Mastering Reference Layers in Clip Studio Paint
Clip Studio Paint is a powerful digital painting software that offers a wide range of features to help artists create stunning artwork. One of the most useful features in Clip Studio Paint is the reference layer system, which allows artists to work more efficiently and effectively. In this article, we'll dive into the world of reference layers, exploring how to set them up, use them to fill out line-art, and master various tools and techniques to take your digital painting skills to the next level.
Setting Up Reference Layers
To set up a reference layer in Clip Studio Paint, select the layer you want to use as a reference, click the lighthouse icon in the menu above the layers, or right-click on the layer, go to "Layer Settings," and select "Set as Reference Layer." You can set multiple layers as reference layers by holding CTRL and left-clicking on the specific layers or holding SHIFT and selecting all layers between the one you selected and the one you clicked on. Note that correction layers cannot be set as reference layers, but vector layers, 3D layers, and entire folders can be set as reference layers.
Using Reference Layers
One of the most common and convenient uses for reference layers is to fill out line-art. To do this, set the line-art layer as a reference layer, select the layer you want to fill in with paint below the line-art layer, and in the fill tool settings, set "Refer Multiple" to "Reference Layer." This will tell the program to look at the reference layer when using the tool, even though you don't have it selected right now. You can also exclude the editing layer, which is the layer you have selected, and other exclusion options are available.
Reference layers can be useful for other purposes beyond filling out line-art. For example, setting a 3D model as a reference layer can help you create a solid shape by filling in the shadowy part of the model using the regular fill tool. The "Tolerance" value determines how much gets filled in.
Auto Select Tool
The Auto Select tool is another convenient tool that has the option to refer to reference layers. It can be used to fill out line-art using brushes instead of the fill tools. To use the Auto Select tool, set the vector layer with lines as a reference layer, use the Auto Select tool to select the areas to be filled, and paint over the selected areas using brushes.
Working with Reference Layers in Digital Painting
When working with reference layers, the "Refer Multiple" option determines which layers are considered when making selections. If "Refer Multiple" is turned off, only the currently selected layer is considered. If "Refer Multiple" is turned on and set to "All Layers," all layers on the canvas are considered, including background, textures, and shading.
Setting a specific reference layer is easier and more efficient than relying on "Refer Multiple." This allows you to focus on a specific layer, without worrying about other layers interfering with your selections.
Using a reference layer has many benefits, including the ability to make selections and paint without worrying about going over the lines. You can turn on "Fill up to vector path" to ignore the texture of the lines and make the process even easier.
Selecting Multiple Areas
To select multiple areas at the same time, hold the SHIFT key and click on each area. Alternatively, hold the left mouse button and drag the cursor across adjacent areas to select them. To remove areas from the selection, hold the ALT key and click on the area.
Preventing Brushes from Painting Over Lines
Every brush has an option called "Do not cross lines of reference layers." This option can be found in the Tool properties or in the Sub Tool Detail menu. When activated, the paint of the brush stops when it encounters pixels on the reference layer. You can fine-tune this feature with additional settings.
Important Considerations
The center of the brush needs to be inside the area you want to paint in. If the center of the brush goes over the lines, the paint will switch sides. Be careful when painting near lines that abruptly stop, as the paint may flow around the end of the line. The active brush size, not the maximum brush size, determines when the paint will overflow.
Painting Tools in Digital Art Software
Clip Studio Paint offers a range of painting tools that can be used in conjunction with reference layers. The "Paint Bucket" tool allows for quick filling of areas with a solid color, but you need to be careful to stay inside the lines with the brush.
The "Contour Line Paint" tool, also referred to as the "Freeflow Gradient" tool, is a neat tool for quickly creating gradients with more complex shapes than the normal gradient tool. It works by drawing lines with a thin, solid brush with a constant brush size and Anti-Aliasing turned off, and then switching to the "Contour Line Paint" tool and clicking inside the areas between the lines to fill with gradients.
Using "Contour Line Paint" with Reference Layers
The "Contour Line Paint" tool can be used to create color gradients in complex shapes, such as animal fur. It works by setting the lines of a drawing as a reference layer, and the tool treats the lines like borders of the canvas, stopping the filling of gradients at those lines.
Using Reference Layers in Clip Studio Paint
The Contour Line Paint tool uses reference layers to fill in areas with color. The width of the gradients is determined by the distance between the lines. If an area only has access to one color, it will fill in with that color. Fine details are more difficult with this tool, so some detail work may be needed afterwards.
The Colorize feature is another feature that uses reference layers, although it's less known than the Contour Line Paint tool. Only one singular layer can be set as a reference layer. To access this feature, go to "Edit," "Colorize (Technology Preview)," and "Colorize All." The result is a color layer above the reference layer, filling out the entire canvas.
Limitations and Future Development
The colorizing algorithms are still very limited and not meant for detailed work. This feature is a convenient gimmick, but don't expect it to replace human artists. We're hopeful for future development and improvements to this feature.
Conclusion
Reference layers have a wide range of uses in Clip Studio Paint, from filling out line-art to creating complex gradients. By mastering the use of reference layers, you can save time and effort in the drawing process. We encourage you to share other unique methods of using reference layers in the comments.