"Mastering Procreate: How to Fill Shapes with Images"

Theresa Jun 18, 2026
Different ways to fill in shapes on Procreate!
Different ways to fill in shapes on Procreate!


how to fill a shape with an image in procreate is a crucial skill for digital artists looking to elevate their work. When it comes to creating stunning visual effects, one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal is the ability to fill a shape with an image. This technique can be used to create mesmerizing patterns, stunning textures, and even intricate designs. In this article, we'll explore the world of shape-filled images in Procreate, a powerful digital painting app.

Selecting the Right Shape

Different ways to fill in shapes on Procreate!
Different ways to fill in shapes on Procreate!

To fill a shape with an image, you first need to select the shape that you want to use. Procreate offers a wide range of shapes to choose from, including rectangles, circles, and polygons. You can find the shape tools in the Procreate toolbar, located at the top of the screen. Simply click on the shape tool that you want to use, and then click on the canvas to create your shape.

someone is drawing on an ipad with the text how to crop procreate art into any shape
someone is drawing on an ipad with the text how to crop procreate art into any shape

When selecting a shape, it's essential to consider the size and aspect ratio of the shape in relation to the image you plan to use. A larger shape will require a higher-resolution image to maintain its quality, while a smaller shape can get away with a lower-resolution image. By choosing the right shape, you can ensure that your image-filled shape looks its best.

Preparing Your Image

Filling Shapes in Procreate
Filling Shapes in Procreate

Before you can fill a shape with an image, you need to prepare your image for use in Procreate. This involves resizing the image to the correct size and format, as well as optimizing it for use in Procreate. You can do this by using a image editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Skitch.

When resizing your image, make sure to use a high-resolution image with a large enough pixel count to maintain its quality. A good rule of thumb is to use an image with a minimum of 300 dpi. Additionally, save your image in a format that is compatible with Procreate, such as PNG or JPEG.

How to Make Shapes in Procreate Tutorial
How to Make Shapes in Procreate Tutorial

Filling the Shape with an Image

Now that you have your shape and image ready, it's time to fill the shape with the image. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Select the shape tool that you want to use.
  • Click on the canvas to create your shape.
  • Select the image that you want to use.
  • Click on the "Fill" button in the Procreate toolbar.
  • Choose the "Image" option from the drop-down menu.
  • Select the image that you want to use, and Procreate will automatically fill the shape with the image.
a close up of a cell phone with stickers on the screen and text that reads how to quickly outline your art in procreate
a close up of a cell phone with stickers on the screen and text that reads how to quickly outline your art in procreate

By following these steps, you can easily fill a shape with an image in Procreate. However, there are a few tips and tricks that you can use to take your shape-filled images to the next level.

Advanced Techniques

One of the most powerful features of Procreate is its ability to use multiple images to fill a single shape. This allows you to create intricate designs and patterns that would be impossible to achieve with a single image. To use multiple images, follow these steps:

How to Fill One or Multiple Shapes with a Photo in Adobe Illustrator
How to Fill One or Multiple Shapes with a Photo in Adobe Illustrator
  • Select the shape tool that you want to use.
  • Click on the canvas to create your shape.
  • Select the image that you want to use.
  • Click on the "Fill" button in the Procreate toolbar.
  • Choose the "Image" option from the drop-down menu.
  • Select the image that you want to use, and Procreate will automatically fill the shape with the image.
  • To use multiple images, click on the "Add Image" button in the Procreate toolbar.
  • Select the additional images that you want to use, and Procreate will automatically fill the shape with the combined images.

Another advanced technique is to use Procreate's "Tile" feature to create seamless patterns. To use the tile feature, follow these steps:

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  • Select the shape tool that you want to use.
  • Click on the canvas to create your shape.
  • Select the image that you want to use.
  • Click on the "Fill" button in the Procreate toolbar.
  • Choose the "Tile" option from the drop-down menu.
  • Select the image that you want to use, and Procreate will automatically fill the shape with the image, creating a seamless pattern.

Best Practices for Shape-Filled Images

When creating shape-filled images, there are a few best practices that you can follow to ensure that your images look their best. These include:

  • Using high-resolution images to maintain their quality.
  • Choosing the right shape for the job, taking into account the size and aspect ratio of the shape in relation to the image.
  • Using multiple images to create intricate designs and patterns.
  • Utilizing Procreate's "Tile" feature to create seamless patterns.

Comparison of Image Editing Software

Software Image Editing Capabilities Compatibility with Procreate
Adobe Photoshop High-end image editing capabilities, including support for layers and masks. Yes, compatible with Procreate.
Skitch Basic image editing capabilities, including support for cropping and resizing. Yes, compatible with Procreate.

By following these tips and techniques, you can master the art of filling a shape with an image in Procreate. Whether you're a seasoned digital artist or just starting out, these skills will help you take your work to the next level and create stunning visual effects that will amaze and delight your audience.