How to Share Procreate Brushes on iPad
Knowing how to share Procreate brushes makes it easier to back up custom tools, send brush packs to clients, and move your setup between iPads.
The process is usually simple, but a few file-format and storage details can affect whether the brush imports correctly.
Procreate uses brush files called .brush and brush set files called .brushset, and understanding the difference is the key to sharing without headaches.
Once you know where those files live and how Procreate handles imports, you can move brushes through AirDrop, Files, email, or cloud services with confidence.
What file types do Procreate brushes use?
Procreate brushes are stored in two main formats:
- .brush files for individual brushes
- .brushset files for groups of brushes saved together in one set
If you want to share one brush, export the single .brush file.
If you want to send a full collection, export the .brushset file so the recipient gets the same organization and brush names.
Because Procreate is built for iPadOS, these files are typically transferred through the iPad Files app or another sharing option that preserves the file attachment.
Avoid copy-pasting images of brushes or screenshots, since those are not usable brush files.
How to export Procreate brushes from your library
Before you can share a brush, you need to export it from Procreate.
The exact steps are straightforward:
- Open Procreate on your iPad.
- Tap the Brush Library icon.
- Find the brush or brush set you want to share.
- Swipe left on the brush or tap and hold the brush set name.
- Select Share or Export.
- Choose the file format Procreate offers and save it to Files or send it through a sharing option.
If you are sharing a single brush, Procreate will create a .brush file.
If you share an entire brush set, Procreate will generate a .brushset file.
Naming the file clearly before sending it can help the recipient identify it later.
How to share Procreate brushes with AirDrop?
AirDrop is one of the fastest ways to share Procreate brushes between Apple devices.
It works well when both users are nearby and have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirDrop enabled.
Steps for AirDrop transfer
- Export the brush or brush set from Procreate.
- In the share sheet, tap AirDrop.
- Choose the receiving iPad, iPhone, or Mac.
- Accept the file on the receiving device.
AirDrop is especially useful for sharing with another artist during a workshop or collaboration session because the transfer is direct and usually preserves the original file without compression.
When AirDrop is the best choice
- You are sending brushes between Apple devices
- You want a fast local transfer
- You do not want to upload files to cloud storage
How to share Procreate brushes using Files or cloud storage?
The Files app gives you the most flexibility for saving, organizing, and transferring brushes.
You can place the exported file in iCloud Drive, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, or another supported location.
This method works well if the recipient is not nearby or if you want to store a backup copy for later use.
It also makes it easy to build a shared brush library for a team or multi-device workflow.
Using Files for storage and transfer
- Export the brush from Procreate.
- Choose Save to Files.
- Select a folder in iCloud Drive or another cloud service.
- Share the link or file access with the recipient.
If you are sending to another Apple user, the recipient can tap the file in Files and open it in Procreate.
If you are sharing by link, make sure the cloud permissions allow downloading the original file, not just previewing it.
Can you email Procreate brushes?
Yes, you can email Procreate brushes as attachments, and this can be useful for quick delivery to a client or student.
Email works best for a small number of brushes, since large brush packs are easier to manage in cloud storage or AirDrop.
Attach the exported .brush or .brushset file to the email, then ask the recipient to download the attachment on an iPad and open it with Procreate.
If the file is compressed inside a ZIP archive, the recipient may need to extract it first using the Files app.
Email is convenient, but attachment limits and spam filters can sometimes interfere with delivery.
For larger brush packs, cloud storage is usually more reliable.
How do you import shared brushes into Procreate?
Importing a shared brush is usually as simple as opening the file on the iPad.
Procreate recognizes brush files and adds them to the Brush Library once the file is opened correctly.
Import methods that work well
- Tap the .brush or .brushset file in Files and choose Procreate if prompted
- Open the file from AirDrop and let iPadOS hand it to Procreate
- Download the file from cloud storage and tap it from the Files app
After import, the brush will usually appear in the brush set it was saved from, or in a newly added set if it was shared as a brushset.
If nothing appears immediately, close and reopen Procreate, then check the top of the Brush Library.
Why won’t a Procreate brush import correctly?
Most import problems come from file handling rather than the brush itself.
If a shared brush does not open, check these common issues:
- The file is compressed and needs to be unzipped first
- The file extension changed during upload or download
- The brush was saved as an image instead of a brush file
- The recipient does not have Procreate installed
- The file was corrupted during transfer
If the file was sent through a messaging app, some apps compress or alter attachments.
In those cases, re-export the brush and use AirDrop or Files instead.
If the brush is from an older Procreate version, updating the app may help with compatibility.
Best practices for sharing Procreate brushes
When you share brushes professionally, a few habits make the process cleaner and more reliable.
- Share brush sets when possible to preserve organization
- Use clear file names that describe the brush style or purpose
- Keep a backup copy before sending or deleting anything
- Test the file on another device if you are distributing brushes to clients or students
- Include usage notes such as pressure settings, paper texture preferences, or intended canvas size
If you sell or distribute brushes, adding a simple readme file with installation instructions can reduce support requests.
It is also a good idea to confirm whether the brush file includes only your own work and any licensed assets you are allowed to redistribute.
How to share Procreate brushes between iPad and Mac?
Brush sharing between iPad and Mac is possible when the receiving device can access the file in a compatible way.
AirDrop is often the easiest route, but you can also use iCloud Drive or another synced folder.
On a Mac, the recipient can download the file and open it if Procreate for Mac is installed.
On iPad, tapping the brush file from Files is usually enough to send it into Procreate.
This cross-device workflow is helpful for artists who sketch on iPad and organize assets on desktop.
How to organize shared brush libraries?
Once you start exchanging brush packs, organization becomes important.
A clear system saves time and keeps your Procreate workflow manageable.
- Create folders for custom brushes, purchased brushes, and shared packs
- Store the original exported file separately from your working copy
- Use version numbers when updating a brush set
- Keep a list of the brush creator, license notes, and date received
A well-organized brush library makes it easier to find the right tool when working on illustration, lettering, concept art, surface design, or social media graphics.
It also reduces the risk of accidentally overwriting a brush you still need.
