Procreate saves all data, including artwork, locally on your iPad’s internal storage. This means it can be lost permanently if you delete the Procreate app, overwrite your internal storage, or lose access to your iPad. To avoid this, you should regularly export your artwork or back up your iPad using one or more of the options below.

We highly recommend doing this before updating the Procreate app or your iPadOS.

Export your files to cloud storage or another device

Artwork can be exported to cloud storage or another location from Gallery. These exports can then be reimported to Procreate later if needed.

1. From the Gallery, tap Select from the top menu.

2. Tap the artwork you want to back up. A checkbox with a tick will indicate the ones you’ve selected.

3. Tap Share.

4. Choose Procreate format to back up the artwork with layer information and other settings.

5. ‘Exporting’ and a progress indicator will appear.

6. From the panel that appears, select Save to Files and select your preferred cloud storage under Locations to export to cloud storage.

7. From here you can also export to other locations and apps, or send to another device using AirDrop.

Back up your entire iPad

Backing up your iPad will back up apps and files stored on your iPad either to iCloud or a computer. This can later be restored to your current iPad or a new iPad.

Back up to iCloud

First, check your iCloud account has enough available storage, then follow these steps.

1. Go to iPad Settings and tap Apple ID → iCloud → iCloud Backup.

2. Turn on iCloud backup.

3. To perform a manual backup, tap Back Up Now.

Back up to your Mac

1. Connect your iPad to your computer with a cable.

2. Open Finder and select your iPad under Locations.

3. Within the General tab → Backups →Select “Back up all of the data on your iPad to this Mac.”

4. Click Back Up Now.

If you are on a PC or a Mac running macOS 10.14 or earlier, you will need to use iTunes to back up your iPad. See this Apple Support article for guidance.