How to Make Background Transparent in Procreate

Creating a design with a transparent background in Procreate is important when making stickers, patterns, sublimation designs, and much more. Designs with transparent backgrounds are easier to work with when adding to mockups. In this tutorial, we will show you how to make a transparent background in Procreate and how to export a transparent PNG or Portable Network Graphic file.

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Step 1 - Open the Layers Panel in Procreate

To access the background layer, open the Layers panel by tapping on the icon top right-hand corner of the screen.

Step 2 - Turn off the Background Color Layer

Scroll all the way down in the bottom of the Layers panel. The last layer is, by default, the Background color layer. This layer will appear as a solid color or plain white background.

Look to the right of the layer and you will see a check box. Make sure to uncheck this in order to hide the layer and make it transparent. You should now only see your design and the Procreate grid behind it.

Now that you know how to remove a background in Procreate, it's time to save the file for use in your other projects.

Step 3 - Export the Procreate File as a Transparent PNG

Your design will need to be exported as a PNG in order to maintain the transparent background. Keep in mind that the other file types don't allow for transparent backgrounds if you have hidden the Background color layer.

Tap the wrench icon to open the Actions panel, and then tap Share. You can choose to save your project or design in one of many formats including a PNG under Share Image or PNG Files under Share Layers. Pick where to save your files. Now you can print the images out at home or make your own stickers!

Now that you have learned how to make a transparent background in Procreate, it'll be useful when drawing a butterfly, drawing flat characters, or making a floral wreath in Procreate.