How to color digitally
- Mar 7
- 3 min read
Embarking on the journey of coloring can be both relaxing and creatively stimulating.
With the rise of digital tools, you can now enjoy coloring without the need for physical materials. If you've recently purchased a digital coloring book and are unfamiliar with painting apps or how to import your coloring book PDF into them, this guide will walk you through the process using three top apps: Procreate, Adobe Fresco, and Pigment.
Procreate
Procreate is a powerful and popular drawing app available exclusively for iPad users. It's renowned for its extensive features and user-friendly interface.
Importing a PDF Coloring Book into Procreate:
Convert PDF to images: Procreate doesn't support direct PDF imports. You'll need to convert your PDF coloring book into individual image files (preferably PNG or JPEG). You can use online converters or apps like Adobe Acrobat to export each page as an image.
Import images into Procreate:
Open Procreate and tap the "+" icon to create a new canvas.
Choose the desired canvas size that matches your coloring pages.
Tap the "Actions" menu (wrench icon), select "Add," and then "Insert a photo."
Select the image of the coloring page from your photos library.
Tips for Coloring in Procreate:
Layers: Utilize layers to separate different elements of your coloring page. This allows for non-destructive editing and easy adjustments.
Brushes: Procreate offers a wide range of brushes. Experiment with different textures and styles to enhance your coloring experience.
Apple Pencil: For precise control and a natural coloring feel, using an Apple Pencil is highly recommended.
Adobe Fresco
Adobe Fresco is another versatile drawing and painting app available for both iPad and Windows devices. It's designed for artists of all levels, offering a variety of tools that mimic traditional media.
Importing a PDF Coloring Book into Adobe Fresco:
Convert PDF to Images: Similar to Procreate, Adobe Fresco doesn't support direct PDF imports. Convert your PDF pages into image files using an online converter or Adobe Acrobat.
Import Images into Adobe Fresco:
Open Adobe Fresco and tap the "+" icon to create a new document.
Choose the appropriate canvas size.
Tap the "Image" icon, select "Photos," and choose the converted coloring page image from your device.
Tips for Coloring in Adobe Fresco:
Live Brushes: Take advantage of Fresco's live brushes, which simulate real-life painting techniques like watercolor and oil painting.
Layers and Masks: Use layers and masking tools to manage different parts of your coloring page efficiently.
Pigment
Pigment is a coloring app specifically designed for digital coloring enthusiasts. It's available on iOS devices and offers a vast library of coloring pages, along with realistic coloring tools.
Importing a PDF Coloring Book into Pigment:
Convert PDF to Images: As with the other apps, convert your PDF coloring book into individual image files.
Import Images into Pigment:
Open Pigment and tap the "My Work" section.
Tap the "+" icon and select "Import."
Choose the image files of your coloring pages from your device.
Tips for Coloring in Pigment:
Coloring Tools: Pigment offers tools that mimic pencils, markers, and paintbrushes. Explore these to find the best fit for your coloring style.
Color Palettes: Utilize the pre-made color palettes or create your own to maintain color harmony in your artwork.
General Tips for Digital Coloring
Since your coloring book already comes with high-resolution images, you can zoom in without worrying about pixelation. Other than that, you might want to keep the following tips in mind, to make the most of your digital coloring experience.
Practice: Take time to familiarize yourself with the app's features. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become.
Backup Your Work: Regularly save and back up your projects to avoid accidental loss.
By following these steps and tips, you'll be well on your way to enjoying your digital coloring book using some of the top apps available. Happy coloring!
