Clip Studio Paint Tutorial: Rulers
Rulers are an essential tool in Clip Studio Paint, allowing artists to create precise lines, shapes, and measurements in their artwork. In this tutorial, we'll explore the different types of rulers, how to access and use them, and their various options and features.
Accessing Rulers
To access the rulers in Clip Studio Paint, click on the fourth icon from the bottom on the left-hand side of the screen, which looks like a dashed line. This will open up the sub-tools, including Direct Lines, Frames, Rulers, Striation Lines, Speed Lines, and more.
Types of Rulers
Clip Studio Paint offers a variety of rulers, each with its own unique features and uses. These include:
- Linear Ruler: a straight line that can be dragged to the desired length
- Curve Ruler
- Figure Ruler
- Ruler Pin
- Special Ruler
- Guide and Perspective Ruler (covered in a separate video)
- Symmetrical Ruler
Using the Linear Ruler
The Linear Ruler is a basic but essential tool in Clip Studio Paint. To use it, simply click and drag to create a straight line. A purple line will appear, and a blue triangle will indicate the ruler on the layer. The ruler will only appear on the layer it was created on, and if you create a new layer, the ruler will disappear.
You can use the pin tool to draw along the ruler, and the pin tool will stay on the line as long as you stay close to the ruler. You can also zoom in to draw a line as close as possible to the ruler. If you make a mistake, you can always undo.
Ruler Options
The Linear Ruler has several options that can be accessed in the sub-tools. These include:
- Show only when editing target: the ruler only appears on the layer it was created on
- Show in the same folder: the ruler appears on all layers in the same folder
- Show in all layers: the ruler appears on all layers, regardless of folder
Using Rulers on Multiple Layers
One of the benefits of using rulers in Clip Studio Paint is that you can use them on multiple layers. To do this, simply create a new layer and the ruler will still be visible. You can use the ruler on multiple layers, and you can even change the color of the ruler on each layer.
Organizing Rulers with Folders
To keep your rulers organized, you can create a new folder and put the layer with the ruler in it. Only layers in the same folder will show the ruler, and if you move the layer out of the folder, the ruler will disappear. You can also remove the ruler by unchecking it in the sub-tools.
Deleting a Ruler
To delete a ruler, select the layer with the ruler and go to the sub-tools. Uncheck the ruler to remove it, or click the trash can icon to delete the ruler without deleting the layer.
Linear Ruler Tool
The Linear Ruler Tool allows you to draw straight lines with variable line weights. You can use the pin to change the line width, creating thin and thick lines. The ruler tool allows for more control over line weight compared to the straight line tool.
Tool Properties
In the tool properties, you can select a unit of measurement (pixels, centimeters, millimeters, inches, points, or equal divisions). You can also select a golden ratio. Holding down the shift button while drawing creates lines at 45, 0, 45, and 90-degree angles.
Scale and Measurement
The ruler can be used to measure distances in your chosen unit of measurement. You can also use the ruler to divide a line equally, making it useful for creating precise divisions. You can turn off the ruler to draw up and down, and you can use multiple rulers on one layer.
Quadratic and Cubic Lines
The quadratic line allows you to create a curve by selecting three points, while the cubic line allows you to create a curve by selecting four points, creating a sine wave-like shape. You can use the line tool or the ruler to create reference points, and then draw the line on a separate layer.
Curve Tool
The curve tool is similar to the line tool, but creates curved lines instead of straight lines. You can create straight, spline, quadratic, and cubic curves, and you can pick multiple points to create a curved shape. You can close the curve by clicking near the starting point or by checking the "closed line" box and double-clicking on the last point.
Figure Ruler
The Figure Ruler allows you to create perfect shapes, such as hexagons, octagons, and circles. You can rotate and adjust shapes, and create specific dimensions using the aspect ratio.
Ruler Pin
The Ruler Pin allows you to draw a custom ruler and use the pin to create lines of varying thickness. You can also use the pin to create lines with different styles, such as dashed or dotted.
Special Ruler
The Special Ruler has several features, including:
- Parallel Lines: Creates parallel lines on the canvas
- Parallel Curve: Creates parallel curves on the canvas (note: may lose curve accuracy at certain points)
- Multiple Curve: Creates a curved line that maintains a consistent width (e.g., for drawing ribbons)
Radial Lines
The Radial Lines tool creates radial lines from a central point. It works best when drawing from outside to in, and can be used to create speed lines or other radial effects.
Radial Tool
The Radial Tool is used to create radial curves. The first click sets the vanishing point where all lines meet, and curves created will radiate from this point.
Ellipse Tool
The Ellipse Tool is used to draw cylinders, circles, and other curved shapes. You can rotate and move the shape as needed, and it's useful for drawing symmetrical objects like barrels.
Special Ruler
The Special Ruler is a guide that can be used to draw straight lines. It can be set to 0° or 90°, and functions like a ruler, but doesn't stop at the edge of the canvas.
Guide Ruler
The Guide Ruler is similar to the Special Ruler, but with no settings in the Property tools. It's not clear why it's included as a separate tool.
In conclusion, rulers are a powerful tool in Clip Studio Paint, offering a range of features and options for creating precise lines, shapes, and measurements. By mastering the different types of rulers and their options, you can take your artwork to the next level.