Dakimakura Canvas Setup in Procreate: A Practical Starting Point

Check the canvas before starting the illustration

Choose the intended cover dimensions, then use the image resolution guide to understand the print-size relationship. Don't treat a number from another device as a universal preset.

Procreate ties available layers to the canvas and the iPad's memory. Check the official layer-limit tool with your own device and dimensions.

If the required canvas isn't practical, pause before painting. Discuss the proposed file dimensions with the printer. Enlarging a small finished drawing later is not a substitute for that decision.

Create the canvas and check its settings

From the Gallery, open the + menu and choose the custom-canvas control. Set the agreed dimensions and inspect the available layers. The official canvas instructions show where these controls are located.

Choose RGB for this order. For an sRGB workflow, select the appropriate sRGB profile rather than leaving an unrelated preset in place. Check the settings before drawing; Procreate's color-profile instructions explain its RGB and CMYK restrictions.

Create separate documents for different sides if that keeps the project easier to manage. Keep important features comfortably inside the intended frame, and confirm production layout requirements rather than guessing a fixed margin.

Keep the master and inspect the export

Save a layered working copy. If you need to merge layers, duplicate the artwork first.

Hide reference guides and use Actions → Share → PNG for the intended image export. Procreate's sharing instructions distinguish image exports from the editable project format.

Open the exported files, check dimensions and orientation, and label the sides clearly. The upload checklist covers the final handoff.

Ready to choose the print options? Review the custom dakimakura cover before submitting your artwork.