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Not everyone is born with artistic talent, and I’ve been tracing diagrams my whole life. Going paperless hasn’t changed that. You can trace diagrams digitally using a free app like MediBang Paint, though I find Procreate easier to use. Here’s how I trace diagrams for my digital notes in Procreate:
I usually start by finding a diagram in a textbook (PDF) or online, then import it into Procreate. It’s important to make sure the image covers as much of the canvas as possible since larger images are easier to trace. For tracing, I prefer using solid inks because they make it easier to color the diagrams later on. I avoid pencils or any inks that might leave tiny gaps, no matter how small.
Once I have the diagram set to the right size, I add a new layer above it and start tracing. It’s crucial to ensure all the shapes in the diagram are completely closed, without any gaps. If there are gaps, the color will leak across the whole canvas when you start coloring, so be thorough in closing them.
After I’m done tracing, I remove the original image and check for any gaps, zooming in to spot even the tiniest ones. To color the traced sections, I simply drag and drop the colors into each area. I often use the original diagram to pick the exact colors using the color picker. For really small sections, I zoom in to avoid dropping colors on the edges, which can alter them.
I always export my traced diagrams in PNG format to remove the background. PNG images are perfect for digital notes because they float and blend seamlessly into the page, making them look like they were drawn directly onto it.
I choose to trace diagrams instead of just copying and pasting them from Google or my textbooks for a few reasons. First, I rarely find perfect images that fit exactly what I need. Tracing allows me to make personal modifications that match my study notes perfectly. It also helps me learn faster because I’m a visual learner, and drawing the diagrams helps me remember them better.
Lastly, tracing is a relaxing activity—maybe not as soothing as a coloring book, but relaxing enough. I often trace diagrams during study breaks because it’s both fun and productive. That’s how I trace diagrams in Procreate on the iPad, and I hope this helps you do the same, unless you’re a great artist who enjoys drawing from scratch, of course.
