How to Paint a 3D Model in Procreate
Painting a 3D model can be tricky if you’re using complicated software, but Procreate has always had a reputation for being easy to understand and user-friendly, and its feature for painting 3D models is no different. With the ability to draw, paint, and modify textures and lighting, you can truly bring your 3D models to life. Want to know how? Keep reading.
Where Can You Get Procreate?
Procreate is over a decade old, but in case you’re not familiar with the digital art software, Procreate is an app for iPad that uses raster graphics for painting and sketching. In 2021, Procreate released a feature that allows users to import and paint 3D models. The app, however, cannot create 3D models.
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Download:Procreate:iPadOS($9.99)
How to Paint 3D Models in Procreate
Before you can start painting 3D models, you first need 3D models to paint. You can either import your own 3D models or download and import the ones that Procreate provides.
Importing Your Own 3D Model
To import your own 3D model, make sure you’re on the ProcreateGallerypage and tapImportin the top right corner. Find the location of the file you want to import, which must be an OBJ or USDZ file, and tap it to open. The file will immediately be imported to Procreate’s painting page, and you’re able to begin working on it right away.
Download and Import 3D Models From Procreate
To use Procreate’s 3D models, you first need to download them. To do this, follow these steps:
Once the packs are finished importing, you can find them inGallery.
Selecting a Layer
3D models are made up of multiple meshes that are sectioned underLayers(the icon with the two layered squares on the far right end of the top toolbar). These layers are divided into texture sets and sub-meshes to make finding them easier. For example, when looking at a 3D model of sunglasses, you will seeLeftandRightare separate underTemples.
Templesis a texture set, meaning that both the left and right side of the sunglasses share the same texture. However, they are split into two sub-meshes—so you can give them unique designs. You can select a mesh by tapping on its name.
However, if you want to halve your work time and paint a whole texture set at once, you can select the entire mesh by holding themodifyicon (the empty round-cornered square between the brush size and opacity toolbar on the left) and tapping on either mesh on the 3D object. In doing this, you select every mesh within the texture set.
Painting the Color Layer
Under each mesh, there is an option to alter the color of the mesh, as well as its roughness and metallic qualities.
Coloris the color layer of the mesh, i.e. what color the object will be. you’re able to choose any color on Procreate’s color wheel, input the color values yourself, or even import your own color palettes. One way to do this is bycreating your own color palette using the Pantone Studio App, which can then be imported to Procreate.
To color your 3D object:
Next, go toColorsby tapping on the color disc in the top right corner and selecting a color. You can then tap and hold the disc and drag it directly to your object to fill it immediately, or you can use the large range of brushes to create patterns, dimensions, and textures.
it’s possible to also paint through a mesh by toggling thePaint through meshoptiononunder3Din theActionsmenu (the spanner icon next toGalleryin the toolbar). This function is helpful if there is an object blocking the mesh you want to paint, so you don’t have to keep togglingShow layeron and off.
Altering the Roughness and Metallic Layers
Since you are painting a 3D object that emulates reality, the roughness and metallic layers are there to bring life to the object through texture and sheen. Think about the object and how it would act in real life; is it made of smooth plastic, or was it carved from wood? How would it reflect in various lighting and environmental settings?
TheRoughnesslayer andMetalliclayer work with the brightness and darkness of colors. Darker colors will create more texture in the rough layer, while brighter colors will make the object appear smoother. As for the metallic layer, brighter colors will give the object the most sheen, and darker colors will dull the glimmer.
Have a look at the example below, where the pink looks almost like plastic from using complete black in the metallic layer, but the yellow resembles metal because it has far more depth and reflection from using white.
The roughness and metallic layers are altered in the same way as the color layer:
You can fill the object at once, or you can use a brush for various textures and reflections. You can also import your own brushes to the app, but Procreate has a large range of brushes for you to choose from already, which you can then refine to your liking. Here are thebest Procreate brushes you need to try.
Show 2D Texture (Toggle On/Off)
While it’s perfectly fine to draw directly onto the object in 3D mode, it can be challenging when you want to add small details, such as a signature or detailed pictures. The 3D mode might warp the brush, or you might not get the same precision you would have painting in 2D. That’s whereShow 2D Texturecomes in handy.
The function allows you to see your 3D model in its 2D form and add elements in a more clear-cut way.
To use theShow 2D Texturefunction:
At this point, you can either begin drawing on the 2D texture right away, or you can toggle onReferenceunderCanvasin theActionsmenu to see your 3D object simultaneously. This way, you don’t have to keep clicking back to 3D mode to see the changes.
When you’re done, go back to theActionsmenu. Under3D, toggle offShow 2D textureto go back to your 3D environment and see the changes you’ve added.
Adjust Lighting and Environment
you’re able to see what your 3D model would look like in various environments and lighting. Adjusting these are important, especially if you’re planning to use the object for advertising, gaming, or real life-creation. You want to know how the object’s color changes, how it reflects, what details are hidden, and what is brought to light.
Adjust the lighting and environment as follows:
Procreate offers 11 different kinds of environments, with the option to adjust theExposure. Have a look at how the sunglasses change (including the reflection in the frames) with theNightlifeenvironment.
You can then tapAdd Lightto add one light source (up to four), then tap the light block again to adjust theHue,Saturation, andIntensity. Drag the light block to the area you want lit. To view your final creation, simply tap the orangeDoneicon.
Bringing Your 3D Models to Life
As you can see, painting a 3D model with Procreate is a simple and easy process. The interface is user-friendly, and there are potentially limitless colors, brushes, and 3D models for you to use during the process. The only downside is that you can’t create a 3D model from scratch, but when it comes to bringing one to life, Procreate has got you covered.
If you’re new to 3D modeling and aren’t sure whether to start on your PC or tablet, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of using both.
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