might be something wrong with the software. InDesign is used by many, but like other software, it can have its fair share of problems. Luckily, there are other options out there that prevent you from running into recurring inconveniences.

Placeit is an online source for mockups, logos, videos, designs, and more. With tens of thousands of logos, designs, and templates to choose from, it has everything you need to accomplish pretty much any graphic design project. 

One of the most reliable features of Placeit is that it is online. You do not have to spend the extra time and money installing software onto your device. With a few clicks of a button, you can find yourself creating your designs in no time. Plus, you do not have to worry about petty problems such as PNG files appearing blurry in your templates.

Takeaway

In most cases, PNG files show up blurry in InDesign because the Default View for files in the Display Performance settings is not set to a high enough quality of display. This is typically a simple fix, though it may not always be the problem. For more information concerning design software tips, be sure to check out Placeit.

Procreate Palm Rejection Not Working [How to Fix It]

Palm rejection is a feature that Procreate uses to prevent lines from appearing if your hand or fingers touch the screen. However, it might glitch or not function properly from time to time. Fortunately, there are multiple simple ways to fix any issues with palm rejection the app might be having.

The best way to fix any palm rejection issues on Procreate is to check the settings on your devices. A few settings might need to be changed or enabled. If the settings aren’t an issue, then you might have to restart your devices.

The following article is a more detailed explanation of multiple ways to fix palm rejection issues in Procreate.

Make Sure Palm Rejection is Enabled

The primary way to fix palm rejection in Procreate is to make sure it’s enabled in your settings. If it isn’t, then turning it on will fix any issues. If it’s already turned on, then turning it off and on again will likely help.

To make sure that palm rejection is enabled on your device:

  1. Open the “Settings” app on your device
  2. Go to the “Devices” option
  3. Go to the “Pen & Windows” tab
  4. Scroll down to the “Pen” option
  5. Enable the option that says “Ignore touch input when I’m using my pen”

This means that your device will ignore any touches from your palm or finger while the tip of your apple pen is touching the screen. You can still use your finger to draw on the screen if you like, as long as your apple pen isn’t touching the screen at the same time.

If your palm rejection is already enabled but it’s still having issues, then turning it off and on again might fix the problem. Uncheck the box in the Devices settings tab, wait for a few minutes, and then check it again. If palm rejection still isn’t working correctly, then the following solutions might solve the problem.

Your Stylus Might Already Have Palm Rejection

Styluses usually already have palm rejection installed, so random lines don’t appear on screen while you’re using it. If palm rejection is installed on both your stylus and device, then the function might start functioning strangely.

To see if your stylus already has palm rejection, turn your device’s palm rejection off and try to draw/write something while resting your hand against the device screen. If random lines don’t appear, then your stylus already has palm rejection. If it does, then you don’t need to do anything else aside from making sure your device’s palm rejection is off.

But not all styluses are compatible with the Procreate app, so it’s essential to try it out before enabling or disabling palm rejection to make sure everything works properly.

If both devices have palm rejection on, they could have difficulty determining whether the stylus or your fingers/hand are touching the screen. This can cause your stylus to not work properly and make it difficult to use. But turning your device’s palm rejection off will easily solve the issue.

Change The Gesture Controls

The gesture controls are actions you can make with your fingers or hand to manipulate the Procreate screen. If issues with the palm rejection function are occurring, changing the controls to be less responsive could solve the problem.

To change the gesture controls:

  1. Open the “Settings” app on your device
  2. Scroll down until you see the “Actions” option
  3. Select and then choose “Preferences”
  4. Choose “Gesture Controls” and an entire screen of gesture control options will appear
  5. You can change the controls until they suit your needs and preferences

Changing them can also help fix any palm rejection issues you’re having. For example, you can toggle the “Disable Touch” option on to ensure that only fingertip touches will invoke gesture controls. This means that if your palm is resting against the screen while you work, it won’t trigger any gesture controls and you can keep working.

