How To Download & Install Procreate Brushes [Tutorial]
To install your new brushes, please download the .brush/.brushset files and open them in Procreate (select the file and choose “Open in…” or ”Export…” > “Procreate”).
.brush files will be saved in the “Imported” folder at the bottom of the Procreate brush menu.
.brushset files will appear as a folder with all included brushes on top of the brush menu.
Some brushes are compressed as .zip files. Please unzip them before installing the included brushes into Procreate.
Step-by-step instructions for all file formats and devices:
Computer + iPad: I download brushes to a computer first, then transfer them to my iPad (recommended).
This method uses Dropbox. You can also use AirDrop or iCloud.
iPad only: I do everything on my iPad: make purchases, download brushes, and install the brushes in Procreate.
This method requires a third-party app like iZip to unzip files. Direct downloads to your iPad may not work (iOS can’t handle .zip files natively).
Check this blog post on .ZIP File Troubleshooting.
I use Procreate Pocket on my iPhone: Check out this handy blog post that talks all about installing brushes on Procreate Pocket!
To get started, follow these steps:
Download your Procreate brushes and unzip them on your computer. You can unzip a file on your computer by following these directions.
You'll see folder(s) that contain some files ending in .brush or .brushset. .brush is an individual brush, and .brushset is a brush library for Procreate 4.1 or higher. You'll be able to install either of these file types by following these steps:
The brand new .brushset format allows you to install a set of brushes all at once. You'll need Procreate version 4.1 or higher to install .brushset files. Here's how:
Transfer the file(s) ending in .brushset from your computer to your Dropbox folder. You might want to put all of your Procreate brushes in a specific Dropbox subfolder.
💡TIP: If you have a Mac (macOS 10.11 or higher), you can AirDrop the brush set directly from your Computer to your iPad. This transfers and installs the brush set all in one step!
On your iPad, open the Dropbox app, then navigate to the folder where your brush set is located. Tap on the brush set file, then click the small [...] icon and click Export. Click Open In... and tap Copy to Procreate.
Now, when you open Procreate, you'll see your new brush set at the top of your brush library.
The standard Procreate .brush format allows you to install one brush at a time. Use this option if you have an older iPad or Procreate version 4.0 or earlier. Here's how:
Transfer the file(s) ending in .brush to your Dropbox folder. You might want to put all of your Procreate brushes in a specific Dropbox subfolder.
On your iPad, open the Dropbox app, then navigate to the folder where your brush is located. Tap on the brush file, then click the small [...] icon and click Export. Click Open In... and tap Copy to Procreate.
Now, when you open Procreate, you'll see your new brush(es) in a set called "Imported" at the bottom of your brush library.
💡TIP: You'll need to use a third-party app like iZip to unzip files if you're downloading and installing .zip files directly using your iPad. Without this app .zip file downloads to your iPad won’t work!
Here’s how to download and unzip Procreate brushes on your iPad:
Download iZip on your iPad. This is a free app that will allow you to unzip .zip files on your iPad. Install it and open the app.
Click the “Download” link in your email or on the product download page (under “Library” or “My purchases”).
When the download window appears on your iPad, tap Open in… > iZip
iZip will open. Tap on the zip file, then click Yes.
After unzipping the files on your iPad, you'll be able to locate the .brush or .brushset files on your iPad in your Files app in the On My iPad location. Navigate to the .brush / .brushset file(s). In the top right, tap Select, then select one of the brush/brushset files (Note: .brush files can only be installed one at a time.) Tap Share at the bottom left, then tap Open in Procreate.
Now, when you open Procreate, you'll see your new .brush files in a set called "Imported" at the bottom of your brush library. .brushset files will appear at the top of the Brush Library. Repeat for the rest of the brushes.
If you use our Dropbox Sync (Creativemarket), follow these steps:
Locate the .zip file containing your new Procreate brushes in your Apps > Creative Market Dropbox folder.
Tap on the .zip file, then click the small [...] icon and click Export. Click Open In... and tap Copy to iZip (or your app that helps you unzip files). Use these directions to finish unzipping the files.
After unzipping the files on your iPad, you'll be able to locate the .brush or .brushset files on your iPad in your Files app in the On My iPad location. Navigate to the .brush / .brushset file(s). In the top right, tap Select, then select one of the .brush/.brushset files (Note: .brush files can only be installed one at a time.)
Tap Share at the bottom left, then tap Open in Procreate.
Now, when you open Procreate, you'll see your new .brush files in a set called "Imported" at the bottom of your brush library. Imported .brushset files will appear at the top of the Brush Library. Repeat for the rest of the brushes.
More FAQ
Do Procreate Brushes work on a computer?
No; Procreate Brushes are designed for the iPad-only app Procreate. Procreate Brushes cannot be used on a computer.
Can I install fonts in Procreate?
Yes, Procreate supports fonts now! If you're interested in installing fonts on your iPad, check out this post in my Brush Blog.
Can I install iPad Procreate Brushes in Procreate Pocket?
Procreate Pocket is a powerful painting app similar to Procreate, built for iPhone. Since Procreate Pocket brushes are built differently than Procreate Brushes for iPad, we cannot guarantee that all Procreate Brushes will be supported by Procreate Pocket.
You can learn more about installing Procreate Pocket brushes in this blog post.
Further Reading
💡TIP: Check my Brush Tumblr www.procreate-brushes.com for more FAQ, tips & tricks.
Note: In order to use Procreate Brushes, you’ll need Procreate App installed on your iPad. (this requires iOS 10.0 or later.) If you're installing the .brushset file format, you'll need iOS 11 and Procreate version 4.1 or higher. Instructions for installing both .brush and .brushset files are found below.
Procreate is an app for iPad, and that means that Procreate brushes will only work on an iPad with Procreate app installed. These brushes are amazing tools to use with your mobile stylus that will help you start sketching, lettering, and drawing in a variety of effects.