Getting Started with Clip Studio

As a comic book colorist, I'm Kurt, and I've been using Photoshop since 2003/2004. However, due to the current global situation, I've been forced to learn Clip Studio. I'm not an expert, but I'm learning and want to share my experience with others who are also transitioning from Photoshop.

Why Clip Studio?

Many people are tired of paying for Photoshop every month. Photoshop for iPad was supposed to be different, but it's turned out to be a flop (as of May 2021). Clip Studio is a great alternative, and I want to share my learning experience with others.

Learning Clip Studio Together

I want to share my learning process with others who are also learning Clip Studio. I'll be explaining quirks that frustrated me early on and sharing tips I've learned. I've timestamped each section in the description for easy navigation.

First Impressions of Clip Studio

Double-clicking the Clip Studio icon launches the app, but I'll show you how to launch Clip Studio Paint directly. Running the app through the launcher allows for backup of settings and materials, which is useful for me as I make adjustments to my workspace.

Clip Studio Launcher

The launcher has several options:

• Works: shows recent files
• News and Tips: shows news and tips for the app
• Paint: launches the Clip Studio Paint app
• Manage Works: allows management of recent projects
• Manage Materials: allows saving of workspace, brushes, textures, and patterns as materials
• Clip Studio Assets: allows downloading of assets like brushes and workspaces

Setting Up an Account

I recommend setting up a free account to get 10 or 100 GB of storage for assets. This allows for backup and upload of assets to the account.

Default App Interface

The default interface of Clip Studio Paint is shown, with me ready to start exploring the app's features.

Workspace Overview

The UI consists of multiple windows, similar to Photoshop, which are called "palettes". These palettes can be snapped, moved, and resized to customize the workspace. Loading a saved workspace can restore the layout and settings.

Customizing the Workspace

Downloaded workspaces may include custom keyboard shortcuts, which can be unchecked if desired. The workspace layout can be saved, including the shape of the window, for easy recording and tutorial creation. The navigator palette can be used to zoom in and out of the canvas, reducing the need for constant zooming.

Tool Palettes

Multiple palettes or windows exist for different tools, such as selection tools and brushes. Each tool palette has its own set of settings, which can be overwhelming. Settings can be removed or hidden by clicking the wrench icon and unchecking the desired settings.

Selection Launcher

The selection launcher is a pop-up window that appears when making a selection or drawing with a lasso. It can be turned off and on under the "View" menu. The launcher can be customized to show only the desired options.

Tips and Quirks

The app uses different terminology, such as "palettes" instead of "windows". Some settings may need to be adjusted or removed to declutter the tool palettes. The navigator palette can be used to reduce zooming and panning. Customizing the workspace and tool palettes can improve workflow efficiency.

Customizing the Toolbar in Clip Studio Paint

You can add tonal correction options to your toolbar for easy access. Go to Edit > Tonal Correction and select the options you want to add. Options include hue/saturation, levels, color balance, and more. You can then access these options from your toolbar with a single click.

Locking Palette Docks

You can lock palette docks to prevent accidental movement. Go to Window > Palette Dock and select Fix Width of Palette Dock. This will lock the docks in place and prevent accidental dragging.

Stabilization for the Lasso Tool

You can enable stabilization for the lasso tool to help with shaky hands. Select the lasso tool and go to Correction > Stabilization. This will help smooth out your lasso strokes.

Saving and Importing Workspaces

You can save your workspace and import it on other devices. Go to Window > Workspace > Register Workspace as Material. You can then import the workspace on your iPad or other devices. Note that keyboard shortcuts may be converted to command shortcuts by default.

Quirks and Limitations

You cannot switch between the freehand lasso and polygonal lasso without closing the selection. You can add a shortcut for the polygonal lasso to make it easier to switch. Layer masks work differently in Clip Studio Paint compared to Photoshop. In Photoshop, layer masks work based on value (white shows the layer, black hides it, and gray shades vary the effect). In Clip Studio Paint, layer masks work based on opacity (100% opaque is considered white, regardless of the color).

Painting with Transparency in Clip Studio Paint

In Photoshop, painting with transparency is not possible at 100% opacity, but in Clip Studio Paint, you can paint with transparency by toggling the brush to paint with transparency using the "C" key. This allows you to paint on a mask and see the transparency effects. You can use any brush, pencil, or tool to paint with transparency. You can also fill with transparency, which is different from filling with color.

Minimizing Palettes in Clip Studio Paint

If you want a cleaner interface, you can minimize palettes by clicking the arrow icon at the top of each palette. This will collapse the palette, allowing you to focus on your work. You can also use the Window > Palette > Auto Hide option to auto-hide palettes when not in use.

By following these tips and quirks, you can customize your Clip Studio Paint workspace to improve your workflow efficiency and get the most out of this powerful digital painting tool.