Quick answer: To export Procreate files correctly, open your artwork, tap Actions (the wrench), then Share, and pick a format based on where the file is going: PNG for web images and transparency, JPEG for small shareable files, TIFF or PDF for high-quality print, PSD to keep layers for Photoshop or other desktop apps, and .procreate for a full backup. Check your canvas size and DPI before exporting, because exporting cannot add detail that was not painted at that resolution.
Finishing a painting is only half the job. If the file you send to a printer is blurry, the PNG you post has a white box where transparency should be, or a client opens your PSD and the layers look wrong, the export step is to blame.
This guide breaks down every export option in Procreate, when to use each one, how to export for print, web and other apps, and how to troubleshoot common problems. It also covers time-lapse videos, batch exports and layer exports for animation. If you are moving your files to a computer, our comparison of the best Procreate alternatives on Windows explains which desktop apps open layered PSD exports well.
Where to Find Export in Procreate
All export options live in one place:
- Open the artwork you want to export.
- Tap the Actions icon (the wrench) at the top left.
- Tap Share.
- Choose a format under Share Image or Share Layers.
- Procreate prepares the file, then opens the iPad share sheet where you can save to Files, save the image to Photos, AirDrop it, or send it to another app.
You can also export directly from the Gallery: swipe left on an artwork thumbnail and tap Share, or tap Select, choose multiple artworks and tap Share to export them all in the same format.
Procreate Export Formats Explained
| Format | Keeps layers? | Transparency? | Compression | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .procreate | Yes, fully | Yes | Native | Backups, moving between iPads, time-lapse data |
| PSD | Yes | Yes | Lossless | Photoshop and other desktop editors |
| Optional (Share Layers) | Depends on viewer | Varies by quality setting | Print shops, portfolios, documents | |
| JPEG | No (flattened) | No | Lossy | Social media, email, quick sharing |
| PNG | No (flattened) | Yes | Lossless | Web graphics, stickers, logos, transparent backgrounds |
| TIFF | No (flattened) | Yes | Lossless | High-quality printing and archiving |
.procreate
This is Procreate’s native format. It keeps every layer, blend mode, mask, and the recorded time-lapse. Use it to back up your work, transfer files between iPads or archive finished pieces. Only Procreate (and a few apps that read the format) can open it, so it is not suitable for sending to clients or printers.
PSD
PSD preserves layers and most blend modes, so you can continue editing in Photoshop or another app that reads PSD files. Some Procreate-specific features may not transfer exactly, so open the file on the destination app and check blend modes, clipping masks and layer groups before deleting the original.
When you choose PDF, Procreate asks for a quality level (Good, Better or Best). Best keeps full resolution and is the right choice for print shops that request PDFs. Lower settings make smaller files for email or previews.
JPEG
JPEG files are small and universally compatible, but they use lossy compression and do not support transparency. Any transparent areas become white. Use JPEG for photos of finished work, social posts and email.
PNG
PNG is lossless and supports transparency, making it the right choice for anything with a transparent background: stickers, logos, emotes, overlays and web graphics. Files are larger than JPEG.
TIFF
TIFF is lossless and widely accepted by printers and publishers. It produces large files but keeps maximum quality, which makes it a solid choice for fine art prints and archiving.
How to Export Procreate Files for Print
Printing is where export mistakes cost the most. Follow this checklist:
- Check canvas size and DPI. Go to Actions, Canvas, Canvas Information, Dimensions. For most prints, you need 300 pixels per inch at the final print size. An 8 x 10 inch print needs about 2400 x 3000 pixels.
- Consider color profile. Procreate lets you choose RGB or CMYK when creating a canvas. Many home and online printers accept RGB and convert it themselves. If a commercial printer requests CMYK, ask what profile they want; ideally set this up when you create the canvas, because changing later can shift colors.
- Add bleed if required. Many printers ask for extra image area around the edges (often 1/8 inch per side) that will be trimmed. Use Crop and Resize under Actions, Canvas to add space, then extend the painting into it.
- Hide guide or sketch layers. Exports include all visible layers, so hide anything you do not want printed.
- Export as TIFF, PDF (Best) or PNG. Avoid JPEG for high-quality prints when possible.
- Proof before printing. Open the exported file on another device and zoom in to check sharpness and colors.
Changing the DPI number alone does not improve print quality. If the canvas has too few pixels, enlarging it in Procreate only stretches existing pixels. Plan resolution before you start painting.
How to Export for Social Media and Web
- Instagram: Export a JPEG or PNG. Square (1:1), portrait (4:5) and landscape aspect ratios all work, but portrait 4:5 shows larger in the feed. A canvas of 2160 x 2700 pixels or a downscaled copy of your larger file works well.
- Websites and portfolios: Use JPEG for paintings and PNG for graphics with sharp edges or transparency. Consider resizing large files before uploading to keep pages fast.
- Print-on-demand and stickers: Usually require PNG with a transparent background at a specific size. Check the platform’s requirements and set your canvas accordingly.
To create a smaller web copy without changing the original, duplicate the artwork in the Gallery (swipe left, Duplicate), then use Actions, Canvas, Crop and Resize on the copy.
Exporting a Transparent Background PNG
- Open the Layers panel.
- Uncheck the box next to Background color at the bottom of the layer stack. The background becomes a checkerboard, meaning transparent.
- Make sure no other layer has a solid fill behind your artwork.
- Tap Actions, Share, PNG.
If the exported PNG still shows a white background, check that you exported PNG rather than JPEG and that the destination app supports transparency. Some image previews show transparency as white or black even when the file is correct.
