How-to guide / Procreate
How to remove a background in Procreate
Procreate layers support transparency; you erase or mask the background by hand.
You’ll need: Procreate on iPad.
Import the photo as a layer
Actions → Add → Insert a photo.
Select the subject
Selections → Freehand or Automatic; with Automatic, drag the threshold until the subject is covered.
Mask the background
Invert the selection and erase, or add a Layer Mask and paint it black over the background, which is reversible.
Turn off the background colour
Untick the Background colour layer, then Actions → Share → PNG.
What Procreate can’t do well
No automatic subject detection for photos; hair and fur take time.
Questions people ask
Why does my Procreate export still have a background?
The Background colour layer is visible. Untick it in the Layers panel before sharing as PNG.
Can I start from an already cut-out image?
Yes. Remove the background with QuickCut on your iPad, save the PNG to Photos and insert it; transparency is preserved.
Is there a faster way than Procreate?
If you just need the cutout, drop the picture into QuickCut’s free background remover: no signup, a transparent PNG in seconds, with edge controls and erase/restore brushes. Then open the PNG in Procreate.