Digital Coloring Book Tutorial

If you’ve ever wanted to turn your tablet into your own cozy digital coloring book, here’s a super simple method that works great whether you’re coloring a rugby-themed sketch (wink) or just relaxing with a favorite illustration. Follow these steps to color like a pro without ever coloring outside the lines or messing them up!

The app I like to use is Procreate. It costs $13 but it's a one time purchase and has already paid off for me tenfold! I have a list of free app options at the end of this blog post, but the videos for the steps here are used through Procreate.

Step 1: Upload a PNG with a Transparent Background

The first thing you’ll need is a line drawing saved as a .png file with a transparent background. This allows you to place color under the lines, keeping them clean and crisp. You can either draw your own outlines in Procreate and export them as a PNG, or import one you’ve found or purchased.

Tip: If your image has a white background, use the selection tool to isolate the line art and remove the background manually.

Step 2: Add a Layer Underneath for Color

Click the "+" up at the top where it says "Layers" to add a new layer

Tap the Layers panel, then add a new layer below your line art. This is where you’ll do your coloring! Because it’s under the original PNG, your strokes will show beneath the linework, just like a traditional coloring book.

No need to stress about accidentally coloring over the lines - those stay untouched up top!

Step 3: Organize Your Layers for Easy Editing

Add more layers for each section of color (skin, shirt, grass, sky, etc). This gives you maximum flexibility - if you make a mistake or want to change a color later, you won’t ruin your entire masterpiece.

Want to erase or tweak something? Just go to that specific layer and fix it without affecting any of the others.

Layer naming helps too! Rename layers like “Jersey Color,” “Background,” or “Hair” so you know what’s what.

Zoom in and enjoy the meditative process, this is your coloring time!

Color Pallets: sometimes it's hard to pick a color out of a giant coloring wheel - that's where color pallets come in handy!

Feel free to use this one that I made for the Golden Dogs or use the blank one to make your own!

Ready to start? Grab your favorite coloring page and open up Procreate. It’s the digital equivalent of curling up with markers and a fresh cup of tea…minus the ink smudges.

Here's a free PNG Image for you to start your coloring journey!

Other options for apps:

Here’s a simplified list of free (or mostly free) apps that are great for basic experience levels and support digital coloring book techniques (importing PNGs, using layers, etc.):

Free Digital Coloring Apps for Beginners

Autodesk SketchBook

Ibis Paint X

MediBang Paint

Tayasui Sketches (Free Version)

Adobe Fresco (Free Tier)

Infinite Painter (Free Tier)