Creating stunning artwork for Instagram using Procreate requires more than just great illustration skills. To truly make content pop on social media, one must also understand and optimize the right color settings. Getting the color profiles and dimensions right can be the difference between a vivid, professional-looking post and one that appears dull or pixelated.
TL;DR Summary
When creating Instagram content in Procreate, it’s recommended to use an RGB color profile—ideally Display P3—for richer color representations. Set canvas sizes to match Instagram’s image requirements such as 1080×1350 pixels for portrait posts. Always export in PNG format for highest quality and check how colors appear on mobile screens before posting.
Understanding Color Profiles in Procreate
Procreate offers several color profiles, the two most common being sRGB and Display P3. Choosing the correct one is essential for maintaining color accuracy and vibrancy, particularly when exporting for digital platforms like Instagram.
- sRGB: The standard color space for most web platforms. It ensures the widest compatibility but lacks the advanced color range of Display P3.
- Display P3: A wider gamut RGB color profile, ideal for vibrant digital artwork. Best used if the target audience primarily views content on newer mobile devices and high-resolution displays.
For Instagram specifically, Display P3 is often the better option as it supports more vivid colors that align closely with how Instagram’s apps render images.
Recommended Instagram Canvas Sizes in Procreate
In addition to getting the color settings right, selecting the proper canvas size ensures your artwork doesn’t get cropped or compressed. Instagram uses specific aspect ratios for different types of posts:
- Square Posts: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 ratio)
- Portrait Posts: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 ratio)
- Landscape Posts: 1080 x 566 pixels (1.91:1 ratio)
- Instagram Stories and Reels: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 ratio)
Among these, the 1080 x 1350 pixels portrait format is considered optimal because it takes up more screen real estate in the Instagram feed, drawing more attention to your work.
Setting Up the Canvas in Procreate
When starting a new project, artists can set the proper canvas size and color profile right from the start:
- Open Procreate and tap on the “+” icon to create a new canvas.
- Select “Custom Canvas.”
- Enter the desired dimensions (e.g., 1080×1350 pixels for portraits).
- Tap “Color Profile.”
- Choose Display P3 (or sRGB if compatibility is more important).
Making these choices before starting to draw ensures that the composition and colors are optimized for Instagram from the get-go.
Color Optimization Tips for Social Media
Even with the right color profile selected, it’s important to handle color wisely throughout the design process to maintain consistency and impact on Instagram.
- Avoid neon colors: While they look intense on some screens, neon shades may lose clarity or get overly saturated when exported.
- Use adjustment tools: Take advantage of Procreate’s advanced tools like Curves, Hue/Saturation/Brightness, and Color Balance to fine-tune your palettes.
- Calibrate your monitor or iPad: Ensure your device displays colors accurately to prevent surprises after uploading.
- Test on other devices: Preview the final artwork on multiple phones and tablets if possible.
Export Settings for Instagram
Once the artwork is complete, exporting it correctly is key. Image quality loss often occurs due to wrong formats or compression. Here’s how to avoid it:
- Tap the wrench icon in Procreate (Actions menu).
- Go to “Share.”
- Select “PNG” for the highest quality (no compression like JPEG).
- Save to your Camera Roll or AirDrop to another device for upload.
Instagram applies its own compression during upload, so starting with a high-resolution, high-quality export minimizes potential degradation.
Working in Layers and Keeping Flexibility
Artists should make full use of Procreate’s layering system to retain flexibility throughout the design process. Using layers allows for easy color adjustments, non-destructive editing, and better adaptation if resizing or aspect ratio tweaks are needed later on.
- Use separate layers for background, main elements, and text.
- Group related layers for neatness and easy changes.
- Label your layers to prevent confusion during the editing process.
Color Calibration and Checking Your Work
Before uploading any artwork to Instagram, it’s wise to preview the colors in conditions as close to the final viewing environment as possible. Since most users view Instagram on mobile devices, check the artwork there first. Additionally, ensure that auto-adjustment settings like True Tone or Night Shift are turned off when checking colors for accuracy.
Final Thoughts
Color settings might seem like a small detail, but they have a massive impact on how digital artwork is received online. Instagram is a visual-first platform, and vibrant, color-accurate imagery stands out more in feeds crowded with content. By choosing the right color profile, canvas size, and export methods in Procreate, artists significantly boost the professionalism and impact of their posts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What’s the best Procreate color profile for Instagram?
Display P3 is often considered the best because of its wider color gamut, offering richer and more vibrant colors on modern displays. - Why do my Procreate colors look different on Instagram?
Instagram compresses and sometimes alters posted files. Preview your image on mobile before uploading and export in PNG for best results. - What canvas size should I use for Instagram posts?
The recommended size for portrait posts is 1080×1350 pixels. This utilizes maximum screen space on most devices. - Is PNG better than JPEG for Instagram?
Yes, PNGs offer lossless compression and are better for preserving color and detail. However, keep in mind Instagram will still compress the image upon upload. - Should I work in RGB or CMYK in Procreate for Instagram?
Always work in RGB for digital platforms like Instagram. CMYK is reserved for print-based projects.
