How to Import a Color Palette in Procreate

May 9, 2025

When I host online workshops, I often include a free color palette with the class materials and resources. To make the colors accessible for everyone, I usually share a JPEG image listing the HEX codes for each color, but if you’re working in Procreate like I am, it’s really handy to have the palette loaded right into the app’s Palette Library. If you’re new to Procreate or you’ve never imported swatches to the Palette Library, don’t worry – it’s quite simple! Here are step by step instructions…

Step 1:

First, you will need to download the .swatches file. If the file is zipped, double tap to unzip, then save it in a place where you can access it from your iPad (in Dropbox or iCloud, for example). It’s probably best to do this on a desktop or laptop since zipped files can sometimes be temperamental on the iPad.

Once you’ve downloaded and saved the .swatches file, go to Procreate, open a new canvas, then tap on the plus sign in the Palette Library.

Step 2:

Tap ‘New from file’

Step 3:

Choose the location where the .swatches file is saved. In this case, my file was saved to Dropbox, so it’s highlighted in blue.

Step 4:

Tap on the .swatches file to import it.

The palette should now appear in your Procreate Palette Library!

I hope you found this helpful! If you’d like to receive one of my curated color palettes every month, be sure to sign up for my email newsletter below. Also, if you struggle with creating cohesive color palettes of your own, you can check out my color palette course where I share the exact technique I use to create perfect palettes for digital art.