Free Procreate Brushes: Get Them On Your IPad!

Hey guys! Are you ready to unleash your inner artist and take your Procreate creations to the next level? One of the best ways to do that is by expanding your brush library. And guess what? You don't have to break the bank to do it! This guide will show you exactly how to get your hands on amazing, free Procreate brushes for your iPad. We'll explore various resources, explain how to install them, and even give you some tips for managing your growing brush collection. So, grab your Apple Pencil, and let's dive in!

Why Use Custom Procreate Brushes?

Before we jump into where to find these free brushes, let's quickly touch on why you should bother using them in the first place. Procreate comes with a fantastic set of default brushes, no doubt. But custom brushes? They're a game-changer! Imagine having the ability to perfectly replicate the texture of charcoal, the flow of watercolors, or the crisp lines of ink, all with a few taps on your screen. That's the power of custom brushes.

• Expand your artistic possibilities: Custom brushes open up a whole new world of textures, effects, and styles that you simply can't achieve with the default set. Think about creating realistic fur, intricate patterns, or unique lettering styles – the possibilities are endless!
• Speed up your workflow: Having a brush specifically designed for a particular task can save you a ton of time and effort. No more fiddling with settings to get the exact look you want. Just select your brush and get creating!
• Develop your unique style: Using a variety of brushes, especially those you curate yourself, can help you develop a signature style that sets your work apart. It's like having your own unique set of artistic tools.

So, are you convinced yet? Free Procreate brushes are not just a way to save money; they're a way to enhance your creativity and improve your artwork.

Where to Find Free Procreate Brushes

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Where can you actually find these elusive free Procreate brushes? The internet is teeming with resources, but it can be overwhelming to sort through them all. Don't worry, I've done the legwork for you! Here are some of my favorite places to find high-quality, free Procreate brushes:

1. Online Marketplaces and Websites

Several websites and online marketplaces specialize in digital resources for artists, and many of them offer a selection of free Procreate brushes. These are often created by talented artists and designers who want to share their work with the community. Make sure to check the license agreements, but usually, they can be used for personal and commercial projects.

• Creative Market: This is a treasure trove of digital assets, and they have a section dedicated to free goods that often includes Procreate brushes. You might find a whole brush set here! The quality can be outstanding, making it a go-to resource for many digital artists. Remember to check their weekly free goods for amazing brushes. Navigating the site is straightforward, making it easy to find what you're looking for.
• Gumroad: A platform where creators can sell their digital products, Gumroad also hosts many free resources, including Procreate brushes. It's a great place to discover independent artists and their unique creations. The search function on Gumroad works well, making it easy to filter for free brushes specifically. Don’t hesitate to explore the various offerings from different artists to find the perfect brush for your needs. Plus, supporting individual artists often means you’re getting a more personalized and unique product.
• Design Cuts: Known for their discounted design bundles, Design Cuts also offers a freebies section that occasionally features Procreate brushes. The quality of resources on Design Cuts is usually very high, as they curate their offerings carefully. Keep an eye on their promotions and email newsletters to catch these deals. The site is well-organized and user-friendly, so you can quickly find and download the resources you need. Design Cuts is definitely a site worth bookmarking for any digital artist looking for quality tools and resources.

These marketplaces often have a wide variety of brushes available, from texture brushes to calligraphy pens, so you are likely to find something that fits your needs. Remember to read reviews and previews when available to ensure you're downloading brushes that match your desired style and quality.

2. Artist Websites and Blogs

Many individual artists and illustrators offer free Procreate brushes on their websites or blogs as a way to connect with their audience and promote their work. This is a fantastic way to support artists and get your hands on some truly unique brushes.

• Search for specific styles: If you're looking for a particular style of brush (e.g., watercolor, calligraphy), try searching for artists who specialize in that style. Many artists share brushes that complement their artistic style. Often, these artists have spent considerable time developing these brushes to suit their workflow, making them a valuable asset for any Procreate user. Exploring artist blogs can also provide insight into how these brushes are used, giving you tips and tricks for your projects. This direct connection with the creator can also allow you to provide feedback or ask questions about the brushes.
• Subscribe to newsletters: Artists often announce free brush releases and other resources through their newsletters. Subscribing is a great way to stay updated on the latest offerings. Newsletters also frequently contain exclusive content or early access to new brushes, giving you a competitive edge. Many artists also share tutorials and tips in their newsletters, which can be invaluable for improving your digital art skills. By subscribing, you are not only gaining access to free resources but also building a connection with the artist and their community.

When browsing artist websites, look for dedicated downloads sections or blog posts where they share their brushes. These brushes can be incredibly diverse and tailored to specific artistic styles, making them a valuable addition to your collection. Plus, you're directly supporting the artist when you download their free resources!

3. Social Media Platforms (Instagram, Twitter, etc.)

Social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter are not just for sharing your artwork; they're also great places to discover free Procreate brushes. Many artists share their brushes and resources with their followers.

• Use relevant hashtags: Search for hashtags like #procreatebrushes, #freebrushes, #procreatetutorial, and #digitalart to find artists who share their brushes. Using specific hashtags helps you filter through the vast amount of content on social media and find exactly what you need. Engaging with posts that use these hashtags can also help you discover new artists and resources. Remember to save the posts or accounts you find useful for future reference.
• Follow Procreate artists: Follow artists whose work you admire. They often share free brushes and other resources with their followers as a way to give back to the community. Following these artists allows you to stay updated on their latest offerings and often provides inspiration for your own work. Many artists also host giveaways and contests where you can win premium brushes or other digital art tools. It’s a fantastic way to connect with the digital art community and expand your resources.

