Procreate crashes are frustrating, but often fixable. The most common causes include memory limitations, software glitches, large canvas sizes, outdated software, or corrupted files. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

Identifying the Cause: Common Reasons for Procreate Crashes

Understanding why Procreate is crashing is the first step to fixing it. Here are the most frequent culprits:

1. Low Memory (RAM) Issues

Procreate demands significant RAM, especially with high-resolution canvases and numerous layers. When your iPad runs out of available RAM, Procreate may crash.

  • Symptoms: Frequent crashes, especially when working on complex illustrations. You might encounter “out of memory” errors, or Procreate might simply close.
  • Explanation: iOS aggressively manages RAM, and other running apps compete for resources. Close unused apps to free up memory for Procreate.

2. Storage Space Constraints

If your iPad is almost full, it can negatively impact Procreate’s performance and lead to crashes.

  • Symptoms: Inability to save files, slow performance, and crashes, often with storage-related error messages.
  • Explanation: Procreate requires temporary storage for autosaving and undo operations. Insufficient storage hinders its functionality.

3. Large Canvas Size and High DPI

Canvas size and DPI directly affect memory usage. Larger canvases at higher DPI require more processing power.

  • Symptoms: Crashes when working on large canvases or zooming in/out. Performance slows down before crashing.
  • Explanation: A 4000x4000 pixel canvas at 300 DPI consumes far more memory than a smaller, lower-resolution canvas. Be mindful of your iPad’s limitations.

4. Software Glitches and Bugs

Like all software, Procreate can contain bugs that cause crashes.

  • Symptoms: Random crashes, potentially linked to specific actions (e.g., using a particular brush, undoing steps).
  • Explanation: Software bugs are often fixed in updates. Using an outdated Procreate version increases the risk of encountering them.

5. Outdated Procreate or iOS Version

Using outdated software can cause compatibility issues and crashes.

  • Symptoms: Crashes, especially after an iOS update or when using new Procreate features.
  • Explanation: Updates address bugs, improve performance, and ensure compatibility. Keeping your software current is crucial.

6. Corrupted Procreate File

A corrupted Procreate file (.procreate) can cause the app to crash when opened or worked on.

  • Symptoms: Procreate crashes specifically when opening a particular file, or exhibits strange behavior related to that file.
  • Explanation: File corruption can result from interrupted saves, storage problems, or software errors.

7. Faulty Third-Party Brushes or Assets

Custom brushes and imported assets may contain errors that lead to crashes.

  • Symptoms: Crashes occur when using a specific brush or after importing an asset.
  • Explanation: These assets may be incompatible with your Procreate version or contain corrupted data.

Solutions: How to Fix Procreate Crashes

Here’s how to address the common causes of Procreate crashes:

1. Free Up Memory (RAM)

  • Close Unused Apps: Use the app switcher to close apps running in the background.
  • Restart Your iPad: Restarting clears RAM and closes background processes.
  • Force Quit Procreate: If Procreate is unresponsive, force quit it via the app switcher.
  • Limit Layers: Flatten layers when possible to reduce RAM usage.

2. Manage Storage Space

  • Delete Unnecessary Files: Remove old photos, videos, and apps.
  • Offload Unused Apps: “Offload” apps to remove the app but keep its data (Settings > General > iPad Storage).
  • Backup and Delete Procreate Files: Back up important files to cloud storage, then delete unneeded files from your iPad.

3. Optimize Canvas Size and DPI

  • Lower Canvas Size: Reduce canvas dimensions if possible, considering the final output size.
  • Reduce DPI: Lower the DPI if high resolution isn’t essential. 150 DPI is often sufficient for digital use.

4. Update Procreate and iOS

  • Update Procreate: Check the App Store for Procreate updates.
  • Update iOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates.

5. Manage Corrupted Files

  • Try Opening on Another Device: If possible, try opening the file on another iPad.
  • Import Layers to a New Canvas: Create a new canvas and import layers from the corrupted file one at a time.
  • Restore from Backup: Restore the file from a backup if available.

6. Troubleshoot Third-Party Brushes and Assets

  • Remove Recent Additions: If crashes began after importing new items, remove them one by one to identify the problem.
  • Contact the Brush Creator: Report issues with specific brushes to their creator.
  • Use Trusted Sources: Only download assets from reputable sources.

7. Reset Procreate

Safety First: Back up any important Procreate files to iCloud Drive or another cloud service before proceeding. Resetting Procreate will erase all your data.

  • Delete and Reinstall Procreate: Delete the Procreate app and reinstall it from the App Store.

By following these steps, you can troubleshoot and resolve most Procreate crash issues. Remember to save your work frequently to avoid losing progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Procreate crash when I use a specific brush?

A third-party brush might be corrupted or incompatible with your Procreate version. Try removing the brush to see if that resolves the issue. Only download brushes from trusted sources.

How do I free up RAM on my iPad to prevent Procreate from crashing?

Close unused apps running in the background, restart your iPad, and limit the number of layers in your Procreate artwork. Flattening layers when possible also helps reduce RAM usage.

What should I do if a Procreate file keeps crashing the app when I try to open it?

The file might be corrupted. Try opening it on another iPad if possible. If not, create a new Procreate canvas and import layers from the corrupted file one at a time to salvage your work. Restore from a backup if available.