Mastering Page Assist in Procreate: A Comprehensive Guide

Unlock the full potential of Procreate's features with the Page Assist interface. Whether you're an artist, illustrator, or designer, Page Assist allows you to work with multiple pages seamlessly in a clean, multi-page interface. This guide will take you through the ins and outs of Page Assist, empowering you to use it effectively.

Activating Page Assist

Page Assist can be activated through various methods:

1. Actions Menu: While working on a document, tap the wrench button in the top left of the screen to open the Actions menu. Select "Canvas," then toggle the Page Assist switch to activate it. Your layers will become individual pages.

2. PDF Import: Importing a single PDF automatically activates Page Assist. You can import PDFs using AirDrop, the Files app, or by dragging and dropping the file into Procreate.

Pro Tip: You can also export Page Assist documents back to PDF for sharing or archiving.

Getting Started with Page Assist

Once Page Assist is active, you'll discover a new way to work:

1. Canvas: Your canvas represents the currently selected page. You can draw and paint on it as usual, and your changes will affect the selected page.

2. Timeline: The Timeline displays every page in your document as a thumbnail, much like the Layers Panel but turned sideways. Pages are arranged chronologically from left to right, with the bottom layer of the Layers Panel corresponding to the far-left page in the Timeline. You can navigate the Timeline by tapping a frame, dragging it back and forth, or flicking for rapid scrolling. The currently selected page is underlined in blue.

3. New Page: Easily add a blank page to your document by tapping "New Page." This action inserts a new blank page to the right of your current page in the Timeline.

4. Layers: The Layers panel in Page Assist functions differently from standard layers. Similar to the Timeline, Layers represent every page in your document as a thumbnail. Adding a new layer in the Layers Panel also adds a new page to your document and the Timeline.

Mastering QuickMenu for Page Assist

QuickMenu provides shortcuts to streamline your workflow with Page Assist. There are three QuickMenu options for Page Assist:

1. Page Assist: Assign a button to toggle Page Assist on and off.

2. Next Page: Assign a button to move forward one page in the Timeline of Page Assist. If you're on the last page in the Timeline, using "Next Page" will create a new blank page.

3. Previous Page: Assign a button to move back one page in the Timeline of Page Assist.

To customize your QuickMenu, refer to the "QuickMenu" section in the "Interface & Gestures" part of this Handbook.

With Page Assist, you can make the most of Procreate's features for multi-page projects, illustrations, comics, and more. It's a powerful tool that enhances your creativity and productivity. So, dive into Page Assist and elevate your digital art and design projects to new heights!