Animation has never been more accessible, thanks to powerful digital tools like Procreate. Whether you’re an artist, designer, or someone simply curious about animation, you can now create beautiful animations with just your iPad. If you’re looking for a Procreate animation tutorial for beginners, you’re in the right place! In this guide, we’ll show you how to make animations in Procreate in just five minutes using simple techniques.
Why Animate on Procreate?
Procreate is widely known for its robust illustration tools, but its animation capabilities are equally impressive. With its intuitive interface, Procreate frame-by-frame animation lets users bring their art to life with ease. Whether you’re sketching, painting, or creating motion graphics, Procreate offers a fast and fluid animation experience. Plus, it’s a great alternative for those who don’t want to invest in complex software like After Effects.
Getting Started: Step-by-Step Procreate Animation Guide
Follow these simple steps to start animating on Procreate for beginners in just five minutes.
Step 1: Set Up Your Canvas and Enable Animation Assist
- Open Procreate and create a new canvas.
- Tap on the Actions menu (🔧 icon) and navigate to the Procreate animation settings explained under “Canvas.”
- Toggle on Animation Assist, which will enable the timeline at the bottom of the screen.
- Adjust the FPS (frames per second) depending on how smooth you want your animation to be (12-24 FPS is ideal for smooth motion).
Step 2: Create Your First Frame
- Start drawing your first frame using your favorite brush.
- If you’re unsure what brush to use, check out some of the best brushes for Procreate animation designed for sketching, inking, and shading.
- Once satisfied with the first frame, tap Add Frame to create the next step of your animation.
Step 3: Work Frame-by-Frame
- For smooth Procreate frame-by-frame animation, slightly alter your drawing on each frame.
- Use the Onion Skin feature to see previous frames, making adjustments easier.
- Adjust Onion Skin opacity in the Animation Settings for better visibility.
Step 4: Preview and Adjust Timing
- Tap the Play button in Animation Assist to preview your animation.
- If some frames move too quickly or too slowly, adjust individual frame durations.
- Experiment with looping options One Shot, Loop, or Ping Pong to see what works best.
Step 5: Export Your Animation
- Once you’re happy with your animation, go to the Actions menu.
- Tap Share and select Animated GIF, Animated PNG, or MP4 video based on your needs.
- Adjust resolution settings and export to your gallery or share online.
Best Procreate Animation Tips
To make the most of Procreate’s animation tools, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Keep it simple: Start with basic shapes and movements before tackling complex animations.
- Use layers wisely: Organize elements separately to make edits easier.
- Onion Skin is your best friend: This feature helps you maintain consistency in frame transitions.
- Optimize FPS settings: Faster FPS creates smoother animations, while lower FPS offers a stop-motion effect.
- Try different brushes: Using the best brushes for Procreate animation can improve your workflow and final result.
Procreate Animation vs After Effects: Which One is Better?
While Procreate is excellent for digital drawing and simple animations, it differs from After Effects in several ways:
| Feature | Procreate Animation | After Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly | Steep learning curve |
| Frame-by-Frame | Yes | Yes |
| Motion Graphics | Basic | Advanced |
| Special Effects | Limited | Extensive |
| Best For | Sketching & 2D Animations | Professional Animations & VFX |
If you’re looking for a simple tool for easy animation techniques in Procreate, then Procreate is perfect for you. However, if you want to add effects, motion graphics, and compositing, After Effects might be a better choice.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to make animations in Procreate, there’s no excuse not to start! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, Procreate offers the flexibility and ease to bring your drawings to life. Follow this step-by-step Procreate animation guide, and in just five minutes, you’ll have a fun animation to share.
Ready to animate? Open Procreate and start experimenting today!
