What is Reference Companion and how do I access it?

The Reference Companion in Procreate allows you to see a floating real-time representation of your artwork, an imported image to help you draw, or (on compatible iPads) project your artwork onto your face using FacePaint.

Activate and switch between Reference Companion modes

This video shows how to activate Reference Companion, move it around, resize it, import an image, and see the artwork applied to a face:

1. Open up any canvas and head to Actions → Canvas and toggle on 'Reference'

2. Resize it by dragging the corners, and move it by dragging the grey handle at the top of the Companion window

3. Tap Image → Import Image to bring in an image from Photos

4. Tap Face to display your art on your face

5. Tap Options in face for photo/video capture of your FacePaint

If the interface hides, tap anywhere on the Companion to bring it back. Tap the x icon or toggle off Reference in Actions → Canvas to turn off Reference Companion.

While working with a photo reference, tap Clear to remove it, and Import to bring another image in instead.

When using FacePaint, tap Options to take a photo or video, turn the camera off (while retaining the effect), or set the effect to FullScreen. You can also take a photo/video in Full Screen, and can exit with the x button in the top right.

If you would like to read more about Reference Companion, check out this section of the Handbook , and feel free to send us a message if you need.