botanical illustration of an ash leaf in procreate with realistic watercolour brush set
Posted on by Sadiqua @ InsideMyNest

How to Import & Use Custom Brushes in Procreate

Procreate is a powerhouse drawing app designed for iPad, favoured by many digital artists for its intuitive interface and powerful features. One of its best features is the ability to use custom brushes—perfect for adding a unique touch to your artwork.

Whether you’ve downloaded brushes from online marketplaces like Etsy, Gumroad, Creative Market, or bought one of mine, this guide will walk you through how to import and use custom brushes in Procreate.

What Are Custom Brushes?

Custom brushes are user-created tools that go beyond Procreate’s default brush library. They can simulate anything from realistic pencils and watercolour to unique textures and special effects like glitter, smoke, or even fur.

They usually come in .brush or .brushset formats:

  • .brush — a single brush file.
  • .brushset — a collection of brushes bundled together.

Step-by-Step: How to Import Custom Brushes into Procreate

Method 1: Importing from the Files App (iCloud, Downloads, etc.)

  1. Download the Brush File
    • Download your .brush or .brushset file from the source.
    • It will usually land in your Downloads folder or iCloud Drive.
  2. Open the Files App
    • Navigate to the location of the brush file on your iPad.
  3. Tap the Brush File
    • Tap the .brush or .brushset file.
    • It will automatically open in Procreate and be imported.
  4. Locate the Brush in Procreate
    • Open Procreate.
    • Tap the Brush tool (paintbrush icon).
    • Your new brush or brush set will appear at the top of your brush library, often in a new brush folder named after the file.
How to Import & Use Custom Brushes in Procreate screenshot

Method 2: Drag and Drop into Procreate

  1. Open Files and Procreate in Split View
    • Use Split View to open the Files app and Procreate side by side.
  2. Drag the Brush File
    • Locate your brush file in the Files app.
    • Drag it directly into the open Procreate canvas.
    • Procreate will automatically import it and display a confirmation.
How to Import & Use Custom Brushes in Procreate screenshot

How to Use Your Custom Brush

Adjust size, opacity, and brush settings as needed using the sidebar sliders or the Brush Studio.

  1. Open Your Brush Library
    • Tap the paintbrush icon in the top right corner of Procreate.
  2. Select the Brush Set
    • Scroll to find the newly imported brush set or brush.
  3. Choose the Brush
    • Tap the brush you want to use.

Organising Your Brushes

  • Move Brushes: Drag brushes into sets to stay organised.
  • Create a New Brush Set: Tap the “+” at the top of the Brush Library.

Troubleshooting Tips

Search by the brush name if you remember it.

File won’t import?

  • Make sure it’s a supported file type (.brush, .brushset).
  • Ensure Procreate is updated to the latest version.

Can’t find the brush after importing?

  • Check the top of the brush library.