How to Create an Emboss Effect in Procreate – Artifex Forge

In this tutorial, we’re going to learn how to add embossing to a Procreate design. Unlike Affinity Designer, Adobe Illustrator and other design software, Procreate doesn’t feature an embossed effect as standard but don’t worry – Artifex Forge has a handy embossing method which looks just as good. In this tutorial we’ll learn how to add the embossed effect to an outline, part of a design made using Artifex Forge’s Marble & Stone Collection – Procreate Texture Brushes. The embossed effect tutorial also explains how to add a texture to the embossed outlines. You don’t need the Marble & Stone Collection to follow this Procreate embossed effect tutorial – try it using your own designs.

Part 1: Setting up the Procreate File

Step 1: Create a design in Procreate. The top layer of your design should be a black key line. In the screenshot above, it’s named ‘Outline’. This layer will be used to create the embossed effect. A texture will also be applied to the key line at the end of the tutorial. The rest of your design should be below the key line, as shown above.

Part 2: Creating the Procreate Embossed Effect

Step 2: Start by duplicating the outline layer twice so, you have three instances. Name them ‘Texture’, ‘Highlight’ and ‘Shadow’ as shown in the screenshot above.

Step 3: Recolor the ‘Highlight’ Layer white using a ‘Hue, Saturation, Brightness’ ‘Adjustment’. To do this tap ‘Adjustments’ (1), then tap ‘Hue, Saturation, Brightness’ (2) then move the slider all the way to the right (3). Alternatively, you could apply an ‘Alpha Lock’ then a ‘Fill Layer’.

Step 4: Recolor the ‘Texture’ Layer grey using a ‘Hue, Saturation, Brightness’ ‘Adjustment’. To do this tap ‘Adjustments’ (1), then tap ‘Hue, Saturation, Brightness’ (2) then move the slider to 75% (3). Alternatively, you could apply an ‘Alpha Lock’ then a ‘Fill Layer’.

Step 5: Select the ‘Highlight’ layer and move it to the left and up slightly so you see a white fringe as shown above. The amount of movement is up to you but subtle is best.

Step 6: Select the ‘Shadow’ layer and move it to the right and down slightly so you see a black fringe as shown above. The amount of movement is up to you but it should be a similar distance to the ‘Highlight’ layer.

Step 7: Tap the ‘Texture’ layer to select it. Then tap the ‘Adjustments’ icon (1) and then tap ‘Gaussian Blur’ (2).

Step 8: Slide your finger or stylus to the right to set the blur. The size of the blur is up to you but subtle looks best. Tap the ‘Adjustments’ button when done to confirm the change.

Part 3: Adding the Texture

Step 9: Tap the ‘Actions’ icon (1) and then tap ‘Insert a file’ (2). Make sure to insert the image as the top layer in your document, directly above the layer named ‘Texture’.

Step 10: Select a texture file from your iPad. The ‘Gold Grout’ texture from The Marble & Stone Collection has been used in this screenshot. Scale the texture and position it as desired and then tap the ‘Move’ icon to confirm.

Step 11: Tap the ‘Layers’ icon (1) and then the ‘Inserted Image’ icon (2) to open the layer options. Tap ‘Clipping Mask’ (3).

Step 12: Tap the ‘Shadow’ layer (1), set the blend mode to ‘Multiply’ (2) and the ‘Opacity’ to 75% (3). This will give the shadow a more naturalistic look.

Step 13: With the ‘Shadow’ layer still selected, tap the ‘Adjustments’ icon. Tap ‘Gaussian Blur’ and slide right to add a subtle blur (as you did in steps 7 and 8).

Part 4: Optional step – Select an alternative highlight color

Step 14: Select a color. This will be the color used for your highlight.

Step 15: Tap the ‘Highlight’ layer (1) then tap ‘Alpha Lock’ (2).

Step 16: Tap the ‘Highlight’ layer (1) then tap ‘Fill Layer’ (2). This will flood the layer with your chosen color.

Your finished embossing should look like the image above. I hope you’ve enjoyed this tutorial. If you have any questions please get in touch via our contact form. Don’t forget to check out The Marble & Stone Collection. It’s available for Procreate, Affinity Designer and Photoshop. Click below to find out more!