Clip Studio Paint on Ipad Pro vs Procreate - Reviewed for Illustrators
Howto & Style
Introduction
In this detailed review, we will explore the newly released Clip Studio Paint on iOS and compare it against the popular digital art app, Procreate. Having recently acquired a 2017 10.5 inch iPad Pro along with an Apple Pencil, I spent two weeks using both applications to gauge which one I prefer for my work. This review will cover various aspects, from user interface and features to performance and community support.
User Interface
Upon launching Clip Studio Paint on iOS, users will notice a familiar interface that closely resembles its desktop counterpart. However, there are subtle adjustments for better compatibility with iOS devices. As a seasoned user of the Adobe suite, I was surprised and impressed by Clip Studio Paint’s capabilities in providing an all-in-one platform for illustrations, digital painting, animation, and manga.
Using the brush tools in Clip Studio Paint felt pleasant, and I was able to create sketches and layers effectively. However, I found the process of locating certain features to be less intuitive compared to Procreate. The settings for brush customization required navigating through different areas of the app, making it less straightforward than Procreate’s one-swipe settings adjustment.
Brush Tools
The brush engine in Clip Studio Paint is powerful, but performance can lag when using high-sized brushes or canvases at high resolutions. In contrast, Procreate maintains a smooth performance even with various brush types. One unique feature of Clip Studio Paint is its vector capabilities, which allow for precise adjustments of brush strokes without pixelation, a feature lacking in Procreate.
Both applications support customizable brushes, but Procreate excels at discoverability. Users can easily modify brush settings without deep navigation, making Procreate the more user-friendly option for quick adjustments.
Layers and Editing
Clip Studio Paint offers robust layer management similar to Photoshop. Notable features include reference layers, vector layers, and adjustment layers, allowing flexibility and non-destructive editing. Procreate also has solid layer functionalities; however, merging layers and applying blending features can be slightly more cumbersome. Moreover, Clip Studio Paint’s adjustment layers and vector layer options provide superior control over artwork.
Both applications allow multiple layer selection and transformations, but Clip Studio Paint's more advanced features enhance the editing experience for intricate designs and illustrations.
Tools and Features
When it comes to selection tools, Clip Studio Paint provides a wider range of options, including magic wand selections, lasso tools, and more. Its transform tool options, such as mesh transform, give it an edge for detailed work.
Clip Studio Paint also supports a variety of guides and advanced ruler tools that cater specifically to comic artists. Additionally, the text tool functionality is a strong point for Clip Studio Paint, as Procreate lacks built-in text capabilities, requiring the use of external software for text integration.
Performance and File Management
In performance reviews, I conducted stress tests with larger canvases and multiple layers. Clip Studio Paint handled large file sizes surprisingly well without crashing, though it did lag significantly. Procreate optimizes performance by limiting canvas size and DPI settings, ensuring a smoother experience.
In regards to file management, Procreate allows for easier exports directly to chosen cloud services, while Clip Studio Paint's management system involves saving to its cloud first. This extra step is less efficient for users who prefer direct file exports.
Subscription Model and Pricing
The most significant consideration is the pricing structure. Procreate offers a one-time purchase of $ 9.99, while Clip Studio Paint follows a subscription model beginning at $ 8.99/month. To use Clip Studio Paint for a year could amount to over $ 107, making it a costly choice compared to Procreate.
However, there's an introductory six-month free trial for new users before the subscription kicks in, allowing users to explore its features without any upfront cost.
Conclusion
In summary, both Clip Studio Paint and Procreate serve different purposes for digital artists. Procreate is celebrated for its simplicity, user-friendly interface, and performance, making it ideal for casual artists and hobbyists. In contrast, Clip Studio Paint shines with its advanced features, particularly for professional illustrators working in comic and animation fields. Your choice largely depends on your artistic needs and whether you prefer a one-time payment app or are comfortable with a subscription model.
Keywords
- Clip Studio Paint
- Procreate
- iPad Pro
- Digital art
- Illustrator
- User interface
- Brush tools
- Layers
- Performance
- Subscription model
FAQ
1. Is Clip Studio Paint free on iPad?
No, Clip Studio Paint is subscription-based after a six-month free trial.
2. What are the main differences between Procreate and Clip Studio Paint?
Procreate is simpler and more intuitive, while Clip Studio Paint offers more advanced features like vector tools and adjustment layers.
3. Can I use Clip Studio Paint without a keyboard?
Yes, you can use Clip Studio Paint without a keyboard, but certain tasks might become tedious. A keyboard improves usability significantly.
4. How much does Procreate cost?
Procreate has a one-time purchase price of $ 9.99.
5. Is there a community for downloading assets in Clip Studio Paint?
Yes, Clip Studio Paint has a community for downloading brushes, models, and other assets to enhance your workflow.
