CLIP STUDIO PAINT - 50 Quick Tips & Tricks You Need

Introduction

Every artist and designer knows that sometimes, a small piece of advice can substantially boost productivity. In this article, we’ll explore 50 quick tips and tricks for Clip Studio Paint, a powerful software that’s packed with features you may not be aware of. These tips range from basic quality-of-life improvements to more complex techniques that can elevate your work. Let's dive straight into it!

1. Split Layer Views

By using the button at the top left of your layers panel, you can split your layers into two separate views. This feature simplifies the management of multiple layers, allowing you to easily move items from the top to the bottom of your layer order.

2. Customize Your Top Bar

You can add any tools or colors you frequently use to the top bar, freeing up space on the sides of your canvas.

3. Import 3D Models

Clip Studio Paint allows you to import 3D models that you can pose and manipulate for reference, making it an invaluable tool for artists.

4. LT Conversion

Utilize the LT Conversion feature to transform 3D models or photographs into a 2D style, perfect for backgrounds in your webcomics.

5. Pose Scanner

Under File > Import, you can use Pose Scanner to upload an image, allowing the software to implement the pose onto a 3D model for reference.

6. Border Effects

The border effect tool under Layer Properties adds a permanent outline to everything on a selected layer, simplifying tasks like drawing wires.

7. Auto Actions

In Window > Auto Actions, you can find actions you've created or downloaded that automate tasks, such as adding chromatic aberration with a single click.

8. Color Code Layers

Color code your layers or layer folders for easier organization with the button on the top left of your layer panel.

9. Quick Layer Selection

Pressing Ctrl + Shift and clicking on an image part selects the corresponding layer, making it easier to locate specific layers.

10. Crop Image Selection

Using the button in the selection launcher allows you to crop an image to your current selection, perfect for resizing your canvas.

11. Quick Color Picking

Hold down Alt and click on your canvas to color pick easily.

12. Color Picking from Layers

Use the "Pick Color from Layer" option to grab colors from a selected layer, bypassing the need to disable layers above it.

13. Photoshop Brush Compatibility

Clip Studio Paint can open Photoshop brushes. Just drag them into the software for immediate use.

14. Change Comic Layout

Right-click in the comic layout to change the reading direction or switch to a webtoon format.

15. Time-Lapse Recording

Easily record your drawing process with minimal performance impact. Time-lapses can be reviewed and saved later.

16. Manga Screen Tones

Utilize screen tones via the selection launcher for quick background filling.

17. Color Wheel Customization

Toggle between triangle and square color wheel shapes as per your preference.

18. Hex Code Access

Double-click on the color you are using to access advanced color settings, including hex codes.

Scroll through menus to preview different layer modes, fonts, etc., without reopening menus.

20. Reference Layer

Set a layer as a reference layer to help keep your coloring within the intended lines.

21. Vector Layers

For clean and precise work, use vector layers, which allow quick modifications of strokes.

22. Flip Canvas

Keep your work fresh by flipping the canvas; a dedicated keyboard shortcut can streamline the process.

23. Multi-Layer Erase Tool

Easily erase multiple layers at once using the multi-layer erase tool.

24. Customize Selection Launcher

Add shortcuts for frequently used tools to streamline your workflow.

25. Sub View for References

Open the Sub View tool to reference images while you draw. You can also color pick directly from it.

26. Use Perspective Grids

Create perspective rulers for more realistic drawings, including one, two, and three-point perspectives.

27. Snap Shape Tools to Grids

Make use of shape tools that snap to perspective grids for ease of use in complex setups.

28. Extensive Brush Customization

Clip Studio offers a myriad of brush customization options for a truly personalized experience.

29. Asset Store

Take full advantage of the Clip Studio Asset Store for free and paid resources, including brushes and 3D models.

30. Importing Images

Easily bring existing images into Clip Studio by copying them to your clipboard and creating a new canvas from it.

31. Obtain Screen Color

Pick colors from anywhere on your screen with the Obtain Screen Color function.

32. Layer Correction Tools

Utilize correction layers to enhance contrast and colors effectively.

33. Add Noise to Images

Using Filter > Render > Purlin Noise can create a non-digital texture look.

34. Onion Skin Settings for Animation

Customize your onion skin settings to visualize frames before or after your current frame.

35. Gradient Maps

Use gradient maps for quick color adjustments and to transform grayscale images back into color.

36. Export Multiple Pages

When working on comics, use File > Export Multiple Pages to create a 3D book preview of your work.

37. Dragging Image Tabs

You can move image tabs to different monitors, allowing for a more flexible workspace.

38. Set Keybinds

Customize keybinds and utilize modifier keys to speed up your workflow.

39. Mesh Transformation Tool

Warp a flat image onto a 3D surface using the mesh transformation tool for advanced creativity.

40. Comic Panel Tools

Create comic panels that ensure your drawings stay organized within designated areas.

41. Speech Bubble Creation

Easily create and customize speech and thinking bubbles for your comics.

42. Shape Effects for Comics

Use the shape tool’s effects tabs to quickly create dynamic imagery for explosions or focus lines.

43. Organizing Tools

Take the time to organize your tools in a manner that suits your workflow best.

44. Tool Properties Access

Make frequently used properties readily accessible by pinning them to your tool options.

45. Document Presets

Save your frequently used document settings as presets, allowing for efficient setup.

46. Unit Settings

Change unit measurements while setting up a new document to utilize centimeters or inches instead of just pixels.

47. Lasso Fill Tool

Utilize the lasso fill tool to combine shape creation and filling in one convenient step.

48. Convert Brightness to Opacity

Edit images using the Convert Brightness to Opacity function to manage transparency seamlessly.

49. Customize Workspaces

Tailor your workspace for efficiency by moving and hiding windows as needed.

50. Save Workspaces

Keywords

Clip Studio Paint, productivity, tips, tricks, customizations, layer management, color picking, workspace organization, 3D models, comic creation.

FAQ

Q1: What features can I customize in Clip Studio Paint?
You can customize the top bar, color wheel, tool properties, and even create document presets for efficiency.

Q2: How can I utilize 3D models in my artwork?
You can import and pose 3D models to serve as references, and use LT conversion to transform them into a 2D style.

Q3: Does Clip Studio Paint support Photoshop brushes?
Yes, you can drag and drop Photoshop brushes into Clip Studio Paint for use.

Q4: How do I quickly select a layer while working?
Hold Ctrl + Shift and click on any part of your image to instantly select the corresponding layer.

Q5: Can I automate certain tasks in Clip Studio Paint?
Absolutely! You can use the Auto Actions feature to automate repetitive tasks with a single click.