How to Change the Opacity of a Layer in Procreate

Knowing how to change the opacity of a layer in Procreate is one of the most useful tools for designers, crafters and creatives. You can create unique designs or convert your hand-drawn images into digital works for your online profile. In this Procreate tutorial, discover two quick and easy ways to do this, including a workaround for grouped layers.

During the tutorial we will be working with Procreate V5.3.1. and an Easter Gnome Watercolor bundle. Grab this amazing design resource and more with a massive discount in The Lovely Sublimation Bundle. But hurry, it’s for a limited time only.

Method One - Use the Layers Panel

First, create your canvas size. We made a simple background using the Easter files. To import files, tap on the Actions or wrench tool icon, then select Insert a file. Locate where your downloaded file is stored and tap to open it.

Each imported design has to be placed on its own layer if you want to change the opacity. You can lower the opacity on grouped layers but will need to flatten those first. We will talk more about this later in the tutorial.

Not sure how layers in Procreate actually work but want to learn more? We have a brilliant guide on how to use Procreate layers with everything you need to know.

Position the design elements however you want or follow along with our image. Tap on the Layers panel top right corner of the screen, second icon from the right.

In the Layers panel, select any layer, then tap on the “N” next to the layer description. A selection of blending modes will open beneath. Right at the top of the blending modes is the Opacity slider.

Tap and move this to the left to lower the opacity of the layer in Procreate. Tap on the “N” again to close these options. Each layer will have this set of options available and you can go back and edit them at any time.

Method Two: Tap and Slide

The Tap and Slide method uses Procreate gestures to change layer opacity and can be an easier option for some people. We’ve put together a visual and in-depth guide on how to use gestures in Procreate if you would like to learn more.

Go back to the Layers panel and tap once with two fingers on a layer. Your screen will change to show the opacity strength at the top.

You can then tap and slide with your finger or Apple pencil to the left to lower layer opacity. Sliding to the right will increase the opacity so you can freely adjust as you need.

Lower the Opacity of Multiple Layers

If you want to lower the opacity of multiple layers, you will need to group and flatten them. You can't undo this once you've flattened it, so that can be considered destructive.

To group multiple layers, tap on the first layer to select it. Then, for the next layer, slide your finger or pencil to the right to highlight it in blue and select. Do this for all the layers you want to be selected.

Next, tap on Group top right of the screen.

To flatten the image, you need to tap twice on the newly grouped layer. This will open the small menu when you can tap on Flatten.

The grouped layer will now become one single layer. You can then adjust the opacity as you want and it will affect all of the elements on that layer.

You can use it when digitizing your drawings. Simply take a photo of your sketch, create a new layer over it and start digitally sketching your artwork. You can lower the opacity of the photo layer whenever needed throughout the process.

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We hope that now you know how to change opacity in Procreate, you can add this knowledge to your toolbox.