If you prefer to only use your stylus for working or don’t touch the screen very often, you can disable as many gesture controls as you like.

Restart Your Devices

The last possible solution to fixing any palm rejection issues is restarting your devices. This includes whatever you’re drawing on, such as a laptop or tablet, and your stylus.

It’s recommended that you try out each of the above solutions before restarting your devices. Restarting your stylus doesn’t involve any risks, but restarting the device you draw on could cause your work to be lost if you aren’t careful. You can avoid this by making sure your work is saved on a backup drive, but it’s still advised to leave this solution for last to avoid the risk altogether.

To restart most devices, press and hold the power button until a tab with a few options appears. The options should have something like “Shut Down” and “Restart” on them, and you should select the “Restart” button.

Shutting the device down presents an even greater risk of losing your work, so restarting is the best option. The device will then automatically turn off and start back up.

To restart your stylus, press and hold the power button on the right edge of the stylus until the stylus turns off. If that isn’t working, then you might have to hold down the home button or one of the volume buttons as well. Wait about three seconds, and then turn the stylus back on.

Restarting your devices can help refresh and kickstart them, fixing any issues you might have been experiencing.

Final Thoughts

If the palm rejection function is still not working after you’ve tried all of the solutions described above, then you might have to take your devices to a specialist. There might be something else wrong with them, and a specialist would be able to help more. But more often than not, the fixes described above will help solve any palm rejection issues on the Procreate app.

Procreate Color Drop Threshold Not Working [7 Easy Fixes]

If you’re an artist and use Procreate, chances are you’ve run into a frustrating problem. Maybe the color drop threshold is not working for you, or it’s too sensitive. We’ve got a list of 7 fixes for these common problems, whatever the case may be.

When the Color Drop Threshold in Procreate is not working, most of the fixes or solutions will involve checking your settings. If all of your settings are set appropriately, check for the latest version of your app and make sure you are up to date.

Many artists find workarounds when their color threshold isn’t working correctly, however, if you are dedicated to correcting the issue, these fixes will show you how simple it is.

» MORE: Why Does Procreate Fill the Whole Page?

Fix 1 – Enable Color Drop Threshold in Advanced Settings

You should first make sure the color drop threshold is enabled in the advanced settings. To do this, open up Procreate and go to Settings. Tap Advanced and scroll down until you find Color Drop Threshold. If it’s there, then tap on it and change it from “Off” to “Low.”

This will allow your Apple device to render the maximum number of colors on a canvas. You can also change it from “Low” to “Medium” and then try out various color palettes to see what you like best!

Fix 2 – Change the Sensitivity of the Color Picker

This one is pretty self-explanatory. The color picker can be overly sensitive, making it challenging to find the perfect color for your needs. To fix this, tap on the settings icon in the top right corner of Procreate.

Then select “Color Picker” and adjust the sensitivity slider until you are happy with your selection. This will allow you to select the best color with your color picker tool.

After opening up the Color Picker, you can adjust the sensitivity slider until it displays a good color. The more sensitive your picker is, the better and brighter colors will be shown on the screen. This allows for an easier selection of the desired color with this tool.

Fix 3 – Adjust the Radius of the Color Drop

The radius of the color drop can be adjusted in the Settings section. The lower you set the radius, the more sensitive it will be. If your color picker is being too sensitive and selecting colors you don’t mean to select, try lowering the radius.

Fix 4 – Adjust the Maximum Value for RGB Sliders

If you’re having issues with the RGB sliders in your Procreate color picker, you may be able to fix it by adjusting the maximum value for each slider. To do this, open your Procreate color picker and go to Settings. Then, scroll to the bottom of the list and tap “Advanced.”

Find “Maximum Values for Sliders” and adjust each one accordingly. For example, if you can’t select any dark colors, decrease the “Red” slider’s maximum value to 255.

