Creating a Manga Manuscript: A Step-by-Step Guide
When creating a manga manuscript, it's essential to set up your document correctly to ensure high-quality output and optimal workflow. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of creating a manga manuscript from scratch.
Step 1: Create a New Document
To begin, go to the File menu in the upper left of the screen and select New to open the Manuscript Settings dialog. This is where you'll configure the basic settings for your manga manuscript.
Step 2: Configure Manuscript Settings
In the Manuscript Settings dialog, choose the Purple Icon for Comic Manuscript. Next, set the Finished Size to A4 (or your desired size). If necessary, configure the Finished Book Binding Side Settings, and set Crop Marks to be displayed on the canvas (default: 5 millimeters).
Step 3: Set Resolution for Drawing
For creating a monochrome manga page, it's best to set the resolution to 600 dpi. This setting ensures high-quality output and is ideal for monochrome content. Additionally, set the basic expression color to monochrome, which will help optimize the output.
Additional Settings to Consider
Setting Resolution for Web Publication
If you plan to publish your manga on the internet, you don't need to consider a finished book binding size. This allows for more flexibility in terms of page size and layout.
Considering Page Size for Web Publication
When creating manga for web publication, you can set the resolution as low as 72 dpi. This is a suitable resolution for web-based content, reducing file size and improving loading times.
Setting Units for Page
When opening a new document, select the orange illustration icon. This allows you to set the units for the page as needed.
Resolution for Web Export
If you plan to export the file for the web, you can set the resolution as low as 72 dpi. This is a suitable resolution for web-based content, reducing file size and improving loading times.
Creating a Canvas for Drawing
To create a canvas for drawing, follow these steps:
- Click on the "Pixels" option to set the color mode to monochrome.
- Cut the expression color to "Color to Color" and press the "OK" button.
- This will start drawing the canvas.
Returning to Previous Settings
If needed, click on the purple icon again to return to the previous settings.
Creating the Canvas
Once all settings are adjusted, click the "OK" button in the upper right corner. This will create the canvas.
Preparing for Drawing
Since the basic expression color of the file is set to monochrome, even if you select a color (e.g., red) from the color wheel, it will still appear in shades of gray. To draw black and white lines, simply draw as usual.
To draw colored lines for sketches and drafts:
- Set the Layer Expression Color in the Layer Properties Palette to "Color".
- This allows the use of any color from the color wheel.
Note that all newly created layers will initially be set to Monochrome. If you want to use a color other than Monochrome, change the Expression Color in the Layer Property Palette.
By following these steps, you'll be able to create a manga manuscript with the correct settings for high-quality output and optimal workflow. Happy drawing!