Exporting Layers Separately
The Share Layers section offers options for exporting each layer as its own file or as frames of an animation:
- PDF: Each layer becomes a page.
- PNG Files: Each layer is exported as an individual PNG. Useful for game assets, animation in other apps or giving a client separate elements.
- Animated GIF, Animated PNG, Animated MP4, Animated HEVC: Each layer becomes a frame. You can set frames per second and, for some formats, choose web-ready or full resolution. HEVC supports transparency on compatible devices.
For layer exports, organize and name layers first. Groups are flattened into single files or frames in some export types, so check the result.
Exporting Time-Lapse Videos
Procreate records your painting process automatically (unless time-lapse recording was turned off when the canvas was created). To export it:
- Tap Actions, then Video.
- Tap Export Time-lapse Video.
- Choose Full Length or 30 Seconds.
- Save or share the video.
Time-lapse quality depends on the settings chosen when you created the canvas. Custom canvases let you set the resolution and quality of the recording, so pick a higher setting if you plan to post process videos.
Batch Exporting Multiple Artworks
When you need to back up your whole Gallery or send a series of illustrations:
- In the Gallery, tap Select.
- Tap each artwork you want to export, or select a whole stack.
- Tap Share and choose a format.
- Save to Files, a cloud folder or an external drive.
For backups, export as .procreate so every layer and time-lapse is preserved. Regular backups protect against device loss or accidental deletion.
Opening Procreate Exports on a Computer
Many artists sketch and paint on the iPad and then finish, print or lay out work on a computer. PSD is the most common bridge format. After exporting, AirDrop the file to a Mac, save it to a cloud service, or use a USB-C cable and the Files app to move it.
On Windows, Procreate itself is not available, so you will open PSD, PNG or TIFF exports in a desktop app. Check that layer names, blend modes and opacity transferred correctly. If you color grade on the iPad before exporting, our guide on using adjustment layers in Procreate explains which adjustments are destructive, which matters because applied adjustments are baked into the exported pixels.
Troubleshooting Procreate Export Problems
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Exported image is blurry | Canvas resolution too low for intended size | Recreate at the right size; enlarging after painting cannot add detail |
| Transparent areas show white | Exported as JPEG or background layer visible | Hide background color, export as PNG |
| Colors look different on other devices | Color profile or screen calibration differences | Use consistent color profiles; check on multiple screens |
| PSD layers look wrong in another app | Blend mode or feature not supported identically | Flatten problem layers before export, or rebuild them on the desktop |
| Export takes very long or fails | Very large canvas or many layers; low storage | Free up storage, merge unneeded layers, restart the app |
| Sketch layer appears in export | Layer left visible | Hide or delete it before exporting |
| Time-lapse missing | Recording disabled at canvas creation | Enable time-lapse in custom canvas settings for future pieces |
Export Settings by Destination: A Quick Reference
When you are unsure which option to tap, match the destination to a format first and only then think about size.
- Home inkjet print: PNG or TIFF at full resolution, RGB. Most photo printing software handles RGB files well.
- Online print lab: Check the upload page. Many labs accept JPEG at maximum quality or PNG; some prefer TIFF. Follow their pixel-dimension guidance for each print size.
- Commercial offset printer: PDF at Best quality or TIFF, with bleed added and the color profile they specify.
- Client review: A flattened JPEG for quick feedback, then PSD or PNG for final delivery, depending on what the contract calls for.
- Animator or game developer: PNG Files from Share Layers, with every layer clearly named and trimmed to the content if possible.
- Your own archive: .procreate plus a full-resolution PNG or TIFF, so you have both an editable master and a universal copy.
Keeping this short list in mind removes most of the guesswork, and it also prevents the common habit of sending a compressed JPEG where a lossless file was needed.
Smart Habits for Clean Exports
- Decide on final use (print, web, client delivery) before creating the canvas.
- Keep a layered .procreate master and export flattened copies for sharing.
- Name files clearly with the size or purpose, such as “fox-8×10-print.tiff.”
- Export a quick JPEG first to check composition on your phone, then do the final high-quality export.
- Back up your Gallery to cloud storage on a regular schedule.
FAQs
What is the best format to export Procreate art for printing?
TIFF or PDF at Best quality are good choices for printing, with PNG as a lossless alternative. Make sure the canvas was created at 300 DPI at the final print size.
How do I export Procreate with a transparent background?
Uncheck the Background color layer in the Layers panel, then go to Actions, Share and choose PNG. JPEG does not support transparency.
Does exporting to PSD keep Procreate layers?
Yes, PSD keeps layers and most blend modes. Some Procreate-specific features may display differently in other apps, so check the file after opening it.
How do I export multiple Procreate files at once?
In the Gallery, tap Select, choose the artworks, tap Share and pick a format. All selected files export together.
Why is my exported Procreate image blurry?
The canvas probably has too few pixels for the size you are viewing or printing. Increasing size after painting stretches pixels; create the canvas at the right resolution from the start.
How do I export a Procreate time-lapse?
Tap Actions, Video, Export Time-lapse Video, then choose Full Length or 30 Seconds.
Final Thoughts
Exporting correctly is mostly about matching format to destination: PNG for transparency, JPEG for quick sharing, TIFF or PDF for print, PSD for layered editing and .procreate for backups. Get the canvas size right at the start and keep a layered master file, and exporting becomes a one-minute task instead of a source of headaches.
If your PSD exports are heading to a PC, see our roundup of desktop painting software that picks up where Procreate leaves off to find an app that suits your workflow.