If you find that you can only select specific colors with lots of other ones missing, increase the “Blue” slider’s maximum value from 255 to a higher number like 300 or 400. Procreate’s color picker won’t work correctly if a slider is set too high or too low.

Change Red Slider to 100%

If you’re having a problem with the color picker, start by making sure that the red slider is set to 100%. The color picker will go from 0 to 100 in increments of 10.

Change Green Slider to 100%

One fix is to try changing the green slider to 100%. The color picker will now have a fixed threshold, regardless of where you move the green slider.

Change Blue Slider to 100%

If the blue slider is not working for you, you should change it to 100%. Go to Preferences > Palette > Sliders. Change the Blue slider to 100%. Once you do this, it should work.

» MORE: Procreate Fill Tool Leaves Line? [How to Fix It]

Fix 5 – Reset Settings and Reinstall Procreate

Sometimes, the most straightforward fix is resetting the settings and reinstalling Procreate. If that doesn’t work, try uninstalling Procreate and then reinstalling it. While this is a last resort, you can ensure that your Procreate is back to its factory set up. This is especially great if you made a change that you cannot undo.

Fix 6 – Update iOS, if Necessary

You may need to update if you’re running an older version of iOS. To check which version of iOS your device is running, go to Settings>General>About. To update the software on your device, go to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the prompts from there.

Fix 7 – Check for Bugs in App Store

One of the first things you should do is make sure you have the latest version of Procreate. This can be done by checking for a bug that might be present in the app store version. To do this, go to the app store and find Procreate.

If you’re wondering how to update your Apple device, there are a few simple steps that will help. First, go into the Settings app on your phone and select “General.” Then find the Software Update option in General and tap it. If an update is available for download, press Download and Install Now; otherwise, make sure Notifications is enabled so you can be notified when one becomes available!

Conclusion

Getting the right color for your image is critical when creating an amazing piece of art. While Procreate can be a fantastic tool for artists, some can find themselves using alternate tools to find and select the right colors out of frustration.

If you have the time, checking your settings and the status of your app can help you identify if there is an underlying issue you can correct in Procreate. This will allow you to get the fullest use out of your artistic experience within the application.

If you are still experiencing issues, the best thing to do is call or email Apple for help. They are the ones who made your device and will be able to fix any problems with it. Whatever you do, make sure not to reset your Apple device! Be patient and see if these fixes work for you.

Is PNG or JPEG Better for YouTube Thumbnails?

Almost since its inception, YouTube has become a phenomenon no one could have foreseen. The first platform of its kind gave ordinary people a means to be heard, seen, and known by an audience of virtual strangers, who would become virtual fans. Nowadays, a great deal of work goes into producing content for YouTube. Content that rivals network television, other social media, and streaming platforms.

According to many creators, PNG is the preferred choice for YouTube thumbnails. The decision came down to the quality of the thumbnail image, which is the viewer’s introduction to your content.

Everything has to be fresh and exciting, including your video’s thumbnail, which is your primary marketing on YouTube to your content. Image quality is not the only factor in PNG being the preferred format for YouTube thumbnails. However, you can’t discount JPEG formatting just yet. JPEG has its own benefits that should be considered when determining which format to save your image.

For those seeking a quick solution, try out a YouTube Thumbnail Maker to customize pre-made templates. You’ll get the best performing layouts, formatted best for YouTube.

» MORE: Can You Use Google Images for a YouTube Thumbnail?

What Is the Difference Between PNG and JPEG?

Portable Graphics Format (PNG) uses a lossless method of compression for saving your images versus Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG), which uses a lossy compression method. While many photographers use JPEG, digital cameras automatically save photos in this format. PNG is utilized for different kinds of web graphics. That does not disqualify PNG from being the preferred format for photographs; it’s all dependent on your needs.

According to YouTube guidelines, a video thumbnail can be saved and uploaded in either PNG or JPEG format, so it is at the discretion of the content creator to decide. When making your decision, there are a few factors you might want to consider.

