Welcome to the Liquify Tool Tutorial in Clip Studio Paint
Introduction
Professor Krimzy is excited to bring you the first tutorial of 2022, where you'll learn about the new Liquify Tool in Clip Studio Paint. This highly anticipated feature is now available in version 1.11.6, and this tutorial will cover its basics, functionality, and scenarios where it can be used.
The Liquify Tool
The Liquify Tool is a brand new feature located in the Blend Tools menu next to the Blend Brushes. This tool allows you to quickly modify the position, size, and orientation of entire areas of pixels in your art by simply dragging your pen around your image.
Liquify Tool Parameters
The Liquify Tool has only a few parameters to play with:
- Brush Size
- Strength
- Hardness of the liquefy effect
- Only Refer to Editing Area box
Mode
The most important parameter is the Mode, which has seven different options:
- Push
- Expand
- Pinch
- Push Left
- Push Right
- Twirl Clockwise
- Twirl Anti-Clockwise
Each mode produces different results, and we'll go over each one individually.
Using the Liquify Tool
The Liquify Tool can only be used on a single layer, mask layer, or a limited selection at once. Before using this tool, backup your folders and flatten your layers in a single image layer first.
Push Mode
Push Mode is probably the most used mode, allowing you to move areas of pixels smoothly towards the direction of your brush stroke. Pushing things around will not make lines or colors blend together; it will only deform, stretch, or compress pixels towards each other. The Push Mode will apply a smoothing effect to the area you went over once you're done with your brush stroke, which applies to all other modes as well.
Adjusting the Effect
- The Strength slider increases or reduces the intensity of the liquify effect.
- The Hardness setting determines the sharpness of the deformation in your brush strokes.
- The Only Refer to Editing Area box option is for isolating areas of your art and modifying them without the outside influence of neighboring pixels.
Liquify Tool Modes
Forward Warp Mode
When checked, the tool only affects pixels within the selection; when unchecked, it affects pixels outside the selection as well. This mode warps pixels according to the brush strokes, moving them in the direction of the stroke.
Expand Mode
This mode applies a magnifying glass effect, making pixels expand outwards from the center of the brush. Pixels gradually expand as you apply more pressure or add more brush strokes. The speed of your brush strokes affects the result of the liquify effect. Holding down the pressure or keeping the brush on the same spot can create a trippy effect.
Pinch Mode
This mode reduces the size of an area by moving pixels inwards towards the center of the brush. It works the same way as the Expand Mode, but shrinks instead of expands. Pressing Alt on the keyboard summons the Expand Mode while in Pinch Mode.
Push Left and Push Right Modes
These modes slide vertical strips of pixels to either the left or the right. They only work with vertical brush strokes. If your brush goes from top to bottom, pixels slide on the chosen side; if from bottom to top, pixels slide in the opposite direction. These modes are essentially twin features, and the direction of the brush stroke affects the result.
Twirl Clockwise and Twirl Anti-Clockwise Modes
These modes create a rotation effect within the area of the brush, moving pixels in a circular motion. They work like the Expand and Pinch Modes, with the effect taking place from the moment you hold down the brush. Holding down the pressure in the same spot can create a glitchy effect. These modes are essentially the same, but with opposite directions of rotation.
Benefits and Uses of the Liquify Tool
Face Correction
The Liquify Tool is perfect for fixing wonky looking faces. Use the Expand and Pinch modes to adjust the size of disproportionate elements, correct the placement or curvature of various elements with the Push Left and Right modes, and correct the angle of slightly crooked elements like eyes, mouths, etc. with the Twirl modes.
Facial Expressions and Iterations
Use the Liquify tool to create multiple alternate versions of facial expressions for reference sheets, concept art, or YouTube stills. Create duplicates of elements like eyes and mouth, hide the originals, and experiment with the Liquify tool to see what looks best.
Early Stage Art Creation
Use the Liquify tool to fix proportion issues early on, such as heads that are too big or hands and feet that are too small, with the Pinch or Expand modes. Take advantage of the fact that sketches are usually messy, so you don't have to worry about stretch happening or things getting messy when moving things around.
Line Art Improvement
Use the Liquify tool to fix unruly curves and shaky lines, even for beginners. Use the Push mode with a low strength value to gently smooth out bumps and achieve a more polished look.
Pattern Fitting onto Clothes
Use the Liquify tool to organically fit straight patterns onto curvy surfaces of clothes. Separate different clothing pieces with layer masks and adjust them separately for better results.
Customizing Text and Speech Bubbles
Rasterize your layers and use the Liquify tool to create dynamic and dramatic looking text and speech bubbles. Experiment with distortion, scaling, and rotation to create unique effects.
With the Liquify Tool, you can now easily manipulate and reshape your artwork in Clip Studio Paint. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, this tool is sure to become a game-changer in your creative workflow.