One of my favourite features in Procreate that I didn’t fully appreciate at first is the Symmetry Tool. It’s perfect for creating designs that are balanced, detailed, and visually striking—without spending hours trying to match one side to the other. Whether I’m designing characters, patterns, or whimsical illustrations for children’s books, symmetry often comes into play. Here’s how I use it.

1. How to Access Symmetry

You’ll find it under Actions > Canvas > Drawing Guide > Edit Drawing Guide > Symmetry. Procreate offers several types:

Vertical Symmetry: mirrors your strokes along a central vertical line. Great for faces or mirrored designs.
Horizontal Symmetry: mirrors along a horizontal axis. Useful for landscapes, banners, or reflections.
Quadrant and Radial Symmetry: perfect for mandalas, flowers, or intricate decorative patterns.

Once you activate it, any stroke you make on one side automatically mirrors on the other—instant balance!

2. Perfect for Characters and Faces

I often use vertical symmetry when sketching faces for children’s books or graphic novels. It ensures both eyes, cheeks, and features align beautifully, while still allowing me to add personality and expression without worrying about proportional mistakes.

3. Creating Patterns and Mandalas and magic carpets

Radial and quadrant symmetry are amazing for patterns or detailed backgrounds. I use it when designing whimsical decorations, magical elements, or repeated textures in a scene. It saves so much time and keeps everything perfectly aligned.

4. Experimenting with Style

Symmetry doesn’t have to be boring. I’ll often start with symmetry active, then turn it off midway to add small quirky details that break the perfect balance. That mix of structure and spontaneity gives my illustrations more character and charm.

5. Tips for Using Symmetry Effectively

Start with light sketch lines: Use a pencil brush at low opacity before inking.
Combine with layers: Draw your symmetrical base on one layer and add unique details on a separate layer.
Zoom and rotate: Symmetry works at any zoom level, so you can add fine details without worrying about alignment.

I totally love it!

The Symmetry Tool is like having a digital spiro that gives you perfect balance while still leaving room for creativity. For character design, pattern work, and decorative elements, it’s a massive time-saver and a way to elevate your illustrations.

With Procreate’s symmetry, you can create polished, professional-looking art without obsessing over perfect alignment—and still have fun while doing it.

Hey, there! I’m Jasmine Berry, a freelance illustrator based in sunny Perth, Western Australia. Most days you’ll find me sketching away on my iPad or surrounded by pencils and cats, chasing new ideas. I like to think of myself as eternally optimistic—always seeing the fun, the colour, and the possibility in every project I take on. Send me a message if you would like to collaborate on a project.

Procreate: Using the Symmetry Tool for Perfect Art Pieces