how to retreve deleted on procreate

2 min read 18-01-2025

Procreate is a powerful app for creating stunning artwork on your iPad. But, accidents happen. Losing layers due to accidental deletion can be frustrating. Luckily, Procreate offers a few ways to retrieve those lost layers, depending on what you've done since the deletion. Let's explore how to recover your work.

Understanding Procreate's Undo and Redo Functionality

Before diving into recovery methods, remember Procreate's built-in undo and redo features. These are your first line of defense against accidental deletions.

Undo: Tap the undo arrow (it looks like a curved arrow) in the top left corner of your screen to reverse your last action. This will often recover deleted layers if you acted quickly.
Redo: If you accidentally undo a deletion, you can tap the redo arrow (the curved arrow pointing right) to bring back your action. This is crucial for quick mistakes.

Method 1: Using the Action History

Procreate keeps a record of your actions. This "Action History" allows you to revert to earlier stages of your artwork.

Accessing the Action History: Go to the "Actions" menu (the three horizontal lines in the top left corner), then select "History".
Finding Your Layers: Scroll through the list to locate the point before your layer was deleted.
Reverting to a Previous State: Select the action before the deletion to undo it and restore your layers. This method is best used immediately after deletion. The further you are from the deletion the less likely this will work

Method 2: Using Procreate's Autosave Feature

Procreate automatically saves your progress at intervals. If the accident occurred some time ago, checking your autosaves might bring back a version of your canvas with the layers intact.

Checking Autosaves: This functionality varies slightly depending on your Procreate version. Generally, you’ll find autosaved versions within the Procreate gallery or the file system on your iPad.
Restoring an Autosave: Open the autosaved version of your file and continue working from there. Be aware this version might not be the most recent. This is your backup if the Action History doesn't work.

Method 3: Using iCloud Backup (If Enabled)

If you have iCloud backup enabled on your iPad, there's a chance you can restore an older version of your Procreate files. This is a last resort method.

Restoring from iCloud: Go to your iPad's settings, tap on your Apple ID, then iCloud, and then iCloud Backup. This is a system-wide process and may also restore other files. You need to know if you had your iCloud backup enabled before losing the layer!
Caution: This will overwrite your current iPad data with a backup from a previous time, so proceed with extreme caution. Make sure you have a backup of your important files before proceeding.

Preventing Future Layer Loss

Preventing accidental deletions is always the best approach. Consider these strategies:

Regular Saving: Save your progress frequently to minimize data loss.
Duplicate Layers: Before making significant changes, duplicate important layers. This allows you to revert to the original if needed.
Use Layer Groups: Group related layers together to avoid accidentally deleting multiple layers at once. Groups are easy to re-select.
Learn Keyboard Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with Procreate's keyboard shortcuts to quickly undo actions. Faster workflow means fewer accidents.

Conclusion: Reclaiming Your Lost Layers

While completely losing layers in Procreate is possible, these methods give you a good chance of recovering your work. Remember to act quickly after an accidental deletion for the best results. By using the techniques outlined above, and implementing the prevention strategies, you can protect your artwork and significantly reduce the risk of future losses. Happy creating!