how to crop an image in procreate

Daniel Parker

2 min read

·

06-02-2025

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Procreate is a powerful illustration app, but sometimes your artwork needs a little refining. Cropping is a fundamental editing tool that allows you to remove unwanted parts of your image, improve composition, and focus attention on your subject. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough on how to crop an image in Procreate, regardless of your skill level.

Getting Started: Accessing the Cropping Tool

Before you begin, make sure you have your image open in Procreate. There are two main ways to access the cropping tool:

Method 1: Using the Actions Menu

1. Open your image: Launch Procreate and open the image you wish to crop.
2. Access the Actions Menu: Tap the wrench icon (the Actions menu) located in the top right corner of the screen.
3. Select the Crop Tool: In the Actions menu, scroll down and tap the "Crop" option. You'll see a cropping interface appear over your canvas.

Method 2: Using the Quick Menu (Shortcuts)

1. Open your image: Again, open the image you wish to modify.
2. Activate the Quick Menu: A faster alternative is to use the Quick Menu. Tap and hold on the canvas for a moment to bring up the Quick Menu options.
3. Select the Crop Tool: Tap the crop icon within the Quick Menu (usually a square with diagonal lines). You'll be presented with the same cropping interface.

Cropping Your Image: A Detailed Look

Once the cropping interface is active, you can start cropping your image. Here's how to do it effectively:

1. Adjust the Cropping Area: You'll see a rectangle overlaying your image. Use your finger to drag the corners and edges of this rectangle to adjust the area you want to keep. You can zoom in for precise adjustments using the pinch-to-zoom gesture.

2. Rotating Your Crop: You can rotate the crop area to precisely align with the features of your image. Look for a rotation icon within the cropping controls; it typically resembles a circular arrow. Tap and hold it, then drag to adjust the rotation.

3. Confirm Your Crop: Once you're satisfied with your selection, tap the "Crop" button within the cropping controls. Procreate will trim the image to the specified area, removing the parts outside the rectangle. The rest of the image will be discarded.

Undoing Mistakes & Additional Tips

• Undoing a Crop: If you accidentally crop your image incorrectly, Procreate's undo functionality can save you. Use the undo arrow in the top left corner to reverse your last action. Procreate also offers a comprehensive history, allowing you to go back multiple steps if needed.

• Aspect Ratio: Procreate lets you maintain specific aspect ratios (e.g., 1:1, 16:9) while cropping. Look for aspect ratio options within the cropping interface. Preset ratios ensure that your cropped image retains the desired proportions.

• Working with Layers: If your image is on multiple layers, cropping will affect all visible layers simultaneously. If you need to crop only specific layers, consider merging them into a single layer before cropping.

Conclusion: Mastering Image Cropping in Procreate

Mastering cropping is crucial for refining your artwork. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be able to effectively crop your images in Procreate, enhancing their visual impact and achieving a professional-looking finish. Remember to experiment and practice different techniques to discover the workflow that works best for you. Happy creating!