  • Quality of the Thumbnail
  • Size of the Thumbnail (Storage Space)
  • Editing of the Thumbnail

Diving deeper into these topics will give a better understanding of why PNG might be the preferred format for YouTube thumbnails.

» MORE: Can You Use Logos in Your YouTube Thumbnails?

Quality of the Thumbnail

Looking at what each format is typically used for can help you determine which format would be best for your thumbnail image. PNG is the go-to for flat, less dimensional images like icons, logos, graphics, and so on. Therefore, if your thumbnail consists of a simple picture of you with bold graphics overhead, then PNG will serve you well. JPEG is utilized for more dimensional and detailed work, which is why it is used so much in photography. So, if your thumbnail is an image of you amid a beautiful landscape, then JPEG will serve you well.

A consideration when choosing a format for quality is editing. JPEG is known to suffer a loss of quality each time an image is opened in a program, edited, then saved. If your thumbnail requires long hours of editing that would entail you going back and forth, opening the image several times, JPEG may not be for you.

Size of the Thumbnail (Storage Space)

The recommended size for a quality YouTube thumbnail is 1280×720 or 16:9 aspect ratio. While both formats can accommodate this size, there are essential elements to consider when saving and storing your thumbnail images. It is known that PNG is the largest format of the two. The larger formatting is due to the method of compression.

The benefit of PNG is that it doesn’t compress the image when saving it, causing quality degradation. The downside of PNG is that it requires more storage space on your device, and it will take longer to upload to YouTube. Therefore, you have to decide what serves you better. Is a fraction longer upload time a reasonable sacrifice for maintaining quality? Could your device accommodate the potential storage needs?

JPEG will take up far less space on your computer. We are talking about 402KB for a full-sized PNG versus 35.7KB for a full-sized JPEG. A smaller image file also means less time to upload. So, what is JPEG’s downside? In order to take up less storage on your hard drive, this format compresses the image, which may cause a degradation of quality. It may not be a significant loss, but it is worth noting.

Editing of the Thumbnail

If you are creating your own thumbnail, you will need to edit regardless of whether the images you use are original or borrowed. While we already addressed one aspect of editing that specifically affects JPEG images, there is more to consider: transparency. Simply put, JPEG does not allow for transparency, while PNG does.

The transparency of an image is only an issue if you would like to edit the image to replace or remove a background or layer an image. An example of this would be text over an image. Transparency would allow you to see the image behind the letters instead of around a solid text block. Therefore, it depends on the aesthetic direction you have in mind for your thumbnail.

» MORE: Are All YouTube Thumbnails Copyrighted?

Content Creators Suggestions for Thumbnails

Thumbnail creation is pretty open ended and there are endless possibilities for creating them. Some of the best advice out there may come from high-brow content creators who have been through the process of creating thumbnails for their channels. The suggestions for a compelling thumbnail for a YouTube video is one of three concepts:

  • A still shot directly from the video
  • Custom graphics, or
  • A combination of both

While a simple still shot can be easily turned into a JPEG formatted thumbnail and uploaded quickly, PNG offers more versatility with all three thumbnail ideas.

This kind of flexibility is required when you are churning out one or more videos a week trying to keep your audience interested in your content with an assortment of eye-catching thumbnails. With competitors in every niche of YouTube, you can not afford to be held back by an image format’s limitations.

» MORE: How To Make a Custom YouTube Thumbnail [YouTube Tutorial]

Conclusion

While upload times might be a fraction longer for a PNG formatted thumbnail or added storage may be needed to accommodate the files you save to your computer on a weekly basis, the driving factor for content creators choosing PNG over JPEG is quality and variety. What the audience sees and gravitates toward takes precedence over the added work or cost that may fall on the creator’s end.

We recommend trying a YouTube Thumbnail Maker that allows you to customize pre-made templates. This will give you the best performing layouts, and save you a lot of time every time you create a new thumbnail.

