How to Import Brushes in Procreate

I’m a self-taught artist who loves sharing tips and tutorials for painting with watercolor and gouache, and using the Procreate app on the iPad.

Learn how to import brushes in Procreate. It’s so easy to download new brushes to the Procreate app with these simple tips.

This is part of my Procreate brush tutorial series.

You might be interested in this post on making monoline brushes.

pin image - import brushes for procreate

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Here are some ideas for places to get Procreate brushes.

How to Import Brushes in Procreate

Brushes can be imported one at a time or as a set. Download the set into your file folder on your iPad. Single brushes end with .brush and sets end with .brushset

Importing brushes is easier if you already have a document open on Procreate. It’s not necessary, but you can see the brushes when you open the app. (It just feels a little more confusing without this step.)

Make sure you don’t also have Procreate pocket installed on your iPad or you may have trouble getting your brushes to import in the correct app.

If the directions for installing a single brush don’t work, use the directions for importing brush sets instead.

Learn how to make brushes in Procreate.

Importing Single Brushes into Procreate

Open your files folder on your iPad and find your brush.
Click on the brush and it will import the brush into your “imported brushes” folder at the bottom of the list.

Moving Your Brushes to a New Brush Folder

This does NOT work while using an Apple pencil. You have to use your finger.

Locate the brush that you want to use.
Use your finger and hold the brush until it shakes a bit. It will be highlighted in blue.
Drag the brush to the correct folder. (If your brush is higher in the list, just hold it in the highest place until the list scrolls up.)
Drop the brush in the correct spot. (A green plus sign will appear as this happens.)
Your brush will be in the new location and disappear from the old location. No need to go back and delete!
If you want brushes in both folders, duplicate the brush before moving.

Be sure to check out the new Procreate 5X Updates!

Importing Brush Sets

There are 2 ways to install brushes. The first way is super easy.

Locate your brushes and double-click the brush set file. The brushes should be installed.

If that doesn’t work for some reason, try this instead:

Open your files folder and locate the brush set.
Hold the brush set until a menu appears.
Select Share at the bottom of the menu.
Scroll through the app icons at the top and choose … for more options.
Scroll down to “Open in Procreate.”
The new brush set folder will appear at the top of the brush folder list.

How to Export Brushes in Procreate

If you want to share brushes with others (or sell them), you will need to know how to export your brushes.

Exporting Single Brushes

I usually create a folder in my iPad file folder for brushes. From there I can either email myself the brush file or open it from my Mac. If you have a PC, emailing or using a dropbox folder is probably the better choice.

Open a document in Procreate.
Use your finger to swipe up and drag the files folder to the side of the procreate app for a split-screen view.
Find the folder where you will store your brushes and open it.
Select the brush you want to use.
Drag it into the folder.
Your brush can be shared now!