Concepts App Tips and Tricks in Easy Way
The Concepts app is one of the most flexible drawing and design tools available today. Many artists, architects, designers, students, and hobby creators use it because it combines the feel of sketching with the power of a digital workspace. Unlike regular drawing apps, Concepts uses an infinite canvas, real-time vector strokes, and a layout that lets you draw freely without feeling restricted. If you want to use Concepts like a pro, learn smarter workflows, improve your sketches, and save time while drawing, this guide will help you understand everything simply.
What Makes Concepts App Special
Concepts is different from other drawing apps because it uses a hybrid workflow. Every line you draw stays editable, so nothing is permanent unless you want it to be. This means you can move strokes, resize elements, adjust colors, and change tools without starting over. This flexibility makes Concepts useful for many types of work, including product design, architectural sketches, storyboarding, and digital art.
Another big reason people love Concepts is the infinite canvas. You are not forced into a fixed size. You can zoom out endlessly and continue working on new ideas, notes, diagrams, and illustrations all inside the same space. This makes it feel more natural compared to other apps that limit your page size.
Tip 1: Start with the Right Canvas Setup
The first smart trick for using Concepts is choosing the proper canvas setup before drawing. Since Concepts has an infinite canvas, the size does not limit your ideas. But adjusting the background, grid style, and measurement units helps a lot.
If you are sketching ideas or doing a brain dump, a blank canvas works best. If you are making architectural plans or product designs, using the built-in grids gives perfect alignment. For interior design or room layout, switching to real-world unit measurements, like millimeters or inches, keeps your sketches accurate.
Tip 2: Use Layers Smartly for Clean Work
Concepts support layers, and using them wisely keeps your work clean. One layer can be for rough sketches, another for final lines, and a separate one for shading or text.
Since layers are movable and editable, it’s easier to rearrange your idea structure. A helpful trick is to keep one permanent layer untouched; use it as your main reference. This keeps your drawing safe even if you make multiple adjustments.
Tip 3: Make the Most of Vector Strokes
Concepts is famous for its vector stroke engine. Every line you draw can be selected and adjusted later. This is a huge advantage over traditional raster apps. A good tip is to draw freely first and then refine the strokes afterwards.
For example, draw loose shapes for characters or objects, and later adjust the lines, curve them smoothly, and resize them to match your final plan. This approach saves time and gives your artwork a polished look.
Tip 4: Use the “Nudge” Tool for Small Adjustments
The nudge tool in Concepts is one of the most powerful features. It allows you to gently move strokes, shapes, and segments without damaging the design. Many users ignore this tool, but it can help you create perfect alignment.
If you want a curve to look cleaner or a shape to be slightly corrected, the nudge tool does it in seconds. It feels like adjusting clay; small movements create perfect results.
Tip 5: Master Quick Gestures
Concepts uses simple gestures that speed up your workflow. A two-finger tap undoes a stroke; a three-finger tap redoes it. Pinching and rotating help to zoom and rotate the canvas without breaking your flow.
One of the most helpful gestures is long-pressing a stroke to select it. Once selected, you can recolor it, resize it, or move it. Practicing these gestures will save you a lot of time in the long run because the app becomes more responsive to your workflow.
Tip 6: Use the Color Picker to Maintain Clean Palettes
Choosing the right color palette improves the overall look of your drawing. Concepts has a strong color picker tool that lets you create custom palettes for different projects. If you are working on branding, stick to one color palette throughout the entire drawing. If you’re drawing landscapes or characters, use earthy tones or skin-tone palettes to keep everything consistent. The best part is that you can drag colors directly into your strokes without reopening menus repeatedly.
Tip 7: Import Images for Tracing and Reference Work
One of the smartest tricks in Concepts is using imported images as a reference layer. You can add photos, sketches, screenshots, or design inspiration onto your canvas. Then lower the opacity and trace or study them. This is extremely useful for product designers, tattoo artists, architects, and illustrators. The image stays editable, so you can reposition it anytime.
Tip 8: Use the Infinite Canvas for Planning and Brainstorming
Concepts are perfect not only for drawing but also for planning ideas. If you are working on a project that requires many sections, such as a storyboard or a design system, spread your ideas across the canvas. Draw in one corner for rough concepts, expand to the right for refining, and continue across the canvas for the final version. This method gives a natural flow to your creativity.
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Tip 9: Export in the Right Format
Concepts allows you to export in multiple formats like PNG, JPEG, SVG, PDF, and DXF. If you’re sending your design to another designer, exporting in SVG keeps everything editable. If you are printing, a high-resolution PDF is best. For sharing on social media, a PNG export works perfectly. Choosing the correct format ensures your work looks clear and professional.
Tip 10: Use Custom Brushes for a Unique Style
Concepts has built-in brushes, but you can also create custom brushes to match your style. If you like pencil shading, adjust pressure sensitivity. If you want bold, ink-style art, increase stroke weight. Building your own brush helps create a personal, unique art style that stands out.
Wrap-Up
Concepts is one of the most powerful and flexible drawing apps today. Its infinite canvas, editable vector strokes, fast workflow, and natural feel make it perfect for both professional and beginner artists. Learning these easy tips and tricks helps you get the most out of the app and makes your creative process smoother, faster, and more enjoyable. Whether you draw, plan, design, or brainstorm, Concepts gives you the freedom to think visually without limits.
