Vector Tools in Clip Studio Paint: Unlocking Precise Line Art and Custom Designs
Introduction
Clip Studio Paint, a popular digital painting and comic illustration software, offers a range of vector tools that can be used to edit lines after they've been drawn. Unlike raster layers, which are the default in Clip Studio Paint, Photoshop, and Procreate, vector layers are commonly used in apps like Adobe Illustrator. In this blog post, we'll explore the vector tools in Clip Studio Paint, how to create and edit vector layers, and some valuable tips and tricks for working with vector layers.
Creating a New Vector Layer
To create a new vector layer in Clip Studio Paint, click on the icon or go to Layer > New Layer > New Vector Layer. Alternatively, you can tap and hold on any layer in the layer stack and right-click (PC) to access the menu. This will allow you to create a new vector layer that can be used for precise line art and custom designs.
Using Vector Tools
Any pen in Clip Studio Paint can be used on vector layers, including custom pens. Some pens have smoothing on, which affects the number of points in the vector. The number of points can be adjusted after the fact. However, vector layers have limitations, including no color or fill options.
Editing Vector Layers
The Line Tool is the most important tool for editing vector layers. It includes various subtools, such as:
Vector Line Subtools
- Add Control Points: Add new control points to a vector line
- Delete Control Points: Remove control points from a vector line
- Switch to Corner: Switch a control point to a corner point
- Adjust Line Width: Adjust the width of a vector line (works on raster layers as well)
- Adjust Opacity: Adjust the opacity of a vector line (not clear how to use)
- Split Line: Split a vector line into two separate lines
- Pinch Vector Line: Grab and move control points without entering control point mode
- Simplify Line: Clean up a vector line by reducing the number of control points
- Connect Vector Line: Connect two vector lines by sticking their points together
- Redraw Vector Line: Redraw a vector line using the mouse cursor as a brush
- Redraw Vector Line Width: Redraw a vector line with adjusted width (can be used to taper ends)
Control Points Subtool Settings
The control points subtool settings allow for various options for adjusting control points, including cleaning up weird artifacts and adjusting control points that were not intended.
Vector Layer Line Art Workflow
Deleting and Editing Points
To delete points, use the Delete Point tool to remove unwanted artifacts and adjust the line to a rounded end. Move Point allows you to move existing points around, but won't let you add new points unless you select Add Point. Add Point allows you to move existing points around and add new points, making it a more versatile tool. Switch Corner switches the bezier curve from rounded to cornered.
Control Points and Line Quality
Control points are available on all lines, including custom brushes like pencil brushes. The more points on a line, the more detailed and zigzaggy it will be. Faster and smoother lines have fewer control points, making them less crowded.
Normal Workflow
The normal workflow for working with vector layers in Clip Studio Paint involves:
- Starting by sketching on a raster layer
- Creating line art on a vector layer, using the sketch as a reference
- Adjusting the line art as needed
- Not rasterizing the line art; instead, setting it as a reference layer and coloring it in
Working with Vector Layers
Vector layers can be used to create clean and precise artwork, but can sometimes result in sterile-looking line art. Adding a little texture and wobble to vector layers can make them feel more personal and less sterilized. Vector layers are useful for creating text and logos, especially for font making. They can be easily edited and perfected using layer properties, transformed and moved without losing their shape or control points, and used to create stickers, labels, and other designs that require precise shapes and lines.
Tips and Tricks
- Use layer properties to add outlines and effects to vector layers
- Experiment with different textures and effects to add personality to vector layers
- Use vector layers to create custom text and logos for personal or commercial use
- Combine vector layers with other layer types to create complex and interesting designs
Software Used
Clip Studio Paint is the software used in this tutorial.
Additional Resources
For additional resources and support, check out our video on coloring faster in Clip Studio Paint, video on how to use layer masks, and follow us on Patreon, Instagram, and Twitter.