Social media platforms are dynamic spaces where artists actively engage with their audience, so you're likely to find fresh and exciting brushes being shared regularly. Don't hesitate to reach out to artists directly if you have questions about their brushes – many are happy to help!

4. Online Forums and Communities

Online forums and communities dedicated to Procreate and digital art are fantastic places to find free brushes and connect with other artists. These communities often have dedicated threads or sections for sharing resources.

• Procreate Forums: The official Procreate forums are an excellent resource for finding brushes, tutorials, and community support. The forums are moderated and well-organized, making it easy to find the information you need. Members often share their custom brushes and offer advice on how to use them effectively. Engaging in discussions and asking questions can also lead to discovering new resources and techniques. The official Procreate forums are a valuable hub for any Procreate user looking to expand their knowledge and tools.
• Facebook Groups: Join Facebook groups dedicated to Procreate and digital art. Members often share their brushes and tips within these groups. Facebook groups provide a supportive and collaborative environment where artists can share their work, ask for feedback, and exchange resources. Many groups have dedicated files sections where members can upload and download brushes. Participating in group discussions and activities can help you connect with other artists and stay updated on the latest trends and resources in the Procreate community.
• Reddit: Subreddits like r/Procreate and r/digitalpainting are great places to find free brushes and discuss digital art techniques. Reddit's community-driven platform allows users to upvote and downvote content, ensuring that the most valuable resources are easily discoverable. Participating in discussions and sharing your own experiences can help you build your reputation and connect with other artists. Reddit is a dynamic and informative platform for any digital artist looking to expand their knowledge and resources.

These communities are invaluable because they provide a space for artists to share their knowledge and resources. You'll often find brushes that are not available anywhere else, as well as helpful tips and tutorials on how to use them.

How to Install Procreate Brushes

Now that you know where to find free Procreate brushes, let's talk about how to install them on your iPad. The process is actually quite simple, and there are a few different ways to do it.

1. Importing Directly from the Files App

The easiest way to install Procreate brushes is directly from the Files app on your iPad. This method works best if you've downloaded the brushes to your iPad's storage or iCloud Drive.

• Locate the brush file: Open the Files app and navigate to the folder where you saved the downloaded brush file (it will usually have a .brush or .brushset extension). This could be in your Downloads folder, iCloud Drive, or another cloud storage service.
• Tap the brush file: Simply tap the brush file, and Procreate will automatically open and import the brush. It's that easy!
• Find the brush in your library: The brush (or brush set) will be added to your brush library in Procreate, usually at the bottom of the list. You can then move it to a different set or rename it as needed.

This method is quick and straightforward, making it a great option for installing individual brushes or small brush sets.

2. Importing from the Procreate App

You can also import brushes directly from within the Procreate app itself. This method is useful if you want to browse your files while staying within Procreate.

• Open Procreate and the Brush Library: Open Procreate and tap the brush icon to access the Brush Library.
• Tap the "+" button: Tap the "+" button at the top right of the Brush Library to create a new brush set (optional) or select an existing set where you want to add the brush.
• Tap the "Import" button: Tap the "Import" button at the top right of the Brush Library panel. This will open the Files app.
• Locate and select the brush file: Navigate to the folder where you saved the downloaded brush file and tap to select it. Procreate will import the brush into the selected brush set.

This method is slightly more involved than importing directly from the Files app, but it gives you more control over where the brush is added in your library.

3. Using AirDrop

If you've downloaded the brushes on another device (like your computer), you can use AirDrop to transfer them to your iPad.

• Make sure AirDrop is enabled: On both your iPad and the other device, make sure AirDrop is turned on. You can do this in the Control Center on iOS and in Finder on macOS.
• Share the brush file: On the device where the brush file is located, select the file and choose the "Share" option. Then, select AirDrop and choose your iPad from the list of available devices.
• Accept the file on your iPad: On your iPad, you'll receive a notification asking if you want to accept the file. Tap "Accept," and the brush file will be opened in Procreate automatically.

AirDrop is a convenient way to transfer files wirelessly between Apple devices, making it a great option for installing brushes from your computer or another iPad.

Tips for Managing Your Procreate Brushes

As you start collecting more and more free Procreate brushes, it's important to have a system for managing them. Otherwise, your Brush Library can quickly become cluttered and overwhelming. Here are some tips to keep your brushes organized:

• Create custom brush sets: Use Procreate's brush set feature to organize your brushes into categories (e.g., "Pencils," "Inks," "Textures"). This makes it much easier to find the brush you're looking for.
• Rename brushes: Give your brushes descriptive names so you can easily identify them. For example, instead of "Brush 1," try "Soft Charcoal" or "Rough Texture."
• Delete unused brushes: Regularly go through your Brush Library and delete any brushes you don't use. This will help keep your library clean and efficient.
• Back up your brushes: Procreate doesn't automatically back up your custom brushes, so it's a good idea to create a backup yourself. You can do this by exporting your brush sets and saving them to iCloud Drive or another cloud storage service.

By following these tips, you can keep your Procreate Brush Library organized and ensure that your brushes are always readily available when you need them.

Conclusion

So there you have it! A comprehensive guide to getting free Procreate brushes on your iPad. With a little bit of searching and these helpful tips, you'll be well on your way to building an amazing brush collection that will enhance your artwork and inspire your creativity. Remember to explore different resources, experiment with different brushes, and most importantly, have fun! Happy creating, guys!