How to Install Procreate Brushes: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Installing Procreate brushes is one of the first things you'll want to learn when starting your digital art journey. Whether you've downloaded free brushes or purchased premium brush sets, knowing how to properly install and organize them will save you time and frustration. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about installing Procreate brushes on your iPad.

What Are Procreate Brushes?

Procreate brushes are digital tools that simulate various traditional art media like pencils, markers, watercolors, and oil paints. They come in file formats with the extension .brush (single brush) or .brushset (multiple brushes in a set). These files contain all the settings and textures needed to create specific artistic effects in your Procreate artwork.

The beauty of Procreate brushes is their versatility. You can find brushes that mimic virtually any traditional medium, from charcoal sketching to acrylic painting, or even create entirely unique digital effects that would be impossible with physical tools.

Method 1: Installing Brushes from Safari or Email

This is the most common method for installing Procreate brushes you've downloaded from websites or received via email.

Step 1: Download the Brush Files

First, locate your brush files. If you're downloading from a website, tap the download link in Safari. If you received them via email, open the email attachment. The files will typically download to your iPad's Files app or open directly in the share menu.

Step 2: Open with Procreate

Once the brush file is downloaded, tap on it to view options. You'll see a share icon (a square with an arrow pointing up). Tap this icon and look for the "Open in Procreate" or "Import with Procreate" option. If you don't see Procreate listed immediately, scroll through the app options or tap "More" to find it.

Step 3: Access Your New Brushes

After selecting "Open in Procreate," the app will automatically launch and import your brushes. Single .brush files will appear in your current brush set, while .brushset files will create a new brush set. To access your new brushes, tap the brush icon in Procreate's top toolbar, and you'll find them in the Brush Library.

Method 2: Installing from Cloud Storage

If you store your brush files in iCloud Drive, Google Drive, or Dropbox, the installation process is slightly different but equally straightforward.

Using the Files App

Open the Files app on your iPad and navigate to where your brush files are stored. Tap and hold on the brush file until a menu appears, then select "Share." From the share menu, choose "Copy to Procreate" or "Open in Procreate." The brushes will import automatically, and you'll find them in your Brush Library when you open Procreate.

Method 3: Direct Import Through Our App

The easiest way to install Procreate brushes is through the ProcreateTools app. Our streamlined process eliminates confusion and gets you creating faster.

Why Use Our App?

• One-tap installation directly to Procreate
• Browse thousands of brushes organized by category
• Preview brushes before downloading
• Automatic organization in your Brush Library
• Regular updates with new brush sets
• Both free and premium options available

Simply browse the brushes in our app, tap "Install," and the brush set will automatically open in Procreate, fully organized and ready to use. No file management, no confusion—just instant access to beautiful brushes.

Organizing Your Brushes

After installing multiple brush sets, organization becomes crucial. Here's how to keep your Brush Library tidy and efficient.

Creating Custom Brush Sets

In the Brush Library, tap the "+" icon to create a new brush set. Give it a descriptive name like "My Favorites" or "Portrait Brushes." Then, tap and hold any brush and drag it into your new set. You can also duplicate brushes to have them in multiple sets without taking up extra space.

Renaming and Deleting

Swipe left on any brush or brush set to reveal options for renaming or deleting. Keep your library clean by removing brushes you don't use. Don't worry—you can always re-download them later if needed.

Organizing by Purpose

Consider organizing your brushes by purpose rather than by the set they came in. Create sets like "Sketching," "Inking," "Coloring," and "Texturing." This workflow-based organization helps you find the right tool faster while working on a piece.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Brush Won't Import

If a brush file won't import, first check that it's a legitimate .brush or .brushset file. Some downloads may be compressed in .zip format—extract these first using the Files app. Also ensure you're running the latest version of Procreate, as older versions may not support newer brush formats.

Can't Find Imported Brushes

After importing, scroll through your Brush Library carefully. New brush sets appear at the bottom of the list. Single brushes typically import into the currently selected brush set. If you still can't find them, try closing and reopening Procreate to refresh the library.

Brush Doesn't Work as Expected

Some brushes require specific settings or work better with certain canvas sizes and Apple Pencil pressure. Check if the brush creator provided documentation or recommended settings. You can also adjust brush settings by tapping the brush name in the library.

Best Practices for Managing Brushes

Regular Cleanup

Every few months, review your brush collection and remove sets you haven't touched. This keeps your library fast and focused on the tools you actually use.

Backup Your Favorites

For brushes you've customized or paid for, consider exporting them to cloud storage as a backup. Tap on a brush set, select "Share," and save it to iCloud Drive or another cloud service.

Test Before Committing

Before installing every brush pack you find, create a test canvas and try out a few brushes from the set. This helps you decide if the pack is worth keeping and prevents library bloat.

Free vs. Premium Brushes

You'll find both free and premium Procreate brushes available. Free brushes are excellent for beginners and experimentation, while premium brushes often offer higher quality, more variety, and better support from creators. Our app provides a curated selection of both, allowing you to build your perfect brush library without overspending.

Conclusion

Installing Procreate brushes is a simple process once you know the steps. Whether you're importing from Safari, cloud storage, or using our dedicated app, you'll be expanding your creative toolkit in no time. Remember to stay organized, regularly clean up unused brushes, and don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and techniques.

Ready to start building your brush collection? Download our app today for instant access to thousands of high-quality Procreate brushes, all with one-tap installation and expert organization.