The Drawing Guide in Procreate is an indispensable tool for anyone who wants to create digital art and design on the iPad. It provides support for straight lines, reflections, and symmetries, allowing you to elevate your creativity to a new level. In this guide, we will walk through the features of the Drawing Guide step by step and how you can use it effectively to achieve impressive results.
Key Insights
The Drawing Guide in Procreate allows you to draw with exact precision. You can activate 2D grids, isometric perspectives, and symmetry to enhance your designs. Each of these features provides specific support that you can easily adjust to meet your requirements.
Step-by-Step Guide
Activating the Drawing Guide
To activate the Drawing Guide in Procreate, first open the menu by tapping the small wrench icon. Under the “Canvas” category, you will find the option “Drawing Guide.” Tap on it to open the menu. Although the term “edit drawing guide” is not optimally translated, this is the right place to control the functions.

Turning on 2D Grid
Once you have activated the Drawing Guide, you can turn on the 2D grid. Tap on the grid to display it. Now, when you enable the grid and tap “Done,” it will be visible on the canvas. Note: The grid is just a guide and does not appear in the exported image. It helps you create precise drawings.
Drawing Exact Lines
For particularly precise lines, you can use the active support of the Drawing Guide. Select the layer you want to draw on and open the layers menu. Here, enable the Drawing Guide again. When you start drawing, the lines will perfectly follow the 2D grid. This allows you to create linear and precise drawings. Disable the support if you want to draw more creative shapes.
Adjusting the Grid
You have the option to further adjust the grid. If you want a smaller grid size, you can change this in the settings. Additionally, the grid can be easily rotated. Press the green handle to change the view. This is especially helpful if you want to write or draw at an angle.

Activating Assisted Drawing
Activate the “assisted drawing” feature in the layer. This keeps your drawing within the set lines. However, be aware that this feature is not automatically activated for newly created layers. You need to enable it manually if you want to draw on a new layer.

Using Isometric Grid
Similar to the 2D grid, the isometric grid functions the same way. Load the settings and activate the drawing support for an isometric perspective. Here too, you can adjust the thickness of the guide lines and their opacity. The application is the same: use the lines to create precise drawings in isometric style.

Setting Perspective
To work with perspective, tap on your image to set the first vanishing point. You can set a second or third vanishing point as needed. These points help you create realistic perspectives when drawing. Manipulate the vanishing points to adjust the perspective to your liking.
Activating Symmetry
To create symmetry, activate the symmetry function. You can choose whether the symmetry should be vertical or horizontal. Draw within the symmetric frame, and you will see how your drawings are mirrored along the central axis. The central axis can also be rotated.
Using Rotational Symmetry
Furthermore, you have the option to activate rotational symmetry. This function goes beyond simple mirroring and rotates your drawing around the central axis. This is especially useful if you want to create more complex patterns, such as mandalas.
Radial Symmetry
Radial symmetry complements the previous functions and allows for uniform reflection in all directions. This way, you can create beautiful designs that repeat in a circular manner.

Summary – Procreate Tutorial: Drawing with the Drawing Guide on the iPad
The Drawing Guide in Procreate is a powerful feature that helps you significantly improve your drawing techniques. With the various options for grids, perspectives, and symmetries, you can effectively implement complex designs and ideas. Practice the different features to further develop your skills in digital drawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What settings do I need for the 2D grid?Go to the “Canvas” menu and activate the Drawing Guide. Then select the 2D grid.
How can I activate symmetry?Activate the symmetry function in the Drawing Guide and draw within the configured frame.
Can I adjust the grid while drawing?Yes, you can change the thickness and opacity of the grid at any time.
What happens when I create a new layer?The Drawing Guide must be manually activated for each new layer.
How do I use rotational symmetry in Procreate?Activate the rotational symmetry to not only mirror your drawings but also to rotate them.