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# Procreate Reference Companion: Keep the Reference Separate from the Painting
- URL: https://theprocreate.com/learn/procreate-reference-companion/
- Published: 2026-11-04T09:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-04T08:59:59.000Z
- Description: Keep the composition in view with Canvas mode or import a photo into Image mode. Move, resize and close the reference window without changing a paint layer.
- Author: Robert Rios
- Tags: learn, #topic-start-here, #section-start-here-make-a-first-drawing

The **Reference Companion** is a floating window above the canvas. Open an existing canvas and go to [**Actions > Canvas > Reference**](https://help.procreate.com/procreate/handbook/actions/actions-canvas?ref=theprocreate.com): turn the Reference toggle on, then choose a live view of the canvas or an imported image.

The [**Reference** setting in Layer Options](https://help.procreate.com/procreate/handbook/layers/layers-options?ref=theprocreate.com) uses a layer's linework to [guide ColorDrop fills](https://theprocreate.com/fixes/procreate-colordrop-not-working/) on another active layer. Use the floating Companion for a separate composition view or photo reference.

![Actions Canvas Reference toggle opens a floating Companion above the artwork.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/87/95/8795a9f5-73f0-42fe-8d7c-6a02022d8b40/content/images/2026/10/procreate-reference-companion-body1-redo-v2.webp)

Use Actions > Canvas > Reference for the floating window; Layer Options Reference serves ColorDrop instead.

## Pick the source you need

**Canvas** is the default mode. It shows the artwork and updates as you draw, so you can work close up while keeping the composition in sight. Pan and zoom within the Companion independently to inspect another part of the painting. The [Canvas view supports the Eyedropper inside the reference window](https://help.procreate.com/procreate/handbook/actions/actions-canvas?ref=theprocreate.com).

![Canvas mode shows the whole race-car drawing while the main canvas is zoomed to a wheel.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/87/95/8795a9f5-73f0-42fe-8d7c-6a02022d8b40/content/images/2026/10/procreate-reference-companion-body2-redo-v1.webp)

Keep the full composition visible in Canvas mode while working on a detail.

For a photograph, [tap **Image > Import Image**](https://help.procreate.com/articles/ZWopfZ-reference?ref=theprocreate.com) and choose the image from Photos. Check that the intended reference appears in the window. I'd take this route for a photo reference, because the photo doesn't need to go on a painting layer.

Drag the window by its top grey handle to move it, or use a lower corner to resize it. If it covers the marks you need to inspect, move it before changing the artwork. Tapping the Companion hides its controls; [tap anywhere on the window to reveal them again](https://help.procreate.com/articles/ZWopfZ-reference?ref=theprocreate.com).

![Loaded Image-mode Reference window with Clear and Import, a top move handle and a lower corner marked for resizing.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/87/95/8795a9f5-73f0-42fe-8d7c-6a02022d8b40/content/images/2026/10/procreate-reference-companion-body3-redo-v1.webp)

Move the reference image by its top handle and resize from a lower corner. Use Clear, then Import, to replace it.

To replace a photo reference, reveal the controls and [tap **Clear** to remove it, then **Import** to bring in another image](https://help.procreate.com/articles/ZWopfZ-reference?ref=theprocreate.com) from Photos. Check the replacement in the window before continuing to paint. The imported Image view is a working reference. It isn't itself a painted layer.

To close the Companion, [tap the **x** icon or switch **Reference** off in **Actions > Canvas**](https://help.procreate.com/articles/ZWopfZ-reference?ref=theprocreate.com). If the controls are hidden, tap the window to bring them back first.

## Treat Face as a separate workflow

The **Face** button starts FacePaint and uses the front-facing camera on supported iPads. [FacePaint requires an iPad with a TrueDepth camera or an A12 chip or later](https://help.procreate.com/procreate/handbook/actions/actions-canvas?ref=theprocreate.com), and works with a FacePaint canvas. For ordinary drawing from a photograph, I'd skip FacePaint and choose Image instead.

## Check layers and the image you will send

Before sending the artwork, inspect the canvas layers and the exported image separately. Moving the floating window out of the way doesn't prove that no other copy of the source sits on a layer. Also confirm that you have the right to use an external reference for the intended work. For the broader setup of a first drawing, see the [first illustration guide](https://theprocreate.com/start-here/first-procreate-illustration/).