# How to Copy Layers to a New Canvas in Procreate: A Step\-by\-Step Guide

- Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/how-to-copy-layers-to-a-new-canvas-in-procreate-a-step-by-step-guide/
- Published: 2024-05-08
- Author: Jordan Brown
- Categories: [Software & APP](https://33rdsquare.com/category/software-app/)

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If you‘re a digital artist using Procreate, you know that layers are essential for non-destructive editing and building up complex artwork. But did you know you can easily copy individual layers or multiple layers at once from one canvas to another?

As an illustrator who uses Procreate daily in my business, I‘m intimately familiar with the app‘s features and shortcuts to streamline my workflow. Copying layers between canvases is something every Procreate artist should know how to do, as it opens up so many possibilities for experimentation, iteration, and staying organized.

In this guide, I‘ll show you exactly how to copy layers to a new canvas in Procreate, both individually and in bulk. You‘ll also learn some handy uses for this function and get answers to common questions. Let‘s dive in!

## Why Copy Layers to a New Canvas?

There are a few key reasons you might want to copy layers from one Procreate canvas to another:

1. To experiment with adding elements of one piece to a different piece of artwork
2. To reuse certain layers, like textures or lettering, in multiple projects
3. To create a template you can quickly paste into each new canvas, such as a signature or watermark layer
4. To save iPad storage space and preserve the original artwork by not duplicating entire canvases

No matter your purpose, knowing how to move layers between canvases is an essential Procreate skill. Luckily, it‘s very easy to do once you learn the steps.

## Method 1: Copying Individual Layers

Here‘s how to copy a single layer to a new canvas in Procreate:

**Step 1: Create a new canvas**
 Open your Procreate Gallery and tap the + button in the top right corner. Choose your desired dimensions for the new canvas.

![Create new canvas in Procreate](https://33rdsquare.com/new-canvas.jpg)

**Step 2: Select the layer to copy**
 Open the original canvas with the layer you want to copy. In the Layers panel, tap the thumbnail of the layer to select it. Tap "Copy" in the menu that appears.

![Copy individual layer in Procreate](https://33rdsquare.com/copy-layer.jpg)

**Step 3: Paste the layer**
 Open your new canvas. Tap the wrench icon, then "Add" and select "Paste". The copied layer will appear in the new canvas‘s Layers panel.

![Paste copied layer in new Procreate canvas](https://33rdsquare.com/paste-layer.jpg)

That‘s it! The layer is now copied to your new canvas. Let‘s look at how to copy multiple layers at once next.

## Method 2: Copying Multiple Layers at Once

To copy several layers to a new canvas at the same time:

**Step 1: Create a new canvas**
 Like before, open the Gallery, tap +, and choose a canvas size.

**Step 2: Select multiple layers**
 Go to the original canvas. In the Layers panel, swipe right on each layer you want to select. They will highlight blue when selected.

![Select multiple layers to copy in Procreate](https://33rdsquare.com/select-multiple-layers.jpg)

**Step 3: Drag and drop layers to new canvas**
 Touch and hold one of the blue highlighted layers and drag your finger to the left edge of the screen. Hover there and tap the Gallery to open it. Drag the layers over your new canvas and release to drop them in.

![Drag layers to new canvas in Procreate](https://33rdsquare.com/drag-layers.jpg)
 ![Drop layers into new Procreate canvas](https://33rdsquare.com/drop-layers.jpg)

You‘ve now copied multiple layers to a new canvas while preserving the original artwork. Easy, right?

Note that your new canvas must be large enough to accomodate the layers you‘re copying in. If needed, you can always resize the canvas after pasting your layers.

## Uses for Copying Procreate Layers

Now that you know how to copy layers between canvases, here are a few ways to put this skill to use and enhance your Procreate workflow:

**Experimentation**
 Have a cool texture, brush stroke, or lettering you want to try adding to a different piece? Copy that layer into the other canvas to preview how it looks. If you don‘t like it, simply delete the layer and your original work is unaltered.

**Templates & Watermarks**
 Save a canvas containing your signature, logo, watermark, or any other element you want to add to every piece. When you finish a new artwork, copy that layer from your template canvas. You‘ll maintain a consistent branded look across all your work.

**Organization**
 If your canvas is getting cluttered with too many layers, copy the important ones to a new canvas. Then delete the original messy file to free up iPad space. This keeps your work organized without losing anything important.

## Frequently Asked Questions

Before we wrap up, let‘s go over some common questions about copying layers in Procreate:

**How do I create a new canvas?**
 Open the Gallery, tap the + in the top right, and select your canvas dimensions. You can also duplicate an existing canvas to use its settings.

**How many layers can I copy at once?**
 You can select and copy as many layers as you want at one time. The only limitation is the destination canvas‘s maximum layer limit.

**Is there a shortcut to duplicate a layer within the same canvas?**
 Yes, just swipe left on the layer in the Layers panel and tap "Duplicate".

## Go Forth and Copy Those Layers!

You‘re now equipped with the knowledge to copy both individual layers and multiple layers from one Procreate canvas to another. Leveraging this skill will open new doors in your creative process while keeping your work organized.

The key is to always preserve your original artwork. Copying layers, rather than moving them, ensures you can always go back to the source if needed. So don‘t be afraid to experiment and iterate! The beauty of digital art is that nothing is permanent until you want it to be.

I recommend practicing copying layers today, so the process becomes muscle memory. Trust me, you‘ll be using this technique regularly!

If you have any other tips for copying layers or using them to enhance your Procreate workflow, share them in the comments below. Now go forth and create some amazing multi-canvas art!

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Source: [How to Copy Layers to a New Canvas in Procreate: A Step\-by\-Step Guide](https://33rdsquare.com/how-to-copy-layers-to-a-new-canvas-in-procreate-a-step-by-step-guide/)