Digital colouring can be a lovely way to enjoy a quiet creative activity without getting pencils out. You do not need advanced drawing skills. Start with a simple design, a few colours and an app you are comfortable using.
Check what the download contains
Before buying, read the listing carefully. A PDF, a flat PNG and a transparent PNG behave differently. A PDF may suit printing or importing into a compatible app. A transparent line-art PNG can be useful for colouring on a separate layer underneath. A product described as a digital download does not automatically include a layered Procreate file.
Our colouring collection includes digital options. Check the individual listing for formats, page sizes, included files and permitted use rather than assuming every book has the same contents.
Save an untouched copy first
Download the file to the Files app on your iPad and keep the original in its own folder. Import a working copy into your chosen colouring or drawing app. This means you can start again or try another palette without losing the original artwork.
Use separate layers when possible
If your app supports layers, keep the black outlines separate from your colouring. With transparent line art, put a colour layer beneath the outline layer. For artwork on an opaque white background, you may need a suitable blending mode or another workflow supported by the app. Test a small area first; file formats and apps vary.
If colour covers the lines, undo the last action and check which layer you are using. Locking the outline layer, where available, can help avoid accidental marks.
Choose three colours to begin
Try a main colour, a supporting colour and a small accent. For an autumn scene, you might choose warm orange, soft brown and muted green. Fill the largest areas first and leave tiny details until later. You can always change a colour digitally, so there is no need to decide the whole page in advance.
Expect small gaps to need a brush
Automatic colour fill works best inside closed outlines. If a fill spreads across the page, undo it and try a brush or your app's fill settings. Zoom in for small spaces and back out regularly so you can see the design as a whole.
Finish when you feel finished
A ten-minute colouring session counts even if the page is incomplete. Save your working file with its layers, then export a separate image if you want to keep a finished copy. Follow the artwork's licence when sharing or using it.
Ready to choose a design? Browse the Falling for Kawaii digital colouring book, or build your own cosy creative evening.