Clip Studio Paint Tutorial: Using Align and Distribute Tools

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll be exploring the use of Align and Distribute tools in Clip Studio Paint version 2.0. Our illustration example will feature a three-point perspective scene with a set of skyscraper buildings, and our goal will be to add windows to the buildings using these new tools.

Setting Up the File

To start, create a new file with the following dimensions: 1200 pixels in width and 2400 pixels in height. Delete the default raster layer and create a new vector layer instead. We're using a vector layer because it allows us to resize our images without losing quality. If you're not familiar with the difference between raster and vector graphics, you can check out our video explaining the concept.

Drawing the Window

Next, select the Figure Tool and the Rectangle Sub Tool, and draw a small rectangle to represent a window using a brush size of 4.

Selecting and Duplicating the Window

Select the Operation Tool and the Object Subtool, and select the vector object by clicking directly on the line (indicated by a blue surrounding box and an orange selection on the rectangle). Go to the Edit menu and select Copy, then go to the Edit menu and select Paste to duplicate the window on the same vector layer.

Creating and Aligning Windows in a 2D Vector Object

Step 1: Create Multiple Windows

Create a new window by duplicating an existing one using the Object subtool. Drag the newly created window to the side, don't worry about alignment yet. When dragging, position the cursor near the blue bounding box until the icon appears, then click and move the object. Repeat this process until you have a line of at least 10 windows.

Step 2: Select All Windows

Select all windows at once using the Object tool. Click the dropdown operation of "Transparent Part" and turn on the checkbox "Select area by dragging". Make sure the option underneath is set to "Objects in this layer". Click and drag to select all windows at once.

Step 3: Align Windows

Go to the Align and Distribute palette (if not visible, click Window menu and select Align Distribute). To get all windows on the same horizontal line, click "Align Vertical Centers". To space them in equal distance from each other, click "Distribute Horizontal Spacing".

Optional: Custom Spacing

If you want a different spacing between windows, use the Distribute Horizontal Spacing feature. By default, windows will be spaced evenly between the ones on each end.

Distributing Objects in Clip Studio Paint

Adjusting Spacing between Objects

To adjust the spacing between objects, move them outwards for wider spacing or inwards for narrower spacing. There are several additional options for distributing objects, which are covered in the official Clip Studio tutorial.

Centering Objects on the Canvas

Select all objects and use the Align tool to center them horizontally. However, this may not work as expected if the objects are not in a single layer. Instead, select the layer containing the objects and use the Align tool to center the entire layer horizontally.

Repeating a Row of Objects Vertically

Right-click the layer and select "Duplicate Layer" to repeat the row of objects. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of rows (e.g. 30 rows for a skyscraper). You will now have multiple layers stacked on top of each other.

Distributing Layers Vertically across the Canvas

Change the alignment base to "Canvas". Select all layers and use the Distribute tool to distribute them vertically across the canvas.

Merging Layers

With all layers still selected, right-click on any layer and choose "Merge Selected Layers". This will merge all layers into a single vector layer. Give the layer a name.

Copying the Layer

With the merged layer selected, go to the Edit menu and select "Copy". Open your art and select the layer just below where you want to paste the copied layer.

Creating Windows for Skyscrapers in Clip Studio Paint

• Select the window asset and click Edit > Paste to add it to the scene. Despite its initial small size, the window asset can be resized because it's a vector layer.
• To resize the window, go to Edit > Transform and choose Free Transform. Move the window layer to the building and drag the corners of the bounding box to cover the side of the building, following the existing lines of perspective. Make sure Change Vector Width is checked so that the lines become smaller when far away. Click OK to confirm the transformation.
• Because the window is still a vector layer, you can use the Object Tool to select and delete individual windows that become less visible in the distance.
• Study reference photos to get ideas for window sizes and configurations, which can vary greatly on skyscrapers.
• Use the same technique to create windows for the remainder of the main skyscrapers in the scene. Remember to reduce detail for buildings further away. The resulting line art should have varied window sizes and configurations.

Additional Notes

Be sure to subscribe for more tutorials and let us know what else you'd like to see covered in Clip Studio Paint. Share your artwork on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag @misreadnebula. Support our future content on Patreon, with a special thank you to patrons, including Novateer and Josie Phipps.