How to export Procreate animation
If you want to share an animation made in Procreate, the export settings matter as much as the drawing itself.
The right format can preserve smooth motion, reduce file size, and make your animation usable on social media, websites, or in editing software.
Procreate offers several export options, but each one serves a different purpose.
Understanding those differences helps you avoid common issues like blurry playback, oversized files, or missing transparency.
Where to find the animation export options
Procreate’s animation tools are built into the app’s canvas workflow through Animation Assist, which lets you create frame-by-frame motion.
Once your animation is ready, export options are available from the Share menu.
- Open your finished animation in Procreate.
- Tap the wrench icon to open the Actions menu.
- Select Share.
- Choose an export format such as MP4, GIF, PNG, or animated HEVC, depending on your goal.
Before exporting, it helps to review the Animation Assist timeline.
Frame count, frame rate, and onion skin settings all affect how the final file looks and performs.
Which export format should you choose?
The best format depends on where the animation will be used.
Procreate supports several output types, and each one has strengths and trade-offs.
MP4
MP4 is usually the best choice for general sharing.
It is widely supported on iPhone, Android, Windows, macOS, YouTube, Instagram, and most content management systems.
MP4 files are compressed efficiently, which keeps the file size manageable while maintaining decent visual quality.
- Best for social media and web publishing
- Works well for video editors like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro
- Does not support transparency
GIF
GIF is useful for short loops, reaction animations, and simple web graphics.
It is less efficient than MP4, so the file size can become large quickly, especially with many colors or frames.
- Best for looping animations with limited color detail
- Supported by most browsers and messaging platforms
- No audio and limited color depth
PNG
PNG export is ideal when you want individual frames or a still image sequence.
If your project needs further editing in software like After Effects, exporting as PNG frames gives you more control during compositing.
- Best for frame-by-frame post-production work
- Can preserve transparency
- Usually exported as separate images rather than a single animation file
Animated HEVC
HEVC, also known as H.265, can create smaller files than standard MP4 in some cases while keeping good visual quality.
Support is more limited than MP4, so it is best used when you know the destination platform can handle it.
- Efficient compression for Apple-based workflows
- Good for sharing within modern device ecosystems
- Compatibility is not as universal as MP4
How do you export Procreate animation as a video file?
For most users, exporting as MP4 is the simplest and most versatile option.
It works well for sending animations to clients, posting on social platforms, or archiving a finished project in a standard video format.
- Open the animation in Procreate.
- Tap the wrench icon and go to Share.
- Select Animated MP4.
- Choose your quality or resolution options if prompted.
- Save the file to Files, Photos, or another destination.
After exporting, play the file in your default video player to confirm that the frame rate, timing, and image quality look correct.
This is especially important if your animation includes text, clean line art, or subtle motion.
How do you export Procreate animation as a GIF?
To export a GIF, follow the same Share menu path and select the GIF option instead of video.
GIF export is helpful when you need a lightweight looping animation for a webpage, email, or messaging app that supports animated images.
Because GIFs are limited to a smaller palette of colors, they may show banding or reduced detail compared with MP4.
Simple shapes, flat colors, and bold outlines tend to survive GIF compression better than gradients or painterly textures.
- Keep the animation short to reduce file size
- Use strong contrast for better visual clarity
- Avoid excessive detail if the animation must stay small
How do you export frame sequences from Procreate?
Exporting frame sequences is useful when you want to continue editing your animation in external software.
Procreate can export each frame as an image file, which gives editors a clean sequence to import into Adobe After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, Blender, or similar tools.
This workflow is especially useful for motion graphics, compositing, and color correction.
It also makes it easier to separate your animation into layers of post-production instead of locking everything into one compressed file.
Why choose PNG frame export?
PNG is a lossless format, so it preserves image quality better than compressed video in many editing pipelines.
If your animation uses transparent backgrounds, PNG can be especially valuable because many workflows support alpha channels.
- Useful for professional editing pipelines
- Maintains image quality better than GIF compression
- Supports transparency in many cases
What settings affect the final export?
Several Animation Assist settings influence export results.
Paying attention to them before exporting saves time and avoids reshoots or rework later.
Frame rate
Frame rate determines how fast your animation plays.
Common choices include 12 fps for a handmade frame-by-frame feel and 24 fps for smoother motion.
Higher frame rates create more fluid playback but may increase file size.
Canvas size
Your canvas resolution affects export quality directly.
A larger canvas produces sharper output but may lead to larger files and slower performance during editing or sharing.
Loop behavior
If your animation is meant to repeat, test the first and last frames carefully.
A clean loop avoids visible jumps and makes GIF or social media playback feel seamless.
Playback length
Longer animations create larger exports, especially with GIF and PNG sequences.
If the file is too large, consider shortening the sequence or lowering the frame rate before exporting again.
How can you keep export quality high?
Good export quality starts before you tap Share.
Clean source artwork, consistent timing, and appropriate file format choice all influence the result.
- Use MP4 for the best balance of quality and compatibility
- Choose GIF only when animation length and color count are limited
- Export PNG frames for advanced editing or transparency needs
- Test your output on the same device or platform where it will be published
If the animation looks soft or pixelated, check whether the canvas resolution is too low for the intended use.
If the file is too large, reduce frame count, simplify colors, or choose a more efficient format.
Common export problems and how to avoid them
Most export issues in Procreate come from mismatched format choices or overlooked project settings.
Knowing the typical problems makes troubleshooting faster.
- Blurry playback: Export at a higher resolution or start with a larger canvas.
- Large file size: Use MP4 instead of GIF when possible.
- Color shifts: Check whether the target platform compresses or converts the file.
- Broken loops: Review the first and last frames for continuity.
- Missing transparency: Use a format and workflow that supports alpha channels.
When the animation is intended for Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, MP4 usually gives the most reliable upload experience.
For web embeds or quick previews, GIF may still be the better practical choice if compatibility is the priority.
What is the best export workflow for different use cases?
Different project goals call for different export choices.
Matching the format to the platform helps preserve quality and reduces unnecessary rework.
- Social media post: Export as MP4
- Website animation preview: Export as GIF or MP4 depending on platform support
- Post-production editing: Export PNG frame sequence
- Apple-focused sharing: Consider Animated HEVC
- Client review copy: MP4 is usually the safest option
By choosing the format based on where the animation will live, you can avoid compatibility issues and keep the visual style close to the original Procreate file.
