Procreate Lost Artwork: Recover Deleted or Missing Files

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

1. 1. Look for the artwork first

   Copy steps
   1. Check the Gallery, including Stacks and the Gallery Select view
   2. Check Files for any .procreate exports
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. 2. Reimport an exported copy

   1. In the Gallery tap Import and pick the .procreate file from Files or cloud storage
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. 3. Restore from an iPad backup

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   1. Procreate says that if you have a backup you may be able to restore from an iCloud or computer backup
   2. Restoring replaces the entire iPad, so back up newer artwork manually first (export from the Gallery) before restoring
   3. Follow Apple's guide to restore from an iCloud backup
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. 4. Back up artwork going forward

   Copy steps
   1. Gallery > Select, choose canvases, tap Share and pick Procreate, then Save to Files and choose a cloud location
   2. Back up before updating Procreate or iPadOS
   3. Optionally back up the whole iPad to iCloud or a computer
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

Artwork is missing from the Gallery after an update, a reinstall or deleting a canvas, or Procreate files are not in the iCloud backup.

Why it happens

• Deleting a canvas (it cannot be undone)
• Deleting or reinstalling the Procreate app, which removes its data
• Losing or resetting the iPad
• No export or full backup existed

This guide also covers

• procreate lost artwork
• recover deleted procreate files
• procreate artwork disappeared
• how to back up procreate

Other Procreate errors

• Apple Pencil Not Working in Procreate
• Apple Pencil Lag in Procreate
• Procreate Keeps Crashing on iPad
• Procreate Frozen or Not Responding
• Procreate Brushes Not Importing or Missing
• Procreate Maximum Layers Reached
• Procreate Export Problems: PSD, PNG and Photoshop Not Opening
• Procreate Colors Look Different After Export or Print