How do you make a timelapse in Procreate?

How to enable timelapse recording in Procreate

Procreate enables the Time-lapse Recording feature automatically for every new canvas you create. The software tracks your brush movements, layer changes, and adjustments in the background without requiring any additional input from the user. Because this feature is integrated into the core engine, it does not significantly impact the performance or storage capacity of your iPad during the initial drafting phase.

If you have previously disabled the recording for a specific project, you can reactivate it by navigating to the Actions menu. Tap the wrench icon in the top left corner, select the Canvas tab, and toggle the Time-lapse Recording switch to the "On" position. Note that if you turn the recording off and then back on, Procreate will ask if you want to purge the existing video data. Confirming this will delete the previous progress, so ensure you have exported your footage before resetting the recording state.

How to export a timelapse video

Once your illustration is complete, exporting the video is a straightforward process handled through the Actions menu. You can choose between two primary quality settings: 4K, which is ideal for high-resolution displays and professional portfolios, or 1080p, which is better suited for social media platforms and quick sharing. The export process compresses your entire session into a standard MP4 file format.

1. Tap the wrench icon to open the Actions menu.
2. Select the Video tab at the far right of the menu.
3. Tap "Time-lapse export" to view your quality options.
4. Choose between "Full Length" or "30 Seconds" to determine the video duration.
5. Select your destination, such as Save Video, Files, or a cloud storage service.

Choosing the 30-second option automatically trims the footage to highlight the most significant parts of your workflow, which is useful for creating concise social media content.

How to manage timelapse settings and quality

Managing the quality of your timelapse is essential for balancing file size and visual clarity. By default, Procreate records at 1080p resolution with "Good" quality settings. If you require higher fidelity for professional projects, you can adjust these settings in the Canvas menu before you begin your work. Higher quality settings will result in larger file sizes, which may occupy significant space on your device over time.

• Set resolution to 4K for maximum detail on large screens.
• Choose "Good" quality for a balance between file size and image sharpness.
• Select "Lossless" if you intend to perform heavy color grading or post-production editing on the video.
• Be aware that higher settings increase the final exported file size, potentially slowing down the export process on older iPad models.

Always check your available storage before exporting high-resolution videos, as a long, complex project can generate a file several gigabytes in size.

Common mistakes when recording a timelapse

One of the most frequent errors users encounter is accidentally disabling the recording feature early in the project. If you are working on a long-term piece, verify that the recording is active by checking the Canvas menu periodically. Another common oversight is forgetting to export the video before closing the canvas or deleting the project file. Once a project is deleted from the Procreate gallery, the associated timelapse data is permanently removed and cannot be recovered.

Users also often fail to account for the "hidden" time spent on adjustments. Procreate records every undo, redo, and layer transformation, which can make the final video appear jumpy if you perform many minor edits. To mitigate this, try to work with deliberate strokes rather than constant corrections. Additionally, avoid rotating the canvas excessively, as the rapid movement of the interface can be disorienting for viewers watching the final timelapse playback.

Why timelapse videos look different than the final art

The timelapse you export is a literal recording of your workflow, not a filtered representation of the final image. This means that if you spend hours refining a single area, the timelapse will show that specific section being worked on repeatedly. If you frequently toggle layers on and off to check your progress, those flickers will appear in the final video. This raw nature is what makes the timelapse authentic, showing the actual struggle and evolution of the design process.

If you want a cleaner video, you can perform a "clean up" pass once your art is finished. You might choose to flatten your layers or merge groups to hide the construction lines and sketches that occurred during the early stages. However, many artists prefer to keep the raw recording to show their audience the true progression of their work. Ultimately, the timelapse is a tool for storytelling, documenting the journey from a blank canvas to the final, polished masterpiece.