How to Use Procreate for 2D Animation

Procreate has brought a major change in the creative sphere. This is because of its easy usability and strong functionalities. Many program users have recently reported using this software as one of their favorites. Procreate is mostly known as a digital painting program. However, it also has animation features that help 2D animators make quality 2D animations for the overall animation production workflow.

This tutorial teaches how to use Procreate apps for 2D animation, emphasizing techniques and their use in 2D animation studios and companies’ workflows. We will also cover how Prolific Studio uses tools like Procreate to provide exceptional quality in its 2D animation services.

1. Why Use Procreate for 2D Animation?

Procreate is a great option for animators because of its low cost, ease of use, and flexibility. Here’s the reason numerous 2D animators choose this app:

• Ease of Use: Intuitive tools and features make it beginner-friendly.
• Portability: Designed for iPad, Procreate allows animators to work anywhere.
• Professional Features: Includes onion skinning, frame management, and export options for 2D animation videos.
• Cost-Effective: A one-time purchase with no subscription fees, ideal for freelance animators and small 2D animation agencies.

2. Setting Up Procreate for 2D Animation

Before creating your animation, you need to set up Procreate for animation work. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a New Canvas

• Open Procreate and tap the “+” icon to create a new canvas.
• Modify the canvas dimensions and resolution according to your project’s needs. For instance, utilize 1920×1080 pixels for HD 2D animations.

Step 2: Enable Animation Assist

• Tap the Actions menu (wrench icon).
• Under the Canvas tab, toggle Animation Assist.
• This will activate the animation toolbar, allowing you to manage frames and layers.

Step 3: Familiarize Yourself with the Toolbar

The Animation Assist toolbar includes options for:

• Adding Frames: Create new frames for each step of your animation.
• Onion Skinning: View preceding and succeeding frames for precise transitions.
• Playback Controls: Test your animation in real-time.

3. Creating Your First 2D Animation in Procreate

Step 1: Sketch Your Keyframes

Keyframes mark the start and end of significant actions.

• Use the brush tool to sketch your character or object.
• Add new frames for each key position.

Step 2: Add Inbetweens

Inbetweens create smooth transitions between keyframes.

• Duplicate frames and modify them incrementally to bridge movements.
• Use onion skinning to align your in-betweens with keyframes.

Step 3: Refine and Add Details

• Use additional layers for color, shading, and effects.
• Procreate’s brush library offers a variety of textures to enhance your animation.

Step 4: Playback and Adjust

• Use the playback feature to review your animation.
• Adjust frame timing to ensure smooth motion.

Read also: How to Create Realistic Textures in ZBrush

4. Exporting Your 2D Animation

Procreate allows you to export animations in various formats:

• MP4: Ideal for sharing 2D animation videos online.
• GIF: Perfect for social media content.
• PNG Sequence: Used for advanced editing in other animation software.

To export:

1. Go to the Actions menu.
2. Tap Share.
3. Choose your preferred format and resolution.

5. Advanced Animation Techniques in Procreate

1. Looping Animations

• Enable the looping feature in Animation Assist for seamless cycles.
• Commonly used for walk cycles, blinking, or environmental effects.

1. Using Layers for Backgrounds

• Separate characters and backgrounds into different layers.
• This makes it easier to animate individual elements without affecting the entire scene.

1. Adding Special Effects

• Use Procreate’s brushes and blend modes to add effects like smoke, fire, or motion blur.
• Effects can enhance the visual appeal of 2D animation videos.

6. Applications of Procreate in 2D Animation Services

1. Social Media Content

Procreate is ideal for creating short, eye-catching 2D video animation services tailored for platforms like Instagram and TikTok, especially when paired with some of the go-to tools often recommended for crafting top-tier explainer content.

Procreate is ideal for creating short, eye-catching 2D video animation services tailored for platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

1. Marketing and Branding

Businesses use Procreate to design custom animated logos, product demos, and promotional videos, much like how Blender is increasingly being used for 3D animation in tech product development.

1. Storyboarding

2D animation studios often use Procreate for storyboarding due to its versatile drawing tools.

1. Educational Content

E-learning modules benefit from Procreate’s ability to create engaging, hand-drawn animations, especially when used alongside other tools highlighted in our roundup of top picks for 2D design.

You may also like: Color Theory in 2D Animation: How to Choose the Right Palette

7. Benefits of Procreate for 2D Animation Companies

1. Cost-Effective Production

The cost-effectiveness of Procreate makes it an appealing choice for small 2D animation agencies and independent animators.

1. Portability

Animators can work on the go, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

1. Customization

Procreate’s extensive brush library and tools allow for unique, stylized animations.

FAQs About Using Procreate for 2D Animation

Why Choose Prolific Studio for 2D Animation Services

Prolific Studio is among the best whenever a business or any professional seeks to improve their 2D animations. Here at the animation studios in Los Angeles, we do not care whether tools such as Procreate are used with the unmatched 2D animators we have in-house, much like knowing rigging makes your 3D animation better. Our vast experience in different animation styles gives us the ability to deliver your projects at the highest quality, no matter what the style.

Our Key Offerings

• Custom Animation Solutions: Tailored to your project’s goals and audience.
• 2D Animation Videos: High-quality animations for marketing, education, and entertainment.
• Corporate Training Content: Enhance learning experiences with engaging animations.
• Social Media Campaigns: Create shareable, eye-catching animations for online platforms.

Get in touch with Prolific Studio today and enjoy our FREE consultation, whereby we discuss how to turn your dreams and imagination into reality by creating 2D animation videos from your Procreate animations.