Clip Studio Paint: Tablet vs Desktop Version
Clip Studio Paint is a professional-level digital painting and comic illustration tool that offers similar functionality on both tablet and desktop versions. While the tablet version has some limitations, it provides an excellent drawing experience with its intuitive interface and features.
Overview
The tablet version of Clip Studio Paint is designed to mirror the desktop version, with minor differences in the user interface and layout. The menu, icons, and palettes may appear bigger or smaller depending on the tablet's resolution, and some icons may get cropped off due to limited resolution. However, the core functionality remains the same, and users can easily switch between the two versions without any significant learning curve.
Differences between Tablet and Desktop Versions
One of the noticeable differences between the tablet and desktop versions is the placement of preferences. On the tablet, preferences have their own menu, whereas on the desktop, they are grouped under the File menu. Another difference is the absence of keyboard shortcuts displayed beside function names on the tablet version. However, users can find keyboard shortcuts online or in the shortcut settings on the tablet version.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are essential for productivity, and Clip Studio Paint provides an innovative solution for the tablet version. The H Keyboard feature allows users to customize shortcut buttons, making it easier to access frequently used functions. Users can assign shortcuts to buttons by finding the functionality, clicking on it, and then clicking "Add Shortcut." The H Keyboard feature can be hidden if a physical keyboard is used.
Brush Size Adjustment
Changing brush size on the tablet can be inconvenient without a keyboard. However, the H Keyboard feature provides a solution by allowing users to assign the "Increase Brush Size" and "Decrease Brush Size" functions to shortcut buttons. This enables users to change brush size quickly and easily.
Clip Studio Paint on Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus: Observations and Workflow
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus offers an excellent drawing experience with its 120Hz display and improved latency of the new S Pen. However, the latency in Clip Studio Paint is not as good as in other drawing apps, resulting in a visible gap between the line and the pen tip.
Drawing Experience
The S Pen provides thick lines, but there is a glitch when trying to change the brush size while the pen is close to the display. This is likely intentional to prevent creating straight strokes while resting the palm on the display. Palm rejection works almost flawlessly, but it would be helpful if Clip Studio Paint could disable this feature to allow for seamless drawing without lifting the pen.
Preferences and Settings
Pen pressure settings are similar to the desktop version, allowing users to adjust the pressure curve by moving points manually. However, it is not possible to adjust the pressure sensitivity of the S Pen with Samsung preferences.
Workflow
Creating a new file is similar to the desktop version, using Ctrl + N. Zooming can be done using finger gestures, but not with Ctrl + +. Drawing with the S Pen is smooth, with terrific pressure sensitivity and transitions from thin to thick lines. Filling shapes requires creating a new layer first (Ctrl + Shift + N), then setting the layer to Multiply and choosing a color.
Display and Latency
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus has a 120Hz display, and the new S Pen has improved latency, down to 9 milliseconds. However, the latency in Clip Studio Paint is not as good as in other drawing apps.
Additional Features
The color palette can be moved and docked around the screen, similar to the desktop version. Users can collapse or close the palette when not needed. Ctrl + click on the color layer selects colors, and the eyedropper tool (I) can be used to pick darker colors for shadows.
Clip Studio Paint on a Tablet: Features and Limitations
Palette and Color Selection
The resizable palette allows for similar functionality to the desktop version. Users can collapse or close the palette when not needed. Ctrl + click on the color layer selects colors, and the eyedropper tool (I) can be used to pick darker colors for shadows.
Drawing and Strokes
Users can draw within selected colors using the brush tool, and brush strokes can be added within the selected area. However, drawing outside the selected area is not possible. Users can deselect (Ctrl + D) to draw outside the selected area.
Shortcuts and Transformations
Most desktop shortcuts are available on the tablet version. Users can rotate the canvas by selecting all layers and using the rectangular selection tool (M) and transform tool (Ctrl + T). However, lag may occur during preview.
Saving and File Management
Files are saved within the Clip Studio app, and there is no option to create new folders or drag and drop files into folders. Files can be exported to internal storage, microSD card, or Google Drive, and can be shared with other apps on the tablet.
Opening Files from Other Sources
Users can open files created with other software on the tablet, and can download Clip Studio files from another computer or tablet. The process for opening files from device storage is similar to opening files within Clip Studio. However, there is an issue with pen click not registering when opening files (works with finger click).
Importing Files in Clip Studio Paint
When a file is imported into Clip Studio Paint, it creates a duplicate of the original file. The duplicated file is saved within Clip Studio Paint. If the original file is imported again, it will not be saved; only the duplicated file is saved. This means that if you import multiple files, you will need to delete the duplicates.
Licensing and Pricing
Clip Studio Paint is not free, and the desktop and Windows versions are one-time purchases. The tablet versions (iPad and Android) require a monthly subscription. A separate license is required for the tablet version, even if you have a desktop license. Existing customers of Clip Studio Paint can enjoy discounts when subscribing to the monthly plan. Eligible tablets (e.g., Tab S7 and S7 Plus) can get a free 6-month subscription.
In conclusion, Clip Studio Paint on a tablet offers an excellent drawing experience with its intuitive interface and features. While there are some limitations, the app provides a professional-level experience that is worth the investment.