How to import brushes into Procreate
Learning how to import brushes into Procreate unlocks custom textures, lettering styles, and specialized art workflows in minutes.
Once you know the file types and import methods, adding new brushes becomes a fast, repeatable process.
What brush files does Procreate use?
Procreate uses its own brush format, ending in .brush or .brushset.
A single .brush file contains one brush, while a .brushset file contains a full brush set that imports as a group.
You may also encounter compressed downloads, usually in .zip format.
In that case, you must unzip the file before Procreate can read the brush content.
- .brush = one brush
- .brushset = multiple brushes in one pack
- .zip = compressed archive that usually needs extraction first
How do you import brushes into Procreate?
The simplest method is to tap the brush file from the iPad Files app and let Procreate open it automatically.
You can also import brushes directly inside the app from the Brush Library.
Method 1: Import from the Files app
- Download the brush file to your iPad.
- Open the Files app and locate the .brush or .brushset file.
- Tap the file once.
- Procreate should open and import the brush automatically.
- Check your Brush Library for the new brush or brush set.
This is the easiest method for most users because it works directly from iCloud Drive, Downloads, or any folder in Files.
Method 2: Import inside Procreate
- Open Procreate and start or open a canvas.
- Tap the Brush icon to open the Brush Library.
- Tap the + button to create a new brush set if needed.
- Tap Import in the upper-right area of the brush interface, if available.
- Browse to the downloaded brush file and select it.
This option is useful when you want to keep your custom brushes organized into a specific set right away.
How do you import a brush set into Procreate?
Importing a brush set works the same way as importing a single brush, but the result is a folder-like group in your Brush Library.
When you open a .brushset file, Procreate adds the entire collection in one step.
Brush sets are common for artists who buy themed packs for watercolor, gouache, pencil, ink, stippling, or texture overlays.
After importing, the set usually appears near the top of your Brush Library unless you move it.
How to import brushes from a zip file
If your brush download arrives as a zip file, Procreate cannot use it until it is extracted.
The exact steps depend on where the file is stored, but the process is straightforward on iPad.
- Open the Files app.
- Find the .zip file.
- Tap it once to unzip it.
- Open the extracted folder.
- Look for the .brush or .brushset file inside.
- Tap that file to import it into Procreate.
If the download includes PDFs, swatches, or license instructions, those files may appear alongside the brush file.
Only the Procreate brush file needs to be imported.
Where do imported brushes appear in Procreate?
Imported brushes appear in the Brush Library, either in the default category that was active during import or in the custom brush set you selected.
Single brushes are added to the currently open set unless the app creates a new location for them.
If you cannot find the brush immediately, check these common places:
- The top of the current brush set
- The Imported or newly created set
- The Recently Imported area if your Procreate version shows it
- The last brush set you had open before importing
How to organize imported brushes
Keeping brushes organized makes Procreate easier to use, especially if you install multiple packs from artists and marketplaces.
You can create custom sets for specific tasks such as sketching, shading, line work, or texture.
Best organization practices
- Group brushes by purpose, such as watercolor, inking, or lettering.
- Rename brush sets with clear labels.
- Keep purchased packs separate from your own custom brushes.
- Delete duplicate brushes if you import the same file twice.
For professional workflows, many illustrators also keep a backup of their favorite sets in cloud storage or on an external drive.
Why won’t Procreate import my brushes?
When brush imports fail, the cause is usually file format, file corruption, or a download problem rather than a Procreate bug.
A few quick checks solve most issues.
Common problems and fixes
- The file is still zipped: Unzip it in the Files app first.
- The file type is unsupported: Make sure it ends in .brush or .brushset.
- The download is incomplete: Re-download the file from the original source.
- Procreate does not open the file: Try importing directly from the Files app.
- The brush appears broken: Contact the brush creator for a fresh copy.
Also confirm that you are using a recent Procreate version on a compatible iPad.
Older app versions may not handle certain newer brush packs as smoothly.
Can you transfer Procreate brushes between devices?
Yes.
If you use the same Apple ID and cloud storage, you can move brush files between iPads by saving the .brush or .brushset files to Files, then importing them on the other device.
This is helpful for artists who switch between a work iPad and a personal iPad.
To keep your workflow efficient, store your favorite brushes in a dedicated folder so you can reinstall them after app updates or device changes.
Helpful tips for importing brushes safely
Brush files are small, but they can still get lost in Downloads or mixed with other assets.
A few habits make importing easier and safer.
- Download brush packs only from trusted creators or marketplaces.
- Save the original zip file before extracting it, in case you need it later.
- Keep backups of paid brushes and license information.
- Use descriptive folder names for brush packs and custom sets.
- Test imported brushes on a blank canvas before relying on them in client work.
If you often install new tools, building a simple brush library system saves time and reduces clutter.
It also helps you compare texture brushes, stamp brushes, and pressure-sensitive inking brushes without digging through long lists.
What’s the fastest way to learn how to import brushes into Procreate?
The fastest workflow is to download the brush file, unzip it if necessary, tap the .brush or .brushset file in Files, and confirm that it appears in the Brush Library.
After that, organizing the brush into a custom set is the easiest way to keep your digital art workflow clean and repeatable.
