How to Color Coloring Pages Using Procreate

So you’ve got a coloring page and a Procreate app—now what? If you're wondering how to color in Procreate without accidentally painting over your line art, you’re in the right place.

This Procreate tutorial for beginners will walk you through setting up your layers, coloring inside the lines, and even adding some simple shading and texture using brushes and clipping masks.

We’ll also cover what to do if your coloring page has a white background or messy outlines—because let’s be real, most of them do. Whether you're new to digital coloring in Procreate or just looking to level up your workflow, this step-by-step guide has your back (and your brushes!)

PART 1: Beginner-Friendly Setup

This option is the simplest and easiest for most downloaded coloring pages with white backgrounds.

Step-by-Step

1. Import Your Coloring Page
   • Tap the wrench icon → Add → “Insert a Photo” or “Insert a File.”
   • Your coloring page will appear as a new layer.
2. Set the Line Art Layer to Multiply
   • In the Layers panel, tap the line art layer → tap the letter N (blend mode) → choose Multiply.
   • This makes the white background act transparent, so you can color underneath it.
3. Set Up Your Coloring Layers
   • Tap + to create a new layer.
   • Drag this new layer below the line art. This lets you color without affecting the outlines.
4. Start Coloring
   • Pick any brush and color you like.
   • Paint on your new layer just like you would on paper.
5. Optional: Use Reference Mode for Color Fill (ColorDrop)
   • Tap the line art layer → choose Reference.
   • On a new layer underneath, drag and drop color into closed shapes.
     ⚠️ If the color spills everywhere, the shape probably isn’t closed—touch up the outline first.
6. Optional: Add Shading and Texture
   • Tap + to make a new layer above your base color.
   • Tap the new layer → choose Clipping Mask.
   • Use soft or textured brushes to add shadows, highlights, or special effects without coloring outside your base area.
7. Optional: Recolor the Line Art
   • Create a new layer above the line art.
   • Tap it → choose Clipping Mask.
   • Paint on this layer to recolor the black outlines (e.g., to brown, red, navy, etc.).

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PART 2: Advanced Prep for Messy, Scanned, or Low-Quality Line Art

This is a slightly more advanced process for digital coloring. Don't worry though, it's not too complicated! Use this method when:

• Your coloring page has faded or pixelated lines
• ColorDrop isn't working well, even with Reference mode

Clean Up and Prep the Line Art for Better Results

1. Invert the Line Art
   • Tap the line art layer → choose Invert.
     (This turns lines white and background black.)
2. Copy the Inverted Image
   • Tap the same layer again → select Copy.
3. Create a New Layer + Fill with Black
   • Tap + to make a new layer.
   • Tap and hold the canvas to fill it with black.
4. Add a Layer Mask to the Black Layer
   • Tap the black layer → choose Mask.
5. Paste the Inverted Image into the Mask
   • Tap the wrench icon → Add → Paste.
6. Merge the Masked Layer
   • Pinch the black layer and its mask together with two fingers to merge them.
7. Set the Merged Line Art as Reference
   • Tap the new line art layer → tap Reference.
8. (Optional) Hide the Line Art Layer
   • You can hide this layer from view—its Reference function will still work.
9. Create a New Coloring Layer
   • Place it above the reference layer and below any texture or detail layers.
   • You’re now ready to color with clean, crisp outlines and improved ColorDrop performance.

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Bonus Tips for Success

Whichever method you chose for coloring with Procreate, here are a few extra habits to practice. These will become second nature soon enough and they'll make your coloring process even more enjoyable.

• Name Your Layers: e.g., “Line Art,” “Base Color,” “Shading.”
• Use Alpha Lock or Clipping Mask: For recoloring or shading without spilling over edges.
• Use the Selection Tool for tricky areas (tap the ribbon icon → Freehand).

What If Colors Won’t Stay In the Lines?

If you're finding that your colors aren't staying where you expect them to, it's usually one of two issues:

1. Double-check that your line art is set to Reference.
2. Confirm that your coloring layer is above the reference layer.

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