Free tool · Procreate

Procreate Canvas Size & DPI Calculator

Set your canvas in inches, cm, mm or pixels, pick a DPI, and see the real pixel dimensions, print size, file size and how many layers Procreate will give you on 4GB, 6GB and 8GB iPads. Built for the question every beginner asks: what size should my canvas be?

Canvas Calculator

Presets

Width Height Unit DPI 72 screen, 150 draft, 300 print

Pixel dimensions

3000 × 4000 px

12.0 MP

Print size

10.0 × 13.33 in

25.4 × 33.87 cm

File size (uncompressed)

45.8 MB per layer

RGBA 4 bytes/px · PSD/TIFF adds ~10–20%

Procreate layer estimates

Based on Procreate's memory model: each layer ≈ width×height×4 bytes. Available RAM for layers ≈ 60% of device RAM. Estimates are conservative.

4GB iPad

~17 layers

older iPads, iPad Air 4, mini 6

6GB iPad

~32 layers

M1 Air, 2020 Pro, 2021 Pro 128GB

8GB+ iPad

~53 layers

M1/M2/M4 Pro 256GB+, Air M2

Real Procreate counts vary by iPadOS version and background apps. Keep 1–2 layers free for export and undo. If you hit the limit, merge finished groups or work at 150 DPI for sketches.

Quick guide

How to use this calculator

Choose a preset or enter custom size: Pick a preset like Instagram Square, A4, 4K, or type your own width and height. Select the unit: pixels, inches, centimeters or millimeters.
Set your DPI: Use 72 DPI for screen-only work, 150 DPI for quick prints, 300 DPI for high-quality prints and client work. The calculator converts to pixels instantly.
Read pixels, print size and file size: The tool shows exact pixel dimensions, print size in inches and centimeters, megapixels and estimated uncompressed file size so you know what you're saving.
Check layer estimates for your iPad: Procreate limits layers by canvas size and RAM. See estimates for 4GB, 6GB and 8GB iPads so you don't start a portrait you can't finish.

Learn canvas & DPI

Free brushes

Try before you buy

Free packs install like paid ones — perfect to test your canvas size.

Browse free brushes

What canvas size should I use in Procreate?

There is no single best size. Screen-only work (Instagram, portfolio, Twitch overlays) can be 1080–1920 px on the long edge at 72–150 DPI. Print work needs 300 DPI, so an A4 print is 2480×3508 px, A3 is 3508×4961 px and US Letter is 2550×3300 px. Bigger than 4000 px on the long edge gives you sharp prints up to ~13 inches, but costs you layers — especially on 4GB iPads.

Instagram, A4, A3, Letter, 4K, Portrait HD — when to use what

Instagram Square (1080×1080): feed posts, 72 DPI, fastest to paint, most layers.
Instagram Portrait (1080×1350): best reach on feed, same DPI, slightly more vertical space.
Instagram Story / Reels cover (1080×1920): full-screen vertical, 72 DPI.
A4 at 300 DPI (2480×3508): prints, zines, client proofs — 8.27×11.69 in.
A3 at 300 DPI (3508×4961): posters, large prints — 11.69×16.54 in.
Letter at 300 DPI (2550×3300): US prints, comics, 8.5×11 in.
4K (3840×2160): wallpapers, YouTube thumbnails, Twitch, 72–150 DPI.
Portrait HD (3000×4000): detailed portraits that may print, 300 DPI, balanced layers.

How file size and layers work

Each Procreate layer stores 4 bytes per pixel (RGBA). So file size per layer is width × height × 4 bytes. A 3000×4000 px canvas is 12 MP, ~45.8 MB per layer uncompressed. PSD and TIFF add 10–20% overhead. Procreate keeps undo history and compositing buffers, so it reserves RAM and limits layers to keep painting smooth. That is why the same canvas gives you ~17 layers on a 4GB iPad and ~53 on an 8GB iPad Pro.

Straight answers

Common questions

What canvas size should I use in Procreate for Instagram?

Instagram feed squares are 1080×1080 px, portraits 1080×1350 px and stories 1080×1920 px. All are 72 DPI because Instagram is screen-only. Use the Instagram presets in the calculator to get exact pixels.

What DPI should I use for Procreate prints?

72 DPI for screen-only, 150 DPI for quick drafts and 300 DPI for high-quality prints, client work and art prints. Higher DPI means more pixels for the same print size, so files get larger and Procreate gives you fewer layers.

How does Procreate calculate layer limits?

Procreate limits layers by total pixels and available RAM. A larger canvas or higher DPI means more pixels per layer, so fewer layers fit in memory. The calculator estimates layers for 4GB (older iPads), 6GB (M1 iPad Air, older Pros) and 8GB+ (M1/M2 iPad Pro) using Procreate's real memory model: layer memory = width × height × 4 bytes.

Why is my Procreate file so big?

Uncompressed file size is width × height × 4 bytes per layer for RGBA. A 300 DPI A4 canvas (2480×3508 px) is ~33 MB per layer uncompressed. PSD and TIFF add overhead. The calculator shows this so you can choose a smaller canvas if you need more layers.

What is the best canvas size for portraits in Procreate?

For detailed portraits that will print, 3000×4000 px at 300 DPI is a solid starting point (10×13.3 in print). For screen-only portraits, 2500×3500 px at 132–150 DPI gives you more layers. Use the Portrait HD preset to start.

Does canvas size affect Apple Pencil performance?

Yes. Larger canvases use more RAM and can slow down brush strokes and blending, especially on 4GB iPads. If Procreate feels laggy, try a smaller canvas or merge layers you no longer need to edit.