Getting a True 3D Cube in Clip Studio
Are you tired of struggling to create a true 3D cube in Clip Studio? Look no further! This guide will walk you through the quick and easy steps to get a true 3D cube in Clip Studio, perfect for roughing out concepts, sketches, and moving drawings to a more finished stage.
Accessing the 3D Material Palette
To start, go to Window > Material > 3D to open the 3D Material Palette. This palette contains basic primitive shapes, including the cube shape we'll be using for our true 3D cube.
Drag and Drop the 3D Cube
Next, drag the cube shape from the 3D Material Palette onto your document. Once you've dropped the cube, hide the 3D Material Palette by going to Window > Material and unchecking the palette.
Locate the Object Selection Tool
Now, find the Object Selection Tool, which looks like a little box with an arrow on it. If you can't see it, check the Operation palette or other tool folders.
Select the 3D Object
Use the Object Selection Tool to select the 3D cube. When selected, the cube can be manipulated and edited. Note that when the Move Tool is selected, the 3D object cannot be accessed, but when the Object Tool is selected, a manipulation menu appears, which includes:
- Camera movement icons:
- Tumble (first icon): allows working in a true 3D space
- Pan (second icon): moves the camera horizontally or vertically
- Dolly (third icon): zooms in or out of the scene
- A camera icon at the bottom of the screen, providing preset angles for easy access to common views, such as a three-quarter angle
Using the 3D Object as a Basis for a Perspective Grid
To use the cube as a basis for a perspective grid, select the layer containing the 3D object and click the "Show in all layers" folder icon to expose the layer's grid system to the rest of the document. This allows you to draw on a new layer within the perspective space of the original layer.
Snapping Settings in Clip Studio
To get the most out of your true 3D cube, make sure to adjust your snapping settings as follows:
- Make sure Synaptis Special Ruler is turned ON
- Make sure Snap to Grid is turned OFF
Hiding the Perspective Grid
To keep the grid visible but not obstructive, select the layer containing the perspective grid and turn down the opacity.
Switching between Perspective and Freehand Drawing
To toggle between drawing in perspective and drawing freehand, simply turn ON or OFF the layer containing the perspective grid.
Toggling Snap to Special Ruler
Use the toggle icon in the top menu bar to turn Snap to Special Ruler ON or OFF. Alternatively, go to View menu and toggle Snap to Special Ruler ON or OFF.
Using Edge Keyboard to Set a Hotkey
To streamline your workflow, go to Clip Studio Preferences > Interface and turn the Edge Keyboard option to Button. This will add a floating Edge Keyboard button that can be placed in any corner of the screen. Use the Edge Keyboard to set a hotkey for Toggle Special Ruler Snap. Go to Shortcut Settings and find the Toggle Special Ruler Snap command in the menu.
Working with Clip Studio's Snap to Special Ruler
The Snap to Special Ruler is located in the Menu Commands under View. By default, the shortcut is set to Ampersand (&) on the iPad, but you can edit it to a more convenient shortcut, such as a Function key (e.g. F4). On a desktop system, you can set a keyboard shortcut, such as the Tilde key (~) on the left edge of the keyboard.
The Snap to Special Ruler allows you to toggle between drawing in perspective and drawing freehand. You can quickly switch between the two modes to lay out a space accurately and efficiently. For example, you can use the Snap to Special Ruler to draw the interior of a room and then modify it as needed.
Customizing the Grid Guidelines
If the grid is too distracting, you can reduce the opacity of the guidelines in the Preferences interface. Go to the Ruler Unit section and adjust the opacity of the guidelines to a level that works for you (e.g. 30%). This will allow you to still see the guidelines, but they will be less prominent. You can toggle the perspective ruler on and off to see the effect of the reduced opacity.
Using the 3D Object Tools to Set a Perspective Grid Environment
Clip Studio's 3D object tools, such as the cube, can be used to set a 3D perspective grid environment. This environment can help you quickly and accurately lay out dimensional spaces. By combining the Snap to Special Ruler with the 3D object tools, you can create an efficient workflow for drawing in perspective.