Yes, You Have to Independently Back Up Your Procreate Art (Here’s How to Do It)

Apr 28

If you create art in Procreate, there’s something important you need to know:

Your artwork is not automatically safe.

It’s really easy to assume that because your iPad is backed up, or because everything “just lives there”, your files are protected. But Procreate files can be lost — through app issues, device damage, accidental deletion, or failed backups.

And once they’re gone… they’re GONE!

So if your artwork matters to you (and I know it does), having a simple, reliable backup system isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Why Procreate Files Are at Risk

Procreate doesn’t automatically store your work in the cloud in a way that’s easy to recover individually.

Some common risks include:

iPad damage, loss, or theft
App crashes or corruption
iCloud backups failing or not being up to date
Accidentally deleting artwork
Running out of storage and losing files during clean-ups

If you’re working on client jobs, books, or products — this becomes a serious risk, not just an inconvenience.

What You Should Be Backing Up

Not all files are equal.

For proper backups, you want to save:

Your original .procreate files (this keeps all layers intact)
Exported versions (PNG, JPEG, or PDF) for quick access
Time-lapse videos if you use them for content

The key is making sure you can actually reopen and edit your work later.

A Simple, Reliable Backup System

You don’t need anything complicated — just consistency.

1. Export Your Original File

In Procreate:

Open your artwork
Tap the wrench icon (Actions)
Tap “Share”
Select Procreate (.procreate)

This is your most important file.

2. Save to a Cloud Service

Upload your files to at least one cloud platform:

iCloud Drive
Google Drive
Dropbox

Create folders (e.g. “Books”, “Client Work”, “Sketches”) so everything is easy to find.

3. Use a Second Backup (Highly Recommended)

This is where most people fall short.

Have a second backup location, such as:

An external hard drive
A USB drive
Another cloud service

If one system fails, you’re still covered.

4. Build It Into Your Routine

The best system is the one you actually use.

Try:

Backing up at the end of each project
Or setting a weekly “backup day”
Or exporting files as soon as you finish a session

Small habits prevent big losses.

BORING… I know

I’ll be honest — backing up your work isn’t the fun part.

It doesn’t feel creative. It doesn’t feel urgent.

But neither does losing hours (or weeks) of work.

As someone who works across illustration, books, and digital content, I’ve learned that protecting your work is just as important as creating it.

YOU’VE GOT THIS

Your Procreate art deserves to be safe.

A few extra minutes of backing up your files can save you from losing something you’ve spent hours, days, or even months creating.

Set up a simple system. Stick to it. Future you will be very glad you did.

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.

Jasmine Berry