Procreate allows you to import existing 3D models to paint and texture them, rather than creating 3D shapes from scratch. This powerful feature lets digital artists bring their 2D painting skills into the 3D realm.
How to Import and Work with 3D Models in Procreate
To begin working with 3D models in Procreate, you first need to ensure your app is up to date. Procreate introduced its 3D painting capabilities with version 5.2. If you haven't updated yet, simply visit the App Store, search for Procreate, and update the application to the latest version. Once updated, you can open Procreate and start importing your 3D models.
Getting Started: Importing Your 3D Model
Importing a 3D model into Procreate is a straightforward process, enabling you to bring your external 3D creations to life with detailed textures.
- Open a New Canvas or Gallery: From the Procreate Gallery, tap the "+" icon in the top right corner to open a new canvas.
- Access the Actions Menu: Tap the Wrench icon (Actions) in the top left corner.
- Import Your Model:
- Go to the "Add" tab.
- Select "Import a 3D file".
- Navigate to where your 3D model is saved (e.g., iCloud Drive, Files app, or other cloud services).
- Select your desired 3D model file. Procreate will then load it onto your canvas.
Supported 3D File Formats
Procreate supports several common 3D file formats, making it versatile for artists working with various 3D software:
| File Format | Description | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| .OBJ | Wavefront Object, widely supported. | General 3D models, game assets |
| .USD | Universal Scene Description, developed by Pixar. | Animation, VFX, complex scenes |
| .USDZ | USD with Zero Compression, optimized for AR. | Augmented Reality, iOS ecosystem |
Navigating and Painting on Your 3D Model
Once your 3D model is imported, Procreate provides intuitive controls for navigation and painting.
3D Navigation Controls
- Rotate: Use one finger to rotate the model around its axis.
- Pan: Use two fingers to move the model across the canvas.
- Zoom: Pinch in or out with two fingers to zoom.
- Reset View: Double-tap with one finger on the canvas to reset the model's view.
Painting and Texturing
Painting on 3D models in Procreate feels similar to painting on a 2D canvas, with the added benefit of real-time 3D feedback.
- Brushes: All your favorite Procreate brushes can be used directly on the 3D model. Experiment with different brush types for various textures, from smooth gradients to rough surfaces.
- Layers: Procreate's layer system works seamlessly with 3D models. Each layer applies paint to the model's texture maps. You can create new layers, adjust blend modes, and modify opacity just as you would with 2D artwork.
- Lighting Environment: Procreate includes a customizable lighting environment that allows you to see how your textures react to different light sources, helping you to achieve realistic results. You can adjust the light direction, intensity, and color.
- Masking and Selections: Utilize masking and selection tools to precisely control where your paint is applied on the 3D model, ensuring clean and accurate texturing.
Practical Tips for 3D Painting
- Work in PBR (Physically Based Rendering): Procreate's 3D painting is based on PBR workflows, meaning your textures will look realistic under various lighting conditions. Understand the different material channels (Base Color, Roughness, Metallic, Normal Map) that Procreate generates when you paint.
- Use Reference Images: Keep reference images handy within Procreate (e.g., using Reference Companion) to guide your texturing work.
- Save Regularly: As with any digital art, save your progress frequently to avoid losing work. Procreate autosaves, but manual saving is always a good practice.
- Experiment with Blending Modes: Different blending modes on your layers can create unique effects and help you build up complex textures.
Exporting Your Textured 3D Model
After you've finished painting and texturing your 3D model, you can export it for use in other 3D software, game engines, or augmented reality applications.
- Go to the Actions menu (Wrench icon).
- Tap the "Share" tab.
- Under the "Share Layers" section, you'll find options to export your 3D model, typically as
.OBJor.USDZfiles, along with their associated texture maps (e.g., diffuse, normal, roughness, metallic maps).
By following these steps, you can effectively import, paint, and export 3D models within Procreate, leveraging its powerful painting engine for your 3D art projects.