Is It Possible to Save a JPG Without a Background?

Sometimes there are images that have no backgrounds, making them overlay nicely on other media. Some programs even allow backgrounds to be removed which then means that it would logically stay removed when saved. However, only certain file types support transparent backgrounds.

It is not possible to save a JPG without a background. This is because the file type does not support transparency or alpha channels in attempt to keep as many colors as possible while maintaining heavy compression. Therefore, it will fill in any transparency when it saves in order to compress more effectively.

If a transparent background is needed, a different file type will have to be used. Keep reading to learn more about JPGs and transparent backgrounds.

Does JPG Allow Transparency?

A .jpg file does not support transparency, nor does it support alpha channels. A white pixel is considered fully opaque as far as a digital file is concerned, while a black is complete transparency. The reverse is true for printed works.

This is because in RGB color mode— the one that digital screens use to display images and colors— is made up by blending light. In this instance, white is all of the colors blended and black is the lack thereof. In CMYK color mode— utilized for print— the opposite is true as the colors are mixed to create black, and the lack of color is white. A file can be switched between these color modes in certain programs to more accurately depict the colors that will be available for digital or printed projects.

A .jpg file is also a very compressed file, and in order to do the heavy compression it needs to do while also retaining the color ratio, it essentially fills in any transparency.

What if the Background Needs to be Transparent in the Image?

A .jpg does not support transparent backgrounds or alpha channels, so that is not the file type to use if there absolutely must be a transparent background.

Here are some solutions to try if the image must have a transparent background:

  • Ensure that the program itself can support transparency and alpha channels
  • Select “Save As” instead of “Save” and select a compatible file type (like PNG)
  • Select “Export” or “Export As” and select a compatible file type (like PNG)

Programs such as MS Paint do not support transparency and alpha channels, so even trying to save as a compatible type will not result in a transparent background. Be sure to use a program that does support transparency if the image is going to need to have a transparent background.

Which File Types Support Transparent Backgrounds?

While a .jpg does not support transparent backgrounds and alpha channels, there are plenty of others that can. Instead of saving as a .jpg, consider using the Save As or Export functions to select a different file type if transparent backgrounds are necessary.

Such file types include:

  • PNG
  • GIF
  • SVG
  • BMP
  • TIFF
  • WebP
  • PSD

A .png is rather large in terms of size but is great at keeping quality. It doesn’t support animation however, so that would need to be saved as a .gif or rendered out differently. Additionally, simply keeping it in the native file format such as a .psd will preserve the transparency.

Can You Fake a Transparent Background on a JPG?

If the intent is to print, a .jpg is going to be the MVP. It supports a massive range of colors and is recognized by printers in a way that fancier file types don’t always. It will keep great quality, and a transparent background can be faked with some clever layout design.

There is no white ink. When an image has white in it, the printer merely skips that part of the paper. White added onto a dark background has to be done by other means, not by ink in a printer. The same goes for glow-in-the-dark and extra bright neon colors. So, if the image is going to be printed, just leaving a white or exceptionally light background is enough to fake the look of a transparent one.

Conclusion

A .jpg can support a massive range of colors in crisp, beautiful quality while also being recognized by printers. It’s also a relatively small file size despite everything, being nice and compressed. Unfortunately, it does not support alpha channels or transparency. Therefore, if a transparent background is essential, a different file type will have to be used.

How To Select Multiple Layers in Procreate

One of the most appealing aspects of Procreate is the ability to create artwork using layers. However, if you have a large number of layers that need to be moved, grouped, or changed in the same way, it might be a bit overwhelming. Selecting all of those layers at once is the best method to deal with this. But how do you go about doing that?

In Procreate, you can select multiple layers directly from the layers panel. This is accomplished by first picking one layer and then swiping right on each additional layer you wish to select. The primary layer will be highlighted in bright blue, while the remaining layers will be highlighted in dark blue.

