Optimizing Clip Studio Paint for Painting and Drawing

As an artist, having an efficient workflow is crucial to staying productive and focused on your craft. Clip Studio Paint is a powerful digital painting and comic illustration tool that offers a wide range of features to help artists streamline their workflow. In this article, we'll explore the shortcut and layout enhancements that can help you optimize your workflow and take your art to the next level.

Edge Keyboard: A Game-Changer for Efficient Workflow

The Edge Keyboard is a revolutionary feature in Clip Studio Paint that allows you to access frequently used tools and functions with ease. To access the Edge Keyboard, simply swipe in from either edge of the screen to reveal it in two states: floating and docked. The floating state allows the keyboard to float over existing palettes and canvas, while the docked state attaches it to the edge of the screen.

Using the Edge Keyboard is easy and intuitive. Simply use your free hand's thumb to access the keyboard, making it ideal for modifier keys that modify existing tools. You can also hide the Edge Keyboard by swiping in from the opposite edge, giving you more screen real estate to work with.

Modifier Keys on the Edge Keyboard

The Edge Keyboard offers a range of modifier keys that can greatly enhance your workflow. Here are a few examples:

Shift Key: Enables straight lines between points when used with the Rough Pencil tool.
Control Modifier Key: Enables grouping of multiple layers by shift-clicking or using the control key.
Option Key: Invokes the Eyedropper tool for quick color picking, allowing for continuous painting.
Command Modifier Key: Changes brush size when used with the Option key, allowing for quick brush size adjustments.

Customizing the Command Modifier Key for Brush Size

By default, the Command + Option keys change brush size. However, you can customize the Command key alone to change brush size for easier access. To do this, go to the menu and select "Modifier Key Settings", then change the command modifier to "Change Brush Size" in the "Common Settings" section. This will allow you to quickly change brush sizes using the command modifier key on the Edge keyboard.

Using the Space Bar and Extra Touch Buttons

The space bar can be used to move the canvas around, similar to a two-finger gesture. Additionally, extra touch buttons can be customized to perform frequently used functions. On the 9-inch iPad, 6 extra touch buttons are available, while larger iPads can have up to 12 or 16.

Customizing Shortcuts for Frequently Used Functions

Setting up shortcuts for frequently used functions can greatly enhance your workflow. Here are a few examples:

Blender brush: Assign a shortcut key (e.g. T1) to temporarily switch to the blender brush.
Resetting view: Assign a shortcut key (e.g. T6) to fit the display to screen.
Rotating and inverting: Assign a shortcut key (e.g. T5) to reset the rotation.
Duplicating layers: Assign a shortcut key (e.g. Command J) to duplicate a layer.

Tips for Customizing Shortcuts

Experiment with different shortcut keys to find what works best for your workflow.
Consider setting up shortcuts for functions that you use frequently, such as changing brush sizes or blending.
Use the "Shortcut Settings" menu to customize your shortcuts and make them easily accessible.

Customizing Clip Studio Paint with Shortcuts and the Command Bar

The Command Bar is a powerful feature in Clip Studio Paint that allows you to run frequently used commands or access less frequently used panels. Here are a few examples of how you can customize the Command Bar to enhance your workflow:

Duplicate Layer Edit Shortcut: Set a shortcut key (e.g., T4) to duplicate a layer or folder.
Using Function Keys for Creative Workflow: Assign function keys to frequently used actions.
Hiding and Showing Source Layers: Record an action to hide and show a layer called "Source", and assign shortcut keys (e.g., T2 and T3) to these actions.

Edge Keyboard Shortcuts

You can also assign shortcuts to actions in the auto-action palette, and save your workspace to save shortcut assignments.

Command Bar

Used for running frequently used commands or accessing less frequently used panels.
Set up in the command bar settings.
Clip Studio Paint has pre-set some commands (e.g., Clear, Fill).
Remove unwanted commands and add custom ones as needed.

Customizing the Command Bar

Delete unused commands to declutter the command bar.
Add frequently used commands to the command bar for quick access.
Example: adding "Fill" and "Transform" commands.

Creating a Layer Folder

Use the "Create Folder" command to group multiple layers into a folder.
Assign a shortcut key (e.g. "G") to the "Create Folder" command.
Select multiple layers and click the "Create Folder" button to group them into a folder.

Adding Adjustment Layers

Add frequently used adjustment layers to the command bar for quick access.
Examples: "Curves", "Color Balance", "Hue/Saturation", "Levels".
These commands can be stacked and organized in a drop-down menu.

Pop-up Palettes

Add pop-up palettes to the command bar for quick access.
Example: adding the "ToA Property" palette.
This palette can be used to adjust opacity and other properties of a layer.

Optimizing the Workspace

Hide unused palettes and menus to declutter the workspace.
Example: hiding the "Brush Size" palette.
This helps to focus on making good painting and color picking decisions rather than searching for tools in the menu system.

By customizing your workflow with shortcuts, the Edge Keyboard, and the Command Bar, you can optimize your workflow and take your art to the next level. Experiment with different shortcuts and settings to find what works best for you, and don't be afraid to try new things. Happy painting!

clip studio ipa: Optimize Clip Studio Paint: Streamline Your Digital Painting Workflow

clip studio ipa: Learn how to optimize Clip Studio Paint with shortcuts, the Edge Keyboard, and the Command Bar to streamline your digital painting and comic illustration workflow.