Procreate Color Profile & File Size Reduction: The Easiest Way

Updated at: 04/06/2025

Creating stunning artwork in Procreate is fantastic, but large file sizes can be a problem. This guide reveals the easiest way to reduce your Procreate file sizes without sacrificing image quality. We'll explore the power of color profiles and share simple, step-by-step instructions to optimize your artwork for sharing and storage. Learn how to effortlessly shrink your files while preserving vibrant colors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Check Original File Details

    • Check your canvas information (wrench icon -> Canvas Information) to determine the current color profile (RGB or CMYK) and resolution.
    Check your canvas information (wrench icon -> Canvas Information) to determine the current color profile (RGB or CMYK) and resolution.
    Check Original File Details

  2. Create New Document with Different Color Profile

    • Create a new document with the exact same dimensions (pixels, DPI) as your original but change the color profile (RGB to CMYK or vice versa).
    Create a new document with the exact same dimensions (pixels, DPI) as your original but change the color profile (RGB to CMYK or vice versa).
    Create New Document with Different Color Profile

  3. Transfer Design to New Document (Completed Design)

    • Export your completed design from the original file as a PNG.
    • Import the exported PNG into the newly created document.
    Import the exported PNG into the newly created document. Import the exported PNG into the newly created document.
    Transfer Design to New Document (Completed Design)

  4. Transfer Design to New Document (Work in Progress)

    • If you need to preserve layers and are not finished with your design, copy and paste individual layers from the RGB document to the CMYK document. Remember this will remove layer effects and opacity settings, so readjust those manually afterward.
    If you need to preserve layers and are not finished with your design, copy and paste individual layers from the RGB document to the CMYK document. Remember this will remove layer effects and opacity settings, so readjust those manually afterward.
    Transfer Design to New Document (Work in Progress)

  5. Create New Document for File Size Reduction

    • To reduce file size, create a new document with a lower resolution and smaller physical dimensions (pixels).
    To reduce file size, create a new document with a lower resolution and smaller physical dimensions (pixels).
    Create New Document for File Size Reduction

  6. Transfer Design to Smaller Document

    • Import your design (or an exported version) into the smaller canvas document.
    Import your design (or an exported version) into the smaller canvas document.
    Transfer Design to Smaller Document
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Tips

  • Always keep your master file editable. Export only finished versions.
  • Exporting as a PSD preserves layer information better than flattening and copying, but may show minor color differences initially before final export.
  • Check the file size of exported files in the Photos app on your iPad to see if it's too large.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring Procreate's Color Profile Settings

Reason: Exporting without specifying a color profile (like sRGB for web or Adobe RGB for print) can lead to inaccurate colors on different devices or in different programs.
Solution: Always select the appropriate color profile in Procreate's export settings before saving your artwork.

2. Using the Wrong File Format for Size Reduction

Reason: Choosing a format like PNG for images with large areas of single color results in unnecessarily large file sizes. Using JPEG for images with subtle gradients or detailed textures can lead to noticeable quality loss.
Solution: Use JPEG for photographic images and PNG for illustrations with sharp lines and solid colors, optimizing compression settings as needed.

3. Over-Compressing Images for Size Reduction

Reason: Trying to achieve extremely small file sizes by excessively compressing the image can significantly reduce its quality, resulting in blurry or pixelated artwork.
Solution: Find a balance between file size and image quality by adjusting compression settings until you achieve a satisfactory result.

FAQs

Why are my Procreate files so large?
Procreate files can be large due to high resolution, many layers, and the use of complex brush strokes. Saving with a smaller canvas size or fewer layers significantly reduces file size.
Will changing the color profile affect my artwork's appearance?
Changing the color profile (e.g., from Procreate's default to sRGB) primarily affects how colors are interpreted by different devices, not the image's visual appearance. sRGB is generally best for web and most screen displays. You may see *minor* differences, but generally not significant.
What's the best way to reduce file size without losing too much quality?
The best approach is a combination of techniques: reduce canvas size if possible, flatten layers (after you're finished editing), and export using a suitable color profile (like sRGB) and a suitable compression setting for your intended use (web vs. print). Experiment to find the balance between file size and image quality.