Procreate Brushes Not Showing Up? 7 Fixes for Import Problems on iPad

2026-06-24

If your Procreate brushes won't show up after importing, it's almost always one of a few things: the file is a .zip (not .brushset), Procreate or iPadOS is out of date, iCloud hasn't finished syncing, or the set imported fine but sits at the top of your brush library where you haven't scrolled. Here's how to fix each, fastest first.

The 30-second checklist

Confirm the file ends in .brushset (unzip first if it's a .zip).
Import via Share → Open in Procreate, not by tapping alone.
New sets land at the top of the Brushes panel — scroll up.
Update Procreate + iPadOS, then restart the iPad.
Make sure iCloud Drive finished downloading the file.

1. Check the file is really a .brushset

Procreate imports .brushset (a full set) and .brush (a single brush). If your download is a .zip, Procreate can't read it directly — open the zip in the Files app first to extract the .brushset inside. If the file looks greyed out in Files, the format is wrong or the download is incomplete.

2. Import it the reliable way

Tapping a file doesn't always work. Instead:

Open the Files app and find the .brushset.
Tap and hold it → Share → Open in Procreate (tap More if you don't see it).
Procreate opens and imports the set automatically.

You can also drag the file straight into the Brushes panel using Split View.

3. Look at the top of your brush library

This is the #1 false alarm: the import worked, but a newly imported set appears at the very top of the brush list. Open the Brushes panel and scroll all the way up — your set is likely already there.

4. Update and restart

Out-of-date software is a common cause. Update Procreate (App Store) and iPadOS (Settings → General → Software Update), force-quit all apps, then restart the iPad and re-import.

5. Fix iCloud sync issues

If the file lives in iCloud Drive, it may not have fully downloaded. Go to Settings → [your name] → iCloud → Drive and make sure sync is on, then wait for the file to finish downloading before importing. Low iCloud or device storage can also block imports.

6. Re-download if the file is corrupted

An interrupted download produces a broken .brushset. Delete it and download again over a stable connection, ideally from the original source.

7. Watch for legacy brush formats

Very old brushes made for early Procreate versions may not load in current Procreate. In that case, look for an updated version of the set.

Once it works — where to get brushes

With imports working, you can load up your library. See the full walkthrough in our Procreate brush installation guide, then browse free Procreate brushsets or jump into a style like lettering brushes or inking brushes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click a question to expand the answer

Why are my imported Procreate brushes not showing up?

Usually the file is a .zip instead of .brushset, the app or iPadOS is outdated, iCloud hasn't finished syncing, or the set imported to the top of the brush library where you haven't scrolled.

Where do imported brushes go in Procreate?

A newly imported .brushset appears as a new group at the top of the Brushes panel.

Can Procreate open .zip brush files?

No. Unzip the file in the Files app first, then import the .brushset inside.

Do I need to pay to import brushes?

No. Importing is built into Procreate, and you can get free brushsets on our site.