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How To Do Symmetry On Procreate


How To Do Symmetry On Procreate

Okay, let's talk symmetry. On Procreate. It's like magic, but less rabbit-out-of-a-hat and more… well, symmetrical drawing. Which, let's be honest, is pretty magical in its own right. Especially if, like me, you struggle to draw two eyes that look even vaguely related. Prepare for my unpopular opinion: Symmetry tools are life savers.

Getting Started: Canvas Chaos (But in a Good Way)

First, you gotta open Procreate. Groundbreaking, I know. Then, create a new canvas. Any size will do, really. Unless you're planning on drawing a building-sized butterfly. Then, maybe go bigger. Now, tap that little wrench icon. It's the "Actions" menu. It's where all the secrets are kept.

See the "Canvas" option? Tap it. You're almost there. Look for "Drawing Guide." Turn it on. Boom! Grid city. But wait! There's more!

The Symmetry Switcheroo

Under "Drawing Guide," tap "Edit Drawing Guide." This is where the real fun begins. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see a bunch of options. "Symmetry" is the one we're after. Tap it!

Procreate defaults to "Vertical" symmetry. Which is great for drawing faces. Or, you know, anything that's vertically symmetrical. Like a vase. Or a really well-organized pile of socks (I'm kidding... mostly).

How to Use the Symmetry Tools in Procreate - Adventures with Art
How to Use the Symmetry Tools in Procreate - Adventures with Art

But wait! There are other options! Tap those little circles at the bottom. You've got Horizontal (perfect for landscapes, or maybe a really long banner), Quadrant (for making cool patterns, like a kaleidoscope), and Radial (hello mandalas!). And then there's my personal favorite: Rotational. Because who doesn't love drawing spinning things?

Drawing Like a Pro (or at Least Pretending To)

Okay, now for the drawing part. Pick a brush. Any brush. I'm partial to the technical pen, but you do you. Now, start drawing on one side of the line. Watch the magic happen on the other side! It's like having a tiny, artistic robot mimicking your every move. Except less robotic, and more… symmetrical.

If you find yourself drawing something wonky, remember: practice makes perfect! And also, the undo button is your best friend. Seriously, embrace it. Ctrl+Z (or two-finger tap on the screen) will become your mantra.

How to Use Symmetry in Procreate | Kelly Leigh Creates
How to Use Symmetry in Procreate | Kelly Leigh Creates

Want to add more lines? Go back to "Edit Drawing Guide." You can add up to eight vertical or horizontal lines! Imagine the possibilities! The symmetrical chaos! The sheer artistic power!

Advanced Shenanigans: Getting Fancy

For the truly adventurous, there's the "Assisted Drawing" option. Turn it on, and Procreate will force your strokes to follow the symmetry guidelines. It's like having training wheels for your stylus. Great for beginners. Also great for those of us who are just perpetually clumsy. Ahem.

And here's another unpopular opinion: Sometimes, perfect symmetry is boring. Don't be afraid to break the rules! Add a little asymmetry! A little imperfection! Let your inner rebel yell... symmetrically.

How to Use the Symmetry Tools in Procreate - Adventures with Art
How to Use the Symmetry Tools in Procreate - Adventures with Art

Troubleshooting: When Symmetry Goes Wrong

Sometimes, things go sideways. The lines aren't matching up. The symmetry is… off. Don't panic! First, make sure you haven't accidentally turned off the "Assisted Drawing" setting. That's a common culprit.

Also, double-check your brush settings. Some brushes are more sensitive to pressure than others. This can lead to slightly uneven lines, even with symmetry turned on.

And finally, sometimes Procreate just glitches. It happens. Try closing the app and reopening it. Or, you know, blaming your stylus. It's never your fault. Never.

Procreate Symmetry Tool (iPad tutorial) - YouTube | Procreate tutorial
Procreate Symmetry Tool (iPad tutorial) - YouTube | Procreate tutorial

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Symmetry!

Symmetry on Procreate is a powerful tool. It can help you create stunning artwork, even if you're not a "natural" artist. Embrace it! Experiment with it! And most importantly, have fun with it!

So go forth and create! Make symmetrical masterpieces! And remember, even if your artwork ends up looking a little… wonky… at least it will be symmetrical wonky. Which is, arguably, even better. Right?

And remember: art is subjective. Except when it's symmetrical. Then it's just objectively awesome. Or at least, that's my very humble, and very unpopular, opinion. Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.

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