It’s essential to understand how to use the layers menu if you’re creating art with Procreate. Larger projects can sometimes have over 100 layers, which can feel like a lot to handle. Continue reading to find out how to select multiple layers in order to keep your layers panel tidy and functioning properly.

Why Do You Need Multiple Layers in Procreate?

When drawing digitally, you’ll frequently hear the term “layers.”

Working with layers is a critical component of what makes Procreate so powerful. Using multiple layers allows you to arrange graphical components on top of one another and paint things that overlap without affecting previous work. For example, you can sketch on one layer while also incorporating another piece of art onto another.

In addition, you have complete creative control over moving, editing, recoloring, and deleting objects. Artists frequently draw distinct pieces, lines, and colors on separate layers since elements on different layers can be handled separately.

Drawing on layers also makes it easy to change the composition. If you don’t like the placement of an item, you can easily work above or behind the layer, changing it to your liking.

Can You Select Multiple Layers in Procreate at Once?

Managing and organizing layers efficiently is an integral part of working on complex designs. You may end up with as many as 90 to 100 layers to move, edit, and keep track of. Moving and grouping them separately is a time-consuming and laborious operation that takes up a lot of your time.

Luckily, Procreate offers Primary and Secondary layers selection to make keeping track of layers much more manageable. This lets you control and modify several layers at the same time, as well as execute mass shifting, grouping, deletion, and transformation.

How Many Layers Can You Select at A Time?

The maximum number of layers in a Procreate document varies based on the size of the document. Depending on the device you’re using and the resolution you’re working in, your document might contain up to 400 layers.

So, out of that potential 400, how many layers can you select at one time? It’s probably more than you would expect.

While you can only have one Primary layer active at any given time, you can select as many Secondary layers as you like. This is great for anyone who tends to work on big projects often. Need to delete a good chunk of the layers you’ve been working on? No sweat!

What Is the Best Way to Select Multiple Layers in Procreate?

When working on large projects, knowing how to choose many layers in Procreate can be extremely useful. The layers panel in Procreate is the quickest way of choosing and managing layers.

The layers tab may be found on the far-right side of Procreate’s top toolbar. Its symbol is two overlapping squares. You can add, delete, select, group, and move layers in this panel.

To pick multiple layers, begin by selecting your primary layer. Your Primary layer will be highlighted in brilliant blue in the Layers panel. Remember that you can only have one Primary layer active at any given time.

Next, you’ll choose your Secondary layers. Swipe right on any layer to add it as a Secondary layer to your selection. It will display as dark blue in the Layers panel. If you accidentally select a layer you didn’t intend to, just swipe right again to deselect it.

After you’ve selected your layers, you can move and delete them as you see fit. If you decide that you no longer need multiple layers selected, simply tap your finger on one of them to deselect all of them.

Additional Ways to Manage and Organize Multiple Layers

Moving and deleting multiple layers isn’t the only way to organize your layers panel. Here are a few more options for those looking to increase productivity when working with many layers in Procreate:

Grouping Multiple Layers in Procreate

Except for paint, smudge, erase, and using Adjustments, all actions apply to all layers in a group at the same time. Keep in mind that drawing and painting will only reflect on the Primary layer. Layer Select will appear if you Paint, Smudge, or Erase with a group selected in the Layers Panel. To continue working, simply select a layer inside that group.

Quickly Moving Between Multiple Layers

Using Layer Select is the quickest method to selecting a specific layer. This is done by touching the content on the canvas rather than using the Layers menu.

Layer Select takes advantage of touch to show all the layers linked with a given area of the canvas. This handy shortcut eliminates the need to repeatedly navigate to the Layers panel.

To enable Layer Select, go to Actions > Preferences > Gesture Controls > Layer Select. Touch and Apple Pencil shortcuts can be configured here to incorporate Layer Select into your process.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you now feel comfortable moving and deleting multiple layers. Layers are an essential digital feature in image editing software. They can add depth to an illustration and make creating art a lot easier.