From Your Etsy Download+ How to Actually Use It

If you just downloaded one of my Procreate color palette bundles from Etsy—welcome 👋

Each set includes 100 palettes with 30 colors each, organized into themes like:

This guide will show you exactly:

How to load your palette into Procreate
How to actually use these palettes to improve your art

How to Import Your Color Palette into Procreate

All of my palettes come as .swatches files, which Procreate can open directly. The swatches can be viewed in a pdf that come with the sets.

Step by Step:

1. Download Your Files

Open Etsy → Purchases
Download your palette files
Save them to your iPad (Files app or Downloads)

2. Open the File

You have two easy options:

Option A (Fastest):

Tap the .swatches file directly
It will automatically open in Procreate

Option B (Inside Procreate):

Open Procreate
Tap the Color Circle (top right)
Go to the Palettes tab
Tap the + icon
Select “Import”
Choose your file

👉 Your palette will now appear in your palette list.

3. Set It as Your Default Palette

In the Palettes tab, tap “Set Default”

This keeps your colors easily accessible while you work.

Understanding Your Palette Sets

Each palette is designed to give you a complete color story, not just random swatches.

Here’s how to think about them:

Horror

Deep reds, blacks, sickly greens
Great for: dark art, Halloween designs, eerie lighting

Fantasy

Rich purples, blues, golds
Great for: magical characters, whimsical scenes

Sci-Fi

Neon tones, cool blues, high contrast
Great for: futuristic art, cyberpunk vibes

Nature

Earthy greens, browns, soft neutrals
Great for: landscapes, animals, organic designs

Historical Eras

Muted, vintage-inspired tones
Great for: period pieces, antique-style art

Flowers (Mini Set)

Soft, cohesive color groupings
Great for: patterns, illustrations, feminine designs

How to Actually Use Your Color Palettes (This Is the Important Part)

Downloading palettes is easy. Using them well is what makes your art stand out.

1. Don’t Use All 30 Colors at Once

Each palette has 30 colors, but most strong designs use:

5–10 colors max

👉 Pick:

1–2 main colors
2–3 supporting colors
1–2 accent colors

This keeps your work clean and intentional.

2. Use Them to Set the Mood First

Before you start drawing:

Choose a palette
Fill your background with one color
Block in rough shapes using 2–3 others

This helps your whole piece feel cohesive from the start.

3. Stick to One Palette Per Piece

Mixing palettes can get messy fast.

Instead:

Use one palette for the whole artwork
Or combine very similar palettes from the same theme

4. Use the Palette as a Guide (Not a Rule)

You don’t have to use every color exactly as is.

Try:

Adjusting brightness slightly
Using lower opacity
Blending between swatches

Think of the palette as your starting point, not a limitation.

5. Save Your Favorites

With 100 palettes, you’ll definitely find ones you love.

When you do:

Duplicate them
Move them to the top
Rename them (ex: “Go To Fantasy”)

👉 This builds your personal workflow over time.

Pro Tips for These Large Palette Sets

Because your bundle is big, here’s how to avoid overwhelm:

Start with one theme at a time (like Horror for a week)
Use the same palette for multiple pieces
Build a small “favorites” collection

This turns 100 palettes into a tool, not a distraction.

✨ Final Thoughts

Color palettes aren’t just about convenience, they’re about confidence.

Instead of second guessing every color choice, you can:

Work faster
Stay consistent
Create art that feels intentional

And with 100 themed palettes, you’ll always have inspiration ready to go.

Check out the selection of Procreate Color Palettes at Digital Odd Raven

The Odd Raven

How to Load a Color Palette into Procreate

From Your Etsy Download+ How to Actually Use It

How to Import Your Color Palette into Procreate