Unlocking the Power of Special Ruler Tools in Clip Studio Paint
Clip Studio Paint's Special Ruler tool is an advanced feature that offers more functionality than the standard ruler tool. Unlike normal rulers, Special Rulers create a rule that other tools have to follow anywhere on the canvas as long as one is active. This feature opens up a world of creative possibilities, and in this article, we'll delve into the different types of Special Rulers, how to use them, and explore some example usage scenarios.
Types of Special Rulers
Parallel Line Ruler
The Parallel Line Ruler allows you to create a single guideline that other tools will follow. To create a Parallel Line Ruler, simply click and drag a line anywhere on the canvas. All lines drawn on the canvas will be parallel to the ruler, and the unique feature of this ruler is that it's not attached to the canvas, so it can be drawn out of the way when needed.
Curve Rulers
Clip Studio Paint offers two types of Curve Rulers: Parallel Curve and another type (not specified). When a Curve Ruler is chosen, curve settings become active, and the first option is simply a curved line.
Working with Ruler Tools
Creating a Ruler
To create a ruler, click to add a point, drag to create a tag, and click again to add another point. Repeat this process as many times as desired to create a series of straight lines. Right-click to omit the last point placed, click an existing line to add another point, or click an existing point to remove it. Double-click to place the final point. Alternatively, hold down the Control key and click to stop adding points.
Editing a Ruler
To edit a ruler, use the Operation Tool > Object Sub Tool to select and make adjustments to the ruler.
Parallel Curve Ruler vs. Multiple Curve Ruler
The Parallel Curve Ruler and Multiple Curve Ruler have distinct differences. The Parallel Curve Ruler ensures that lines drawn from this ruler will never overlap, and points will become curved as you get further from the ruler. On the other hand, the Multiple Curve Ruler allows lines drawn from this ruler to follow the shape exactly, even if that results in an overlap. The Multiple Curve Ruler also has an additional widget to change the direction of overlap when selected with the Object Sub Tool.
Types of Curves
Clip Studio Paint offers two types of curves: Spline and Bezier Point Options.
Spline
A Spline curve plots a continuous curve that touches each point added. You can single-click to create a spline curve.
Bezier Point Options
- Quadratic Bezier: interprets a curve between each point, giving more control but requiring more mastery
- Omit Curve: turns the curve into an angle, simpler to use but with less control
Radial Line Ruler and Radial Curve Ruler
Radial Line Ruler
The Radial Line Ruler creates a point from which all lines drawn will radiate. Simply click to place the point.
Radial Curve Ruler
The Radial Curve Ruler allows drawing curves that radiate from the center point. Every line drawn will follow the curve shape.
Concentric Circle Ruler
The Concentric Circle Ruler enables you to create perfect circles and ovals. Click once to create a centralized point for drawing perfect circles, and click and drag to create an oval shape as a guide. Release the mouse to finalize the shape, and you have the option to tilt the oval to an angle before finalizing. You can disable the tilting option by opening the Subtool Detail Palette via the wrench icon.
Adjusting Angle and Aspect Ratio
When using the "Fixed Angle" option, the "Adjust Angle" option becomes available, allowing you to adjust the angle of the ruler. If you want to maintain the aspect ratio of a shape, such as an oval that is half as tall as it is wide, you can turn on the "Keep Aspect Ratio" option.
Managing Special Rulers
You can only have one active special ruler at a time. If you add a second special ruler, the first one becomes inactive and changes color to indicate this. To change which special ruler is active, use the Object Sub Tool to select an inactive ruler and either check "Snap Here" or click the small icon by the ruler. Any other special rulers will change to inactive. You can have multiple active special rulers as long as they are only showing on different layers. A normal ruler can share a layer with a special ruler, and it will override the special ruler's behavior if you start drawing close to it.
Example Usage and Encouragement
An example of using a combination of special rulers is creating a round labyrinth as a background for a miniature drawing. These tools are meant to spark your imagination, and the author would love to see what you create with them. Be sure to tag the author (@MissRedNebula) on social media and share your art. The author thanks their patrons, with a special shoutout to Nova Tier Patron Jo C Fips, and invites others to support future content on